the final soloist

This was an enjoyable book to read. I think a lot of students connected with the book because it had to do with music and urban lifestyle. The ending was very touching and as well relatable. All Ayers wants to do is play music. No matter how hard or bad things get or how awful people and situations can be, music will always be there for you. It is your life time friend that can comfort you at anytime. At the end of the book Ayers "narrates" a piece of instrumental music. A piece that doesn't even have words can say and mean so much. To Ayers, this piece is saying, "I love music" over and over and over again.

Something I found very beautiful was when Lopez states that, "Nathaniel has gone years without a worry common to the rest of us. He has no money, wants no money, needs no money." In our society money is a huge distraction from the people and things we love. Ayers doesn't have this huge distraction in his life, therefore he can focus on his music (which is his true love) and being content with his life. I feel like he can enjoy the wonders that the world has to offer better than the richest man out there.

In this last chunk Lopez realizes he may not be the one to "cure" Ayers. He realizes that no one may be able to cure him. from that point on Lopez simply embraces Ayers for his talents. Surprising him with his own studio space and instruments is the best thing anyone could have done for him. With proper equipment and motivation maybe Ayers will find his way back into an orchestra and really make it on his own. I find that immersing yourself in art, literature, and music truly makes you a better person. It helps you to think clearer, produce interesting thoughts, conversations, and works of art for yourself. Having a conversation with Ayers is very interesting I'm sure. I feel like despite his illness he is extremely intelligent. For Nathaniel, the concert will never end.



how does it flow? Do you agree with my points? could you add on to my points? i love criticism!!

The Soloist 13-21

Lopez's "page one series on Skid Row" are now attracting a lot of attention, particularly from the Mayor. Is it wrong that Lopez is plastering the stories of those living horrible lives all over the L.A. Times? Or could it be a good thing? With a gaining interest from people who could make a huge difference (such as the mayor) maybe it's not so bad, maybe it's journalism with a real purpose? Something that made me mad at the end of chapter 13 was the fact that the Mayor had no idea of the intensity of the poverty in his own city. He had to keep reading the stories that Lopez wrote before he became active. This doesn't say much about him or his position, but if he's willing to help that's always a good thing.

Everyone wants Ayers to move into an apartment that they have reserved for him. Like i said before, Ayers is very content where he is and they should not pressure him to move anywhere else. Trying to put a schizophrenic, paranoid man in an unfamiliar environment against his will seems like asking you re for trouble. The fact that LAMP held a place for him while others also in need could have been using it is kind of sickening. Just because he's been getting attention for a magazine does not make that right.

So, I've been having bad feelings toward Ayers' sister. All I can think is why has she not taken in her brother? Family and friends stick together no matter what! But after reading this chunk of the book I can see that he truly doesn't want to live in any kind of closed space. It's kind of beautiful and awesome. His passion for the "out doors" reminds me of some of the Romantic writers we have read. Not so much that he's connected to "nature" per say, but he is completely on his own with no boundaries. It seems that he is another very creative starving artist who is connected to a pure world and a nomadic life style. He has no distractions, just music. Nathaniel Ayers gets to play music all day. Nathaniel Ayers answers to no one. I am jealous of Nathaniel Ayers.


comment on my ideas and please inform me if im off topic or boring

The Soloist (again)

In chapters 7 through 12, there is a lot of focus on Ayers "condition". We learn earlier that he suffers from paranoia and schizophrenia. This got me interested in what these conditions are exactly. Someone with schizophrenia will typically think and act in an unusual or disorganized way. They may be delusional or experience hallucinations. Someone with paranoia may experience an excessive amount of anxiety or fear in their lives and may also think irrationally or become delusional. In class we asked questions of Lopez's' role in Ayers' life. He is always questioning his symptoms and checking up on his health. I also question what Lopez's' role is in Ayers life. I get the feeling that Ayers is almost doing Lopez a favor by giving him something to write about, and on the other hand Lopez being in his life gives him someone to care about him (which Ayers doesn't exactly want). The situation is weird to me. Lopez and Ayers were complete strangers, and Lopez put himself in a kind of awkward caretaker position.
Lopez questions Ayers' take on race, and states that "his social development essentially stalled with his breakdown." He also states that his breakdown came at a time that blacks a whites were very much segregated. When i first read this I wasn't sure that i agreed with this. I had in my head the idea that schizophrenia was genetic and was something you were born with. I found out that though it can be hereditary, the condition can come from social stress. Specifically stress from living in an urban area because you could be more likely to be in a situation of racial discrimination, poverty, or family dysfunction. If I, a high school student, could find out all of that in ten minuets of research, why do these established journalist have so many questions about Ayers condition? Look at this mans life! If you can help him out that's great, but he really seems like he want s to be left alone. Ayers seems content on the streets with his music. Lopez obviously has a hard time accepting why anyone would be content with that. Just because he is not accustom to it.


comment on organization, ideas, and if im off topic. please let me know if you had similar feelings on any of these subjects

The Soloist

So far i am enjoying Lopezs' The Soloist. I like the style of writting it is obviously a modern feel, which is pretty different from the books and writtings we have been reading this year. I also enjoy that in September we were reading the works of Puritains and we have kind of made our way through many different eras and styles of writing. It keeps my short attention span entertained.
Getting back on topic, the first thing I would like to point out is Lopezs' very down to Earth way of writting. This whole thing started as a coloumn story and evolvd into what it is today. In our class discussion Steve Fox pointed that it is almost like Lopez is right with you, telling you the story. Good call man!
So Ayers is a middle aged homeless black guy who busks Skid Row with a two string violin. The first thing that poped in my mind was how common this is. How many street musicians do we come across everyday? If your commute is anything like mine the answer is... a lot. This really makes you appretiate that everyone has a story. You never know who might have attended Julliard or other interesting things. On the other hand you never know who's a paranoid schziophreniac so don't talk to strangers!
If I were Lopez I probly would not have approached Ayers for a story. He is very "prying" into Ayers life and I understand that it's his job but it's kind of creepy. He finds out so much about the life of a complete starnger and we even learn that Ayers once thretened his life and accused him of trying to institutionalze him. What inspires Lopez to get involved with Ayers is still unclear to me. What makes him feel so compeled to be in this man's buisness? I am interested to see this rogress and blog about it next week.


when reading this please comment on the organization and flow as well as content and cohesivness.

Catcher in the Rye

To Holden, everyone is a "phony", he is an extreamly judgemental character. What does he use to classify one as a "phony"? Is it typical people or insecure people, perhaps overall boring people? I can't really disagree with Holden, people are phony. However, Holden seems like a generally unhappy guy. He may be focusing on putting people and actions in simple catagories rather than getting to know people and giving them an in depth person analysis. For example, many things to Holden are either simply "phony" or "crumby" and these are the things that disgust him.
Throughout the book Holden is trying to separate childhood and adulthood. In chapter 23, Holden says his goodbyes to Pheobe informing her that he is leaving New York to go out west. This greatly reminded my of The Death of a Salesman, when Biff wishes to move from the city to the west. What does this tell us? I suppose that unless you really want to live in a place like The Big Apple, don't. The very cramped big city is not for everyone, and the west is often a symbol for freedom. While saying goodbye to Pheobe she offers him her chhristmas money which causes him to break down. What is the cause for his brekdown? Is it because he wants to isolate himself in the west and even so his sister supported him and even offered him money? Does this help him with his seperation of adult and childhood? Here is a very young person committing a very gratious action, to me Holden may have realized that "phoniness" and "crumbiness" may not be associated with adulthood but with peoples personalitites. Age is only a number. A young child can cause an emotional breakdown in Holden. Pheobe when we first meet her seems angry at his immaturity and stubborness.
One other thing I wanted to point out: Both Allie and Pheobe have red hair, could that be why Holden chose to wear a red hunting cap? Is he perhaps insecure? Or is it just another way for him to express his individuallity.




Focus on my observations of Holden and Pheobe, and any comparissons to death of a salesman. please comment on anything you may disagree or agree with

Death of a Salesman

To get this entry started I would like to make a comparison between "The Death of a Salesman" and "The Great Gatsby". Like Mr. Fiorini stated in his post, there is that whole feeling of New York City in the 1920's, and advertising is playing a huge role in culture and city life at this time. As in "The Great Gatsby", "The Death of a Salesman" has a theme of the 1920's American Dream. Like I said in a past entry about Gatsby, he "worked his way to the top of the social ladder." The American Dream is making your living in America and having the mind set that you can achieve anything. It is apparent that Willy believes the American Dream is to be successful and to make money. He focuses on being well-liked and good looking as traits to help you become successful. He even points out to his sons that because Bernard is not well-liked he will be hurt in the long run (even though Bernard is quiet smart).
Biff has betrayed the high hopes that Willy had for him. Growing up Biff seemed smart (other than failing math), he had friends, he was slick with the ladies, and was a sports guy. Biff however, can not seem to hold a job. This causes for a rough relationship between the salesman father and thirty-something son. Willy sees his son as a failure and this is upsetting to me as a reader. Despite his age I believe Biff has not found his true self yet which is a sad thing. What he has realized however is very important, Biff is able to confront and accept his failures. I see Willy’s life as a very miserable one. He is clearly not enjoying his life because he has attempted suicide many times before his family finally lost him. Biffs dream is to move out west. Is the west a symbol for complete freedom? It is a far away place where he can take up a line of work that is outside of the business/sales life. Biff is happy when he is on farms, working with his hands. He could potentially have a very satisfying life if he were to move out west. He would escape his fathers obsession with sales life. One things that Biff has to look upon when considering going out West is the success of his Grandfather (who was successful in Alaska) and his uncle Ben (who was successful in Africa). He doesn't have to remained trapped in city life like his miserable father. An important theme or trait that Biff has is the importance of being original and being your self. Material goods should never be the focus, you will become miserable.



focus on all observations and my idea of the american dream

I am a fan of Blogger

I have really enjoyed posting my work on blog spot. I like it so much because it keeps all of my thoughts organized. If I need to pull up a past piece of writing I know exactly where it is, it wont be lost in the depths of my locker or other strange places. It is easy to access and if I need to reference a website for other sources I can just open a new tab. I am confident that all my work is in on time.
It is nice to be able to read other students posts as well. Being able to read other blogs gives you a glimpse into what your other classmates are thinking. Sometimes kids you don't have much in common with or kids you don't "hang out" have similar feelings as you do on various topics. It is nice to be able to leave comments on others work. It is encouraging to know people are reading and are interested in your work. Comments can be beneficial to your writing or you can offer your thoughts and feelings to others.
Though the google threads were similar they were not quiet as good for me. First of all you couldn't go back and edit your work. It has helped me as a writer to know that I can start writing out a thought, then go back and edit it. It is discomforting when what you have submitted is your final word. Even though this is how it usually works on tests and other essays, it is nice to be able to go back if you are granted the chance. The google groups were not as personal either. The blog allows you to post photos and have a custom profile. Things like this are generally unimportant to me but when reading others writing while looking at the way they have made their profile look kind of gets you inside their world a little better.
I value the class time we get on fridays to work on our blog. Thanks Fiorini! It is great to have some independent time to start on a weekend assignment. On fridays our 11-2 English period is right before lunch which means we get two whole periods without teachers nagging!
As for any suggestions I may have for Mr. Fiorini about using the blog in our class, I have none. I like the way we have been working and the grading system. I like that we get a grade for commenting others work, if you do it, it can help your grade a lot. I would like to continue working like this.

Gatsby: A selection of Quotes

“All good writing is swimming under water and holding your breath.” All good writing keeps you hanging on, wanting more, making you want to further interpret character traits and personalities, and find the symbolism. Good writing makes you want to read past what is on the surface. It is "swimming" and you have to dive into it.
Fitzgerald uses a ton of symbolic descriptions in this story. Symbols for social characteristics and trends of the 1920's. East and West Egg are a representation of new or self made wealth (west) and family or old fortune (east). Both Gatsby and Nick have a similar contemptuous attitude. Is it because they were both WWI soldiers? I feel that Gatsby's character is more of a representation of the uprising of organised crime in America during the 20's.
I wrote a lot about moral decay and greed of the 20's in my last blog about The Great Gatsby. For this entry I want to focus on the "American Dream" and that people do crazy things when their in love. I think this story is about the complete destruction of the American Dream at this time. First of all what is the "American Dream"? Come to America, make an honest hard working living, and you can achieve all your goals! You can do anything you set your mind to! Gatsby worked his way to the top of the social ladder. During his childhood he had very little. The only thing keeping him apart from his love Daisy was money. Gatsby is a highly motivated person and would do anything to gain wealth and a high social position because in gaining those things he could gain Daisy. He began making his fortune, but in the wrong way entirely. Gatsby is involved with organized crime such as the illegal distribution of alcohol. American dream crushed. He is working dishonestly and has still not acquired the thing he desires most, Daisy. He has made her to be this perfect specimen of beauty. As his emotions are more "sitting" rather than "active" ones. Because of this Daisy is almost UN-reachable to Gatsby. When his dream of her is no longer all that is left is immoral wealth. I like Gatsby, I think his intentions meant well. I loved The way Fitzgerald presented him in the story. He had an Ora of mysticism about him. He illuminated green on the dock at the beginning of the book. Did the green symbolize greed or money? Or perhaps jealousy? Jealousy of Tom who had in fact won Gatsby's girl? I don't like Tom much. He's just "that guy" for me. Theres always "that guy". His character sits weird in my tummy. Kind of like listening to a whole Primus album.

Gatsby Journal

The Valley of Ashes is half way between the wealth, riches, and fashionable glamor of East and West Egg. It is a desolate place of filthy dumping grounds and waste lands. There are a few shops, such as Wilson's garage. The people who live there, Wilson and his wife Myrtle for instance, seem very shady. The Valley of Ashes is a place of little or no morals. Tom comes here to meet his lover Myrtle, but both Tom and Myrtle are married! The way Fitzgerald describes Wilson makes him seem like a very handsome man, his life however is nothing worth holding on to. When we are introduced to him he is covered in ash and dust from the air. The dust and muck is possibly a symbol for the filth and lack of morals in his life. His wife is sneaking around his back committing adultery, and he is being almost taunted by Tom, the man who is with his wife. I feel bad for Wilson. Poor guy.

I think that the Valley of Ashes reflects the cultural and moral changes in America during the 1920's. Everything was changing in America during the "roaring" 20's. Women's fashion became more provocative and rebellious with the "flapper" style. The passing of prohibition gave gangsters a way to make money by opening illegal bars. Organized crime at this time was at it's best. Along with Prohibition came a social clash of those who opposed it and those in favor of it.

Morals were being tested at the Scopes trial. At this time more people lived in urban areas than in rural ones. Radio and television were booming. With all that excitement it is easy to see why folks were going a little mad.

Next we have, the eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg. They see all. I get it....it's a billboard....great! "Their retinas are one yard high, they look out of no face, but instead from a pair of enormous yellow spectacles which pass over a non-existent nose." What a glorious description! It was that quote that gave me the idea that the Doctor may be a symbol of some higher power, (an idea i soon found out was not as original as I had hoped). A god of some kind, looking out onto a disappointing race, brooding over the filth of a nation.

Fitzgerald has a wonderful way of writing. His descriptions are so vivid and yet he manages to keep some parts and characters very mysteriously behind the scenes. For example, the party scene in Chapter 2. People are gossiping about Gatsby, he's quite popular but no one actually knows him.

Charles Simic: Very Cool.

The poem I chose for this assignment was "Fork" by Charles Simic. Born in Yugoslavia in 1938, Simic grew up in Europe and has many childhood memories of WWII. "Hitler and Stalin taught us the basics," said Simic.When he was sixteen his family immigrated to Chicago. Simic later received his BA from New York University. Nothing about his writing is distinctively American, in fact Simic is known for writing many translations of French, Serbian, Croatian, Macedonian, and Slovenian poetry. It was not until he was fifteen, did he even learn to speak English.

I enjoy Simics writing very much, it is bizarre and he gives a thrilling sense of imagery. In "Fork" http://www.poetryfoundation.org/archive/poem.html?id=171686 a simple everyday object is transformmed into a haunting "thing" that has "crept right out of hell". He brings us into his world of ultra surrealism.

Another poem i read by Simic was "Eyes Fastened With Pins":http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/eyes-fastened-with-pins/. In this poem he discusses what a long day "Death" (a grim reaper type character I suppose) puts in. It has such a dark ironic humor. Deaths friends and family are at home, drinking beer and chillin and poor Death is out in a "strange part of town looking for someone with a bad cough". I found that line quite ammusing. For this poem, Simic put similar ideas behind his writing as he did in "Fork" but used a different approach, (allow me to explain). In "Fork" a simple object is made into a twisted creature found only in places like nightmares or the Fifth Circle of Hell. In "Eyes Fastened With Pins", the concept of Death (faceing and accepting it) and the portrayl of Death as a person is drawn out as if Death is a regular working class kinda guy. Either way things are not as they seem, which is possibly the theme Simic is trying to get across in his writing.

American Realism

The writings of the American Romantics seem to focus a lot on feeling and emotion. In reading the works of different romantic writers I noticed that imagination plays a strong role. Especially in stories like Irving's, "The Devil and Tom Walker", a story in which the main character gets involved with the selling of his soul to the DEVIL. Along with radical imaginative plots, nature is a popular theme in romantic stories and poems. Reflection upon nature untouched by man seems to give inspiration. Surrounding yourself with natures pure beauty may reveal truths and give incite to life. In Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's The Tide Rises the Tide Falls, he discusses how human imprints are nothing compared to the wrath of the earth. " The little white waves with their soft white hands efface the footprints in the sand". Many Romantic poets use nature as a way of looking at huge human issues such as death. For example, William Cullen Bryant's Thanatopsis.


For this journal entry i chose to look at the works of American realist Willa Cather. Compared to the writings of American Romantics, Cather is very down to earth with her writing. She does not express abstract ideas or concepts, her stories are enjoyable to read and give a good incite into the things she enjoys or has experienced in life. In the two stories I read it is apparent that Cather is infatuated with German culture, it makes a very strong presence in "A Wagner Matinee" and she finds a way to throw it into "Consequences".

The social theme of "Consequences" is suicide. One very powerful line I have pulled out of her writing is, "every suicide is logical and reasonable, if one knows the facts." This is a quote from the character Cavenaugh, the man who ends up committing suicide in the end. This quote can be taken as almost offensivly. Whether you know the facts or not, suicide should never be taken as something "logical or reasonable". Because Cavenaugh thought this way it is obvious that he was thinking illogically and irrationally. Could Cather have been foreshadowing his suicide with this phrase. Was she letting us into her writing world by giving us hints toward the thought process of someone contemplating suicide? On the other hand, how can one say what it is like to have thought about committing suicide unless they themselves have thought about it? Is Cather telling us through her writing that she has been in Cavenaugh's position at one time or another? Perhaps I'm being illogical and irrational.

Trailing away from "Consequences" and onto "A Wagner Matinee", I ask myself, who is her intended audience? I feel like this is just story made for anyone who wants to listen. It is overall more pleasant. She shows themes of love. Aunt Georgiana shows her love of music, her hometown of Nebraska, her husband, and Boston (a kind of newly found love). When Georgiana hears the "Prize Song" at the Wagner matinee she is reminded of her good old fashioned (German) lover boy. One song filled her with so much joy and so many memories. It was such a nice and relatable thing to read about. This story did have it's sad moments, when the opera was over Georgiana didn't want to move. The thought that her entertainment was over and she will soon have to return to her boring labor filled farm life is quiet upsetting to her. Cather may be writing to those who live in culture rich places like Boston. Seeing Aunt Georgiana's reaction to the theater may make people appreciate where they are from, something as common as a musical production can mean so much to someone who lives in a place where something like that isn't common at all. She may also be writing to those who live in places like Nebraska. She may be telling them that if you get out to see new places you never know what you might find and it could end up being a really good thing.

Does writing have the power to enact social change

I believe writing has the power to enact social change. People can be easily persuaded by your writing if you use the right approach. In the poem "The Bombing of Baghdad", Jordan appeals to senses and give visual descriptions. She also describes all of the things that "we" bombed. When she uses the word "we" it gives people a sense of guilt. The message she is sending is that we are all equal, when one person or group does something we as humans are affected in one way or another.
Words are one of the most powerful and dangerous weapons humans can use. For example, Hitler was one of the most powerful writers and public speakers of his time. Often times, and like many writers, his words were deceiving. "As a Christian I have no duty to allow myself to be cheated, but I have the duty to be a fighter for truth and justice," this is a quote from Adolf Hitler. To a reader this sounds pretty good, like something you would side with. Little did people know his idea of truth and justice were horribly twisted.
The Bible is another example of writing that has changed society. One book has caused and innumerable amount of change in the world for a very long time. It is a piece of writ ting that people may choose to live their lives by. Some people may read it and act out against it or branch off to make their own religions. Many of our worlds religions are a result of people migrating away from the Catholic Church because of things they may disagree with. Some may read the bible and take it completely literally causing them to act radical and possibly cause harm. Some say that it is because of the bible that we have Satanists ,and because of Satanist we have cultural figures and visuals, along with many other things. Every "rebellious" suburban kid who shops at Hot Topic has a shirt with a pentagram on it to scare their folks. Scared parents are extremal motivated, they love dictating what is right and wrong and they are mostly the religious type. Because of people like Tipper Gore we have things like the FCC. Because of what the Bible and other religious writing we have huge political debates over things like abortion and gay rights.
Writing can change society for better or worse in many ways. If someone does not agree with the cause you are writing for it is going to inspire them in someway to do something. Perhaps act against your writing, think in an entirely different spectrum, even causing people to do nothing at all and have no feelings what so ever is a legitimate reaction. obviously if this is a common reaction it may cause you to change what you are writing. When used the right way writing can do amazing things. Something as simple as a song lyric can cause people to do things and feel ways they may have never imagined.

Gina Gleason
The Price of a Child Review
1/31/09

The New York Times tells us that Lorne Carry is, “a powerful storyteller.” Her work in the Price of a Child is, “frankly sensual, mortally funny, and gifted with an ear for the pounce and ragged inconsequentiality of real speech.” I agree with almost none of that. Throughout reading The Price of a Child, Carry managed to get my attention, then loose me completely, bore me, and inspire me to write this review.
Ginnie is a young woman with three children. She is being taken to Philadelphia with her master, Jackson Pryor. We learn that Pryor has been named ambassador of Nicaragua. Why he has been given this title, I am not quite sure. Why would a slave be allowed to Philadelphia? It is a non-slave state with a strong abolitionist movement happening at the time. The catch is, Ginnie is only allowed to bring two of her three children with her. How does she decide whom to bring? Was Bennie, the child left behind, more mature thank the others? I can only make assumptions because Carry does not enlighten me; however, at this point in the book she is gaining my attention. What will Ginnie do? Will she courageously make her way to freedom? Would that even be the courageous thing to do in this situation, seeing as she has left one of her children behind down south? The plot could go in so many directions and I am left waiting to find out where we are headed next.
Unfortunately for me, the anticipative reader, Carry steers us into the beginning of a whirlwind of confusion when we meet Nig-Nag and other members of the Vigilance Committee. With their help and the Pennsylvania Law at her side, Ginnie decides to escape her master and walk into freedom. Carry decided not to give us any insight into Ginnie’s thought process or internal conflicts. This is a great example of “character vs. self” conflict and I think Carry could have done a lot more with the situation. What made up her mind to leave her master? Does she have an elaborate plan to go back for Bennie? She must be torn knowing she may never see one of her children again. What is the cost to ensure the safety of as many children as you can for a slave at this time? Is it another child; is that the price of a child?
As Ginnie is escaping, a carriage driver named Tyree picks her up. Throughout the book we meet members of Tyree’s family and friends, along with other families such as The Quick’s. This is where Carry bores me. We have hit a dead-end and I have completely lost interest. There are far too many characters to keep track of and she tells all of their stories. Instead of answering questions to parts of the book that left me hanging, she is introducing new parts and new characters. Finish what you’ve started, please. I have no idea what Bennie and Pryor are doing and I would like to know.
All of these characters feel like main characters. I feel like someone will have what seems like an important role in the book then just disappear for a while. For example, we meet Nig-Nag early on, and learn a little bit about him. He is corky and interesting and without him Ginnie may not have become free at all. After that it seems like he just disappears until much later in the story.
I may have gone into the story feeling bias. A reading demon of mine is being forced to read things I am not interested in reading. Slavery is a huge issue, however I spent an entire year in a required African American History class. How much more will be imbedded into our minds? Too much on any subject will make a student sick of it. I’m sure Carry is a great writer and I enjoyed parts of her writing. The way I would of liked her to use so many characters would be similar to the way Richard Linklater introduces new characters in his seemingly plot less film Slacker, a day in the life of a twenty-something from Texas. He follows characters met along the way never for more than a few minutes. Like I said before too many people with huge roles seem to make for a car-wreck.