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.