1. Word Choice: Camus uses short, simple words-especially during the action of a scene.
-Why does Camus keep his language so blunt, particularly during scenes that contain action?
2. Sentence: Camus' sentences are short and use everyday language, but are descriptive of the scene and the characters.
-How does Camus' simple sentence structure make his descriptions more effective?
3. Image: Camus uses descriptive language to appeal mainly to sight and touch.
-What is Camus trying to accomplish by focusing so much on physical images?
4. Figures of speech: Camus uses similes and metaphors sparingly. He reserves it for the climax of a scene-the most important part of it.
-What effect does Camus' occasional use of figurative language have on the action of a scene?
5. Symbol: Camus uses multiple symbols, but subtly works them into the story, making them believable as just literal objects.
-What is the effect of Camus' effort to make a reader work to find symbols in the story?
6. Rhetorical Devices: Camus does not use dialect, and in fact conveys most conversation through the use of speaker tags. He also juxtaposes Mersault, a character with little apparent emotion, to several characters with strong emotions and opinions.
-Why does Camus make the protagonist the least opinionated character, and does this have anything to do with his spare use of conversation?
7. Patterns: Camus uses several abstract concepts as motifs, including "reasons for doing things" and "wanting" or lust.
-What is Camus' purpose in using abstract motifs?
8. Narrator: The narrator never actually talks-Camus never quotes the narrator(ex.-I said "[...]"). However, the narrator is still heavily involved with the plot.
-What is Camus trying to convey by distancing the narrator from the story yet keeping him involved with the plot?
9. Structure: The story changes pace. Camus places more emphasis on time, place, and pace when action is happening.
-What is Camus trying to accomplish by changing the pace depending on the action of the story?
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
The Stranger: Journal 5
My personal philosophy interferes with my reading of books to the extent that it shapes my expectations for the book. This is how I form my opinions of books and their authors. When I read about a character, I follow their story hoping that they will prove that they are originally good, or reveal a truth about themselves. If the development of the character does not end up reaching at least some components of my philosophy(example: despite several chances, the person fails to show a change in character) I usually do not end up liking the character. While this does not necessarily mean that I will not like the book, I am more inclined to appreciate books where the character goes through some sort of positive change, in accordance with my philosophy.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
The Stranger: Journal 4:
Sun:
Page 7: "The room was filled with beautiful late-afternoon sunlight." The mention of late afternoon brings to mind drowsiness, lethargy.
Page 12: "The sun was now a little higher in the sky: it was starting to warm my feet.
"Mersault talks about the sun in a pleasant way, as if the warming of his feet represents a feeling of peace.
Page 15: "The sun was beginning to bear down on the earth and it was getting hotter by the minute." Mersault says this as he is walking along with the procession to bury his mother. He speaks of the sun as an opressor, as if something is putting a great pressure on him that intensifies rapidly.
Page 34: "The four o' clock sun wasn't too hot, but the water was warm, with slow, gently lapping waves." Mersault describes this scene while swimming with Marie. Its relaxed pace describes Mersault's feeling of pleasure with the whole situation.
Page 47: "[...]the day, already bright with sun, hit me like a slap in the face." Mersault, on the day that he has agreed to marry Marie, suddenly realizes the significance of the day to come and how Marie's happiness actually affects him.
Page 50: [...]I was absorbed by the feeling that the sun was doing me a lot of good."
The mention of the sun here draws attention to Mersault's mood improving with the day's progression-including the lighthearted mood of the people around him.
Page 55: "By now the sun was overpowering." Mersault sees the situation becoming extremely stressful.
Page 58: "The sun was starting to burn my cheeks, and I could feel drops of sweat gathering in my eyebrows. The sun was the same as it had been the day I'd buriend Maman[...]throbbing under the skin." Here Mersault admits that the pressure of the fight with the Arabs is becoming too much for him, and relates it to the tension he felt on the day he buried his mother.
Dog
Page 28: "'He's always there.'Then he left, yanking at the animal, which was letting itself be dragged along, whimpering." Mersault observes the anger this man feels toward his old, mangy dog. The man's anger indicates that he sees something wrong with the dog. Because the man and the dog look fairly similar, perhaps he feels that the same thing is wrong with himself.
Page 39: "'He can damn well die!' And he started cursing the dog." Salamano's frustration and animosity toward the dog are because the dog is a metaphor for how Salamano sees himself-worthless.
Page 45: "But according to him, the dog's real sickness was old age, and there's no cure fro old age." Salamano is looking back wistfully at the years he has spent and the relationship had with his dog. He regretfully tells Mersault that old age is the main cause of th dog's problems. Salamano seems to be speaking from experience, as if he and the dog shared these problems.
Page 7: "The room was filled with beautiful late-afternoon sunlight." The mention of late afternoon brings to mind drowsiness, lethargy.
Page 12: "The sun was now a little higher in the sky: it was starting to warm my feet.
"Mersault talks about the sun in a pleasant way, as if the warming of his feet represents a feeling of peace.
Page 15: "The sun was beginning to bear down on the earth and it was getting hotter by the minute." Mersault says this as he is walking along with the procession to bury his mother. He speaks of the sun as an opressor, as if something is putting a great pressure on him that intensifies rapidly.
Page 34: "The four o' clock sun wasn't too hot, but the water was warm, with slow, gently lapping waves." Mersault describes this scene while swimming with Marie. Its relaxed pace describes Mersault's feeling of pleasure with the whole situation.
Page 47: "[...]the day, already bright with sun, hit me like a slap in the face." Mersault, on the day that he has agreed to marry Marie, suddenly realizes the significance of the day to come and how Marie's happiness actually affects him.
Page 50: [...]I was absorbed by the feeling that the sun was doing me a lot of good."
The mention of the sun here draws attention to Mersault's mood improving with the day's progression-including the lighthearted mood of the people around him.
Page 55: "By now the sun was overpowering." Mersault sees the situation becoming extremely stressful.
Page 58: "The sun was starting to burn my cheeks, and I could feel drops of sweat gathering in my eyebrows. The sun was the same as it had been the day I'd buriend Maman[...]throbbing under the skin." Here Mersault admits that the pressure of the fight with the Arabs is becoming too much for him, and relates it to the tension he felt on the day he buried his mother.
Dog
Page 28: "'He's always there.'Then he left, yanking at the animal, which was letting itself be dragged along, whimpering." Mersault observes the anger this man feels toward his old, mangy dog. The man's anger indicates that he sees something wrong with the dog. Because the man and the dog look fairly similar, perhaps he feels that the same thing is wrong with himself.
Page 39: "'He can damn well die!' And he started cursing the dog." Salamano's frustration and animosity toward the dog are because the dog is a metaphor for how Salamano sees himself-worthless.
Page 45: "But according to him, the dog's real sickness was old age, and there's no cure fro old age." Salamano is looking back wistfully at the years he has spent and the relationship had with his dog. He regretfully tells Mersault that old age is the main cause of th dog's problems. Salamano seems to be speaking from experience, as if he and the dog shared these problems.
The Stranger: Journal 3
Actualism
1. Everyone is originally good: No one in the world is born evil. A baby does not have the concept of "bad". Evil comes as a result of influence and experiences that shape a person.
2. Happiness can only be achieved where vanity is not: As long as someone worries about petty details concerning themselves, they cannot be free to focus on what is good in their lives. Therefore, they cannot be truly happy.
3. Each person makes their own life: Each person's life, while not completely controlled by the choices they make, is based on the way they choose to live it.
4. Nothing is guaranteed: We cannot control everything that happens in life. Nothing is for certain. Everything could change at any time.
5. Everyone has the need to feel and show emotion: Many people constantly remain stoic, both in public and to themselves. However, to live freely, a person needs to let go of emotions.
6. The greater a person's strength in their beliefs, the greater their strength of character: A person who strongly believes in something is unlikely to be affected by different opinions.
7. Ultimately, each person's goal is to find peace with their life: Whether consciously or not, it is each person's ultimate dream to find a place in their lives where they do not have to search for anything.
1. Everyone is originally good: No one in the world is born evil. A baby does not have the concept of "bad". Evil comes as a result of influence and experiences that shape a person.
2. Happiness can only be achieved where vanity is not: As long as someone worries about petty details concerning themselves, they cannot be free to focus on what is good in their lives. Therefore, they cannot be truly happy.
3. Each person makes their own life: Each person's life, while not completely controlled by the choices they make, is based on the way they choose to live it.
4. Nothing is guaranteed: We cannot control everything that happens in life. Nothing is for certain. Everything could change at any time.
5. Everyone has the need to feel and show emotion: Many people constantly remain stoic, both in public and to themselves. However, to live freely, a person needs to let go of emotions.
6. The greater a person's strength in their beliefs, the greater their strength of character: A person who strongly believes in something is unlikely to be affected by different opinions.
7. Ultimately, each person's goal is to find peace with their life: Whether consciously or not, it is each person's ultimate dream to find a place in their lives where they do not have to search for anything.
Monday, February 23, 2009
The Stranger: Journal 2
Mersault goes to keep vigil beside his dead mother. While doing so, he observes the setting in which his mother lived and, apparently, was happy. After observing vigil for two days, Mersault returns to his home, and returns to his daily activities as if nothing has happened. Mersault treats his mother's death with a sense of detatchment-he does what is expected of him, as if he keeps vigil only out of duty. When he observes his mother's friends, he describes them with an air of impatience and intolerance for their sorrow. His return home, where he carries on with his life normally, conveys a mood of indifference and even annoyance toward his mother's death in any way that it has impacted his life, including recieving sympathy. Camus most likely creates a protagonist like Mersault to convey his outlook on death: that it is just an event in life like any other, and that it should not be dwelled on. Camus creates his character to create and convey the tone of the book.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
The Stranger: Journal 1
The first translation of The Stranger uses passive voice more frequently, while the second uses active voice almost constantly. Both translations are written in the first person point of view. The narrator of the first translation uses much briefer sentences to explain the encounter with their employer, where the second translation's narrator goes into more depth about his or her feelings toward the employer's reaction. These techniques, including the syntax of the pieces, establish the first translation as being written in a more formal style. The tone of translation 1 is businesslike, not dealing obviously with any emotions of the narrator. This gives the passage a feeling of detatchment, insensitivity. Translation 2, in more of a relaxed style, shows the narrator going into greater depth explaining his or her feelings toward the boss, and a few thoughts about how he or she feels about the death. While not giving the passage a sensitive feel, these techniques give the reader a better insight into the narrator's thoughts.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Journal 9: 2/17/09
The beginnings of chapters use imagery to orient the reader. Hurston never begins her chapters with dialect, but uses descriptive figurative language to give the reader a sense of what has occured before anything new happens. She often closes by integrating symbols into the setting. These usually serve as foreshadows of events or emotions that will show up in the following chapter. These concise but descriptive orientations of setting, characters, and plot give the reader a sense of belonging in the story.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Journal Entries: 2/16/09
Journal 7:
Mrs. Turner's husband is a spineless, wimpy man who cannot stand up to her. Because she is such a strong personality, her husband feels afraid of her and does not display any fondness for her. Because Mrs. Turner is the dominant spouse in the relationship, a role generally filled by the males in this story(as displayed by Tea Cake and the other men in their discussion about beating their wives), Mrs. Turner has become bitter that her husband does not play that role of dominant spouse, and subsequently does not provide the feeling of security and protection that the other women feel about their husbands. She resents this. According to her logic of "the more white you have in you, the higher up you rank", perhaps she feels that if she were more like Janie, that is, "higher up" on her own rating scale, her husband would have more affection for her. Her feeling is one of inadequacy.
Journal 8:
The title, when used in the text, signifies the realization that the characters come to during the storm: That they should always keep in mind that God is watching over them, and that he may test them at any time. That when they watch him and question him, it is of no use, because once God decides to do something, there is nothing anyone can do about it. Hurston suggests, in this passage, that the characters fear God's power and believe that God has his time for saying what he has to say, and that they have no business to interfere with it, but should stand by and watch in awe. "Ole Massa is doin' His work now. Us oughta keep quiet"(Hurston 158).
Mrs. Turner's husband is a spineless, wimpy man who cannot stand up to her. Because she is such a strong personality, her husband feels afraid of her and does not display any fondness for her. Because Mrs. Turner is the dominant spouse in the relationship, a role generally filled by the males in this story(as displayed by Tea Cake and the other men in their discussion about beating their wives), Mrs. Turner has become bitter that her husband does not play that role of dominant spouse, and subsequently does not provide the feeling of security and protection that the other women feel about their husbands. She resents this. According to her logic of "the more white you have in you, the higher up you rank", perhaps she feels that if she were more like Janie, that is, "higher up" on her own rating scale, her husband would have more affection for her. Her feeling is one of inadequacy.
Journal 8:
The title, when used in the text, signifies the realization that the characters come to during the storm: That they should always keep in mind that God is watching over them, and that he may test them at any time. That when they watch him and question him, it is of no use, because once God decides to do something, there is nothing anyone can do about it. Hurston suggests, in this passage, that the characters fear God's power and believe that God has his time for saying what he has to say, and that they have no business to interfere with it, but should stand by and watch in awe. "Ole Massa is doin' His work now. Us oughta keep quiet"(Hurston 158).
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Journal 6: 2/12/09
Literary Device 1: Page 120
Personification
"The thing made itself into pictures and hung around Janie's bedside all night long."
Explanation: This personification highlights the doubt Janie feels, upon thinking of Annie Tyler and her younger man, about whether Tea Cake is a faithful husband. Through the depiction of Janie's image of Annie Tyler's situation as pictures that hang themselves up in Janie's room, Hurston conveys that Janie has made a discovery that is not pleasant, but one that she cannot hide from: That Tea Cake may not be all that she thought.
Literary Device 2: Page 136
Metaphor
"A little seed of fear was growing into a tree."
Explanation: Janie's insecurity regarding Tea Cake is showcased here. The metaphor depicts how insecurity and fear quickly become jealousy through its comparison of increasing fear to a seedling growing into a tree.
Literary Device 3: Page 138
Motivation
"She wanted to hear his denial. She had to crow over the fallen Nunkie."
Explanation: Janie's motivation for clinging so tightly to Tea Cake is revealed. Although she loves him dearly, she is now becoming consumed by a fear that Tea Cake does not feel the same, and the need for reassurance that he does care for her as much as she for him. Everything she does is driven by the need to prove to herself that her fears are not true.
Personification
"The thing made itself into pictures and hung around Janie's bedside all night long."
Explanation: This personification highlights the doubt Janie feels, upon thinking of Annie Tyler and her younger man, about whether Tea Cake is a faithful husband. Through the depiction of Janie's image of Annie Tyler's situation as pictures that hang themselves up in Janie's room, Hurston conveys that Janie has made a discovery that is not pleasant, but one that she cannot hide from: That Tea Cake may not be all that she thought.
Literary Device 2: Page 136
Metaphor
"A little seed of fear was growing into a tree."
Explanation: Janie's insecurity regarding Tea Cake is showcased here. The metaphor depicts how insecurity and fear quickly become jealousy through its comparison of increasing fear to a seedling growing into a tree.
Literary Device 3: Page 138
Motivation
"She wanted to hear his denial. She had to crow over the fallen Nunkie."
Explanation: Janie's motivation for clinging so tightly to Tea Cake is revealed. Although she loves him dearly, she is now becoming consumed by a fear that Tea Cake does not feel the same, and the need for reassurance that he does care for her as much as she for him. Everything she does is driven by the need to prove to herself that her fears are not true.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Journal Entry: 2/11/08
Janie's Motivation and Change
Throughout chapters 11 and 12, Janie is motivated by a desire to start afresh, not as the doll-like, timid wife of Jody, but as a person who lives life on her own terms. This desire motivates her to have a relationship with Tea Cake. This relationship is a new beginning for her, where she feels that she can 'realize herself all over'. Jody never allowed her to have her own way, so she means to do that now that he is gone, even if it means dating a man 12 years her junior. However, Janie's motivation changes after a few weeks spent with Tea Cake. He repeatedly leaves for days at a time, always coming back with a charmingly repentant air. Janie is too fond of him to stay upset, but her motivation for hanging on to Tea Cake begins to involve doubt. Doubt that Tea Cake really loves her and is not just taking advantage of a widow smitten with him and his charming ways. Her outlook towards her relationship with Tea Cake changes.From being the first happy relationship where she has experienced freedom, her relationship with Tea Cake has become a search for assurance from Tea Cake that he is serious about the relationship, and not just fooling around.
Throughout chapters 11 and 12, Janie is motivated by a desire to start afresh, not as the doll-like, timid wife of Jody, but as a person who lives life on her own terms. This desire motivates her to have a relationship with Tea Cake. This relationship is a new beginning for her, where she feels that she can 'realize herself all over'. Jody never allowed her to have her own way, so she means to do that now that he is gone, even if it means dating a man 12 years her junior. However, Janie's motivation changes after a few weeks spent with Tea Cake. He repeatedly leaves for days at a time, always coming back with a charmingly repentant air. Janie is too fond of him to stay upset, but her motivation for hanging on to Tea Cake begins to involve doubt. Doubt that Tea Cake really loves her and is not just taking advantage of a widow smitten with him and his charming ways. Her outlook towards her relationship with Tea Cake changes.From being the first happy relationship where she has experienced freedom, her relationship with Tea Cake has become a search for assurance from Tea Cake that he is serious about the relationship, and not just fooling around.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Journal 6: 2/10/08
Mimicking Hurston's Style:
With that, Julia stopped trying to trust. Trust, the warm, cozy blanket of sunshine that lays just behind a cloud of uncertainty. That complex wonder, with the resilience of an uprooted flower: simple to extinguish, nearly impossible to revive. What gains have trust from shining when storms appear? She retreats behind her clouds, her safe spot. She hides in the shadow of disillusionment, ignoring any coaxing and calling from her betrayer, all warmth gone. She would start to find little rays of trust peeping out from behind clouds. But a wave of memories pushed them back behind the clouds. That bold Mark! He might have had a little less nerve than asking her for her trust. She begged her friends to make Mark leave so she could forget him, but Mark wouldn't quit. That might work with true liars, but he was different. She would trust him again when she found out what he knew was the truth. He wouldn't give up on her. And so he persisted. Julia's friends began to see a change in her, and they understood. As if her words weren't proof enough, warm rays of sun began to again appear, as Julia once again extended her hand to Mark. The sun that had never dreamed to shine again emerged from her cloud, slowly, and not as warmly as she once did. She hovered near the cloud, ready to dart back at the slightest hint of rain. But Hope, that gleaming pearl of possibility, had returned, dazzling their lives with its brilliant luster.
With that, Julia stopped trying to trust. Trust, the warm, cozy blanket of sunshine that lays just behind a cloud of uncertainty. That complex wonder, with the resilience of an uprooted flower: simple to extinguish, nearly impossible to revive. What gains have trust from shining when storms appear? She retreats behind her clouds, her safe spot. She hides in the shadow of disillusionment, ignoring any coaxing and calling from her betrayer, all warmth gone. She would start to find little rays of trust peeping out from behind clouds. But a wave of memories pushed them back behind the clouds. That bold Mark! He might have had a little less nerve than asking her for her trust. She begged her friends to make Mark leave so she could forget him, but Mark wouldn't quit. That might work with true liars, but he was different. She would trust him again when she found out what he knew was the truth. He wouldn't give up on her. And so he persisted. Julia's friends began to see a change in her, and they understood. As if her words weren't proof enough, warm rays of sun began to again appear, as Julia once again extended her hand to Mark. The sun that had never dreamed to shine again emerged from her cloud, slowly, and not as warmly as she once did. She hovered near the cloud, ready to dart back at the slightest hint of rain. But Hope, that gleaming pearl of possibility, had returned, dazzling their lives with its brilliant luster.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
2/5/09
Journal Entry 3: Their Eyes Were Watching God-Chapter 4
Literary Device 1: Characterization
Page 30
"Shucks! 'Tain't no mo' fools lak me. A whole lot of mens will grin in yo' face, but dey ain't gwine tu work and feed yuh when dad big gut reach over and grab dad little one, you'll be too glad to come back here."
Explanation: Hurston uses Logan's dialogue to show his opinion of Janie. Logan's reaction to Janie's behavior is a method of characterization. It highlights the things Jamie values in a husband, and, in a way, portrays her as superficial. Both her grandmother in previous chapters and her husband make it clear that she should be grateful that she is married to someone who is willing to take care of her, even if he isn't affectionate or romantic. However, Janie will only feel satisfied if her husband shows her what she believes to be care. Unfortunately for Janie, those who speak to her lovingly and give her affection are not certain to be good husbands to her, as she discovers later in the story.
Literary Device 2: Simile
Page 31
" Logan with his shovel looked like a black bear doing some clumsy dance on his hind legs."
Explanation: This simile is particularly effective in conveying Janie's feeling of contempt for her husband. The simile mocks Logan and his physical appearance, which serves as a way for Janie to take her anger out on him for asking her to work.
Literary Device 3: Hyperbole
Pg. 31
"Youse mad 'cause ah don't fall down and wash up dese sixty acres uh ground yuh got."
Explanation: The hyperbole illustrates the annoyance Janie feels toward Logan for expecting her to work. She implys through the exaggeration that nothing she does(in terms of work) is enough to please him.
Literary Device 4: Motif
Pg. 32
"From now on until death she was going to have flower dust and springtime sprinkled over everything. A bee for her bloom."
Explanation: Springtime and blooming flowers are recurring images in this story. They represent Janie's idealistic expectations of what life is like when one is in love. Janie believes that she is in love with Joe, and that because he has talked sweetly to her and promised her a life of ease, that her life will now only consist of pleasant experiences and happiness. She believes that Joe is the "bee" that will pollinate her "bloom"(her idealistic hopes) with happiness.
Literary Device 5: Personification
Pg. 33
"They sat on the boarding house porch and saw the sun plunge into the same crack in the earth from which the night emerged."
Explanation: The personification of the sun in this passage foreshadows the experiences that lie ahead for Janie. She has been very happy, but hard times are bound to follow. These difficulties will be connected to Joe, who was the reason for her initial happiness. However, he will also be the one that spoils her happiness. Therefore, her happiness, like the sun, will disappear the same way that it emerged.
Journal Entry 3: Their Eyes Were Watching God-Chapter 4
Literary Device 1: Characterization
Page 30
"Shucks! 'Tain't no mo' fools lak me. A whole lot of mens will grin in yo' face, but dey ain't gwine tu work and feed yuh when dad big gut reach over and grab dad little one, you'll be too glad to come back here."
Explanation: Hurston uses Logan's dialogue to show his opinion of Janie. Logan's reaction to Janie's behavior is a method of characterization. It highlights the things Jamie values in a husband, and, in a way, portrays her as superficial. Both her grandmother in previous chapters and her husband make it clear that she should be grateful that she is married to someone who is willing to take care of her, even if he isn't affectionate or romantic. However, Janie will only feel satisfied if her husband shows her what she believes to be care. Unfortunately for Janie, those who speak to her lovingly and give her affection are not certain to be good husbands to her, as she discovers later in the story.
Literary Device 2: Simile
Page 31
" Logan with his shovel looked like a black bear doing some clumsy dance on his hind legs."
Explanation: This simile is particularly effective in conveying Janie's feeling of contempt for her husband. The simile mocks Logan and his physical appearance, which serves as a way for Janie to take her anger out on him for asking her to work.
Literary Device 3: Hyperbole
Pg. 31
"Youse mad 'cause ah don't fall down and wash up dese sixty acres uh ground yuh got."
Explanation: The hyperbole illustrates the annoyance Janie feels toward Logan for expecting her to work. She implys through the exaggeration that nothing she does(in terms of work) is enough to please him.
Literary Device 4: Motif
Pg. 32
"From now on until death she was going to have flower dust and springtime sprinkled over everything. A bee for her bloom."
Explanation: Springtime and blooming flowers are recurring images in this story. They represent Janie's idealistic expectations of what life is like when one is in love. Janie believes that she is in love with Joe, and that because he has talked sweetly to her and promised her a life of ease, that her life will now only consist of pleasant experiences and happiness. She believes that Joe is the "bee" that will pollinate her "bloom"(her idealistic hopes) with happiness.
Literary Device 5: Personification
Pg. 33
"They sat on the boarding house porch and saw the sun plunge into the same crack in the earth from which the night emerged."
Explanation: The personification of the sun in this passage foreshadows the experiences that lie ahead for Janie. She has been very happy, but hard times are bound to follow. These difficulties will be connected to Joe, who was the reason for her initial happiness. However, he will also be the one that spoils her happiness. Therefore, her happiness, like the sun, will disappear the same way that it emerged.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Journal Entries: Their Eyes Were Watching God
2/4/09
Journal Entry 1: Chapters 1-3
Hurston's narration of the story uses proper English. Figurative language including similes, metaphors, and personification are all frequently used to make clearer the feelings of the character or the atmosphere in general. Metaphors reflecting Janie's life are also commonly used. The dialect uses slang which one would hear in the place where the story is set. While the narration's language is clearer and more readable to people who are not used to the dialect, the dialect is more successful at conveying the emotions, characteristics, and values of the characters because it allows the author to show the person's character as opposed to describing it. The dialect also allows the reader to feel as if the character is talking directly to them, which allows for a better understanding of what the emotions the character is trying to convey.
Journal Entry 2: Chapters 1-3
The ideas and attitudes of the characters are influenced largely by the setting. Janie's grandmother, having been brought up in a society where black women carry the greatest weight as the lowest ranking members of society, wants to get Janie married to a man who can support her as soon as possible. Though black women are still not in a very favorable position in society, times have changed, and Janie has not been brought up in the same circumstances as her grandmother was. For this reason, she wants to marry for love rather than for protection and support. The setting, in this case the time period and the region of the country, influence the value Janie's grandmother places on having her granddaughter be in a better situation than she was, at any cost. These values motivate Janie's grandma to marry her to Logan as soon as she can, even though Janie is clearly against it. The setting also adds to the tone of the story. A community where everyone knows everyone else's business sets a tone of anxious anticipation to find out Janie's story at the beginning, and the time period where black women didn't have much power, as supported by Janie's grandmother, helps depict Janie's feeling of dismay at having to get married and discover that marriage is not what she had hoped.
Journal Entry 1: Chapters 1-3
Hurston's narration of the story uses proper English. Figurative language including similes, metaphors, and personification are all frequently used to make clearer the feelings of the character or the atmosphere in general. Metaphors reflecting Janie's life are also commonly used. The dialect uses slang which one would hear in the place where the story is set. While the narration's language is clearer and more readable to people who are not used to the dialect, the dialect is more successful at conveying the emotions, characteristics, and values of the characters because it allows the author to show the person's character as opposed to describing it. The dialect also allows the reader to feel as if the character is talking directly to them, which allows for a better understanding of what the emotions the character is trying to convey.
Journal Entry 2: Chapters 1-3
The ideas and attitudes of the characters are influenced largely by the setting. Janie's grandmother, having been brought up in a society where black women carry the greatest weight as the lowest ranking members of society, wants to get Janie married to a man who can support her as soon as possible. Though black women are still not in a very favorable position in society, times have changed, and Janie has not been brought up in the same circumstances as her grandmother was. For this reason, she wants to marry for love rather than for protection and support. The setting, in this case the time period and the region of the country, influence the value Janie's grandmother places on having her granddaughter be in a better situation than she was, at any cost. These values motivate Janie's grandma to marry her to Logan as soon as she can, even though Janie is clearly against it. The setting also adds to the tone of the story. A community where everyone knows everyone else's business sets a tone of anxious anticipation to find out Janie's story at the beginning, and the time period where black women didn't have much power, as supported by Janie's grandmother, helps depict Janie's feeling of dismay at having to get married and discover that marriage is not what she had hoped.
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