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After doing a lot of activities, we often feel exhausted and need a safe and cozy place. Many people have a special space at home that they consider as a respite from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. These private spaces, such as the bedroom, den, or even a small corner in the living room, play an important role in providing physical and emotional comfort. In one's daily routine, one may face pressures from work, studies, or family responsibilities. Personal space becomes a place to “breathe” for a moment, unburden the mind, and calm down. Ernest Hemingway in his work “A clean, Well-Lighted Place” narrates that a clean, well-lit café becomes a cozy place for a lonely old man. This place represents the human need for a comfortable and peaceful space, especially when facing life's difficulties. Inevitably, I have a private space to recharge after a long day of physical and mental exertion. There I have time for myself with simple habits, such as listening to music leisurely, watching a movie, or even just contemplating. I also like to decorate my personal space with things that I like, such as choosing wall colors, adding accessories, or using comfortable pillows. However, these simple activities help me reset my energy to face the next day.

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You know, sometimes you think that you are important to someone or some people. You feel that they know that you part of them. You feel that they will appreciate you whenever you do something brilliant in your thought. But, unfortunately sometimes it is not. “A Hunger Artist” by Franz Kafka clearly described that feeling. The hunger artist depicted that an appreciation is crucial. When you’re not appreciate people or not getting enough appreciation, it will be hard for your feelings.

At first, he put so much effort to make people happy to make people and to make people recognize him. He pushed himself hard enough to do it, no matter what happened to his body and his mental health. Although, it’s tiring, he is passionately do his thing.

However, there will be a time when people think you’re not enough. And you think there is something wrong with you. But, it’s not you, it’s them who are not appreciate enough of what you’re doing.

Same as me. I am a person who loves an appreciation, who loves recognition from others. I always hoped that if I do something good for people, people would do positive feedback as well as do it to them. But, in fact is not always work like that. I realize that I only have myself to appreciate myself. Don’t hope people do the same feedback like you did to them. But, you have to always appreciate people, especially people around you.

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18 Sad Quotes EVERY Girl Can Relate To When She’s Been Dumped

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Reading An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge made me ask myself, is this what I often experience? The hallucination that starts with the bitterness of effort and then becomes the bliss of dreams, like the one I felt when everything was so exhausting and the urge to give up within me was starting to grow. Farquhar's hallucination may have seemed pointless but it reminded me of a hallucination that could make me feel happy even a little, where I was in a state that was quite exhausting due to the blow of my own and my parents' expectations. What Farquhar did during his execution made me so moved because his hallucination was so strong to meet his loved ones, the proof that he just wanted to help the place where he lives made me like this character because he moved for good.

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After I heard the story in the presentation last week, honestly I felt bad and grumbly, like something bad happened. This story describes how haunted by materialism and obsession, here Paul is a son who is blinded by his mother's demands for wealth to meet her high lifestyle standards. However, the tragic end of Paul's story where he died while trying to win more money reflects the social problem of the risk of parental pressure on their children, when what is more important is the internal happiness of the family.

In terms of how this story relates to my own life, I might relate to the pressure to live up to expectations—whether from family, society, or even myself. I can reflect on moments in my life when external pressures pushed me to push my boundaries, as did Paul. The theme of materialism can resonate with social issues about always striving for more, even at the expense of well-being. Perhaps you’ve experienced or witnessed the consequences of people prioritizing wealth or success over emotional fulfillment, similar to Paul’s mother in the story.

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The Projection Booth Podcast: Episode 307: The Rocking Horse ...

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Found on Google from projectionboothpodcast.com

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What I like about this story is that it tells me about the meaning of life. One of the themes emphasized in the story is loneliness and despair. Every human, I guess, sometimes might feel lonely and desperate. If we feel so, all we need is to be in the most comfortable place as we need. When I feel stressed due to a business, I try to do something good to me, and I even want to be in my comfort zone. When I got stressed due to many assignments from courses or organization, I went home. When I got stressed due to housework, I hung out with my friends. When I felt bored with anything I did, I played or listened to music. In other words, no matter how depressed and lonely my life is, I know I need to turn to find meaning and purpose.

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ArtStation - A Clean, Well Lighted Place

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After reading a short story with the title "sweat" written by Zora Neale Hurston, i could feel delia's betrayed, sad and hurt feelings. Even though i have never got cheated on, as a fellow woman, i still feel the sympathy towards her. It hurts seeing how her husband treated her so badly, abusing her and cheating on her frequently. but other than that, i liked the way the character drew as a strong and hardworking woman, how she has never stopped trying to keep the marriage alive and how to feed her family. How she barely complain and always feel thankful for her life and have strong connection to her religion. I also feel the rage towards the husband, who's never feel greatful and never appreciated his wife. Even though his wife worked fulltime, serve him food, and take care of him, he never feel enough of her. He even attempted to terrorize delia's livelihood by threating her with a snake. After he cheated on his wife and built a house for the mistress with the money his wife gave, he will turned the mistress to be delia too. He will make the mistress the one who earn money for him, obeying him and he will find another woman again. He will just never feel enough.

The other view i got from this story, i dont like how delia cant stand for herself. She has to stood up for the disrespest she got. Women shouldn't be controlled over a man that can't take responsibility, especially when the reason is because they following a religion's rule. Religious man who doesn't really understand their religion, will always try to find a way to excuse their action by the verse in bible. This short story spread awareness about abuse, opression and rights movement where it most related to modern time. It has main theme as psychological depth and experemintation. Many women could relate to this story in that time, even in nowadays age, so many people could still relate this situation.

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After I heard and read this short story, I felt what was felt by the woman, which was the woman begins by wondering what the mark is maybe a smudge, a hole, or some other stain. As she reflects on it, her thoughts drift away from the mark and move to different topics, like her life, her opinions, and the world around her. She starts to think about how little she really knows about things, such as what is truly important in life.

At one point, she thinks about her past, the people she has met, and even questions her own beliefs and thoughts. Eventually, she considers how insignificant the mark might be compared to the big questions of life, and she starts to realize that her thoughts about it are a way to escape from deeper, more troubling concerns.

In the end, the woman’s contemplation is interrupted by a sudden discovery: the mark on the wall was simply a snail. But this revelation does not change much for her, as she returns to her thoughts about the deeper meanings of life.

It is same with what I felt. I am overthinker. Everything I have to think about it even for one step forward I have to think it. It is so wasting my time and energy. I’ve been through many things, and it made me feel afraid, worried, sad, and made me cry. It’s like losing someone, being rejected, insulted, betrayed, humiliated, or even put down. Just like the character in this story, every time I face something that I shouldn’t have to deal with or think about, I end up doing it because of my fear and worry. It even happens when I just see a place or things related to it. I try to act normal in a crowd, as if nothing is wrong, but when I’m alone, those feelings attack me. My past haunts my mind, and in the end, I end up blaming myself and crying. But as time passes, I’ve learned to focus more on the process of growing in life, because I believe everyone has their own dark past. I’ve learned to keep moving forward without looking back only once or twice to learn from it and use it as a lesson for the future. There will always be something positive in everything we go through, that’s life, and that’s how we grow.

whoever read this, "please, live longer."

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For me "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place" is the most meaningful short story in my life. Because I have a lot of connections, let's just say that nighttime is the best time for me to contemplate the day ahead or to take inspiration for the next day. I usually go out at night and look for the best spots for ideas to emerge and relax my body. For example, Balai Pemuda, Kota Tua, and Kenjeran Park are all located in the city of Surabaya. The connection is that these places have good lighting and are calming, which is why many ideas come to me when I'm there. I don't know how to say it, because it's hard to express in words. But believe me they are good places to visit if you are stuck for ideas and want to get inspired at night. That's all, thank you.

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After I heard the story “A Clean, Well-Lighted Place” by Hemingway, I learned that this story describes two waitresses who have different views on life and the people who come to their cafe. The young waiter seems rushed and uncaring, while the older waiter is more sensitive to the elderly customer, understanding that he seeks peace in a quiet, clean place, perhaps as an escape from his loneliness. This story brings to mind how important it is to have a calm, comfortable space in a life that often feels overwhelming. Personally, I relate to this deeply. I also find comfort in having a clean, peaceful environment to retreat to, especially my bedroom, where I can relax and gather my thoughts, away from the noise and stress of daily life.

The story also made me reflect on how we often overlook others' emotional needs. The young waiter, focused on closing up and getting on with his life, seems unaware of the older customer's quiet struggle. On the other hand, the older waiter shows empathy, sensing that the customer needs more than just a drink — he needs a moment of solitude. It made me realize how easy it is to get caught up in our own routines and forget that sometimes, people just need a space to breathe, to be heard without words.

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Reading A Clean, Well-Lighted Place made me ask myself, is this how I often feel? The need for a quiet, cozy, well-lit place reminds me of times when I felt sad or depressed. I often visit places that make me calm like Puncak Pass Bogor or cafes with lots of lights, because at night seeing those lights is perfect for calming myself down. Like the old man in this story who just wanted to sit in a cafe, the place may look simple, but it can provide a sense of security and a little happiness in the midst of emptiness or loneliness. I also look for places that can give me a sense of calm and a little happiness. There are times when I feel tired of the daily grind and feel like no one understands. Like the old man, I often look for a place that gives me peace, even if it's just for a little while.

The old waitress in this story touched me because of his understanding towards the old man. He knew that the cafe was not just a place to drink, but a way to escape despair. This made me realize to pay more attention to the people around me who might secretly have a lot of problems. On the other hand, the impatient young waitress reminded me that sometimes we are too busy with ourselves and forget to see the world from other people's perspective.

The old man's character touched my heart deeply. His loneliness felt so painful, reminding me of memories when I felt lonely despite being surrounded by many people. This story made me think about how everyone needs a place or a moment that can give them peace, a place that is simple but can provide a little peace in the midst of a stressful life, no matter how small or simple that place is.

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When I read Virginia Woolf’s The Mark on the Wall, my first feeling was that I could really relate to the story. The way the main character’s mind goes on a journey just by looking at a mark on the wall felt familiar to me. It was surprising how this small thing could lead to so many deep thoughts. At the end, when it turns out the mark is just a snail, it feels a bit simple but showed the main idea of feeling let down or disillusioned. This left me feeling thoughtful and a bit sad. I connected with the main character because I have also felt like her. In the story, she gets caught up in her thoughts over a small detail, which reminds me of my own experiences. I have dealt with trauma that makes me overthink and get distracted by small things. The way the main character’s mind jumps between big ideas and everyday worries felt like my own mind. The story’s main theme, disillusionment, was familiar to me because I have also struggled with feeling disappointed or lost in my thoughts due to past experiences.

I liked the main character and felt for her struggles. Some people might think she is too focused on her thoughts, but I understood her. The way she thinks about deep questions from something as small as a mark made me feel like I was seeing my own way of thinking. Her mix of serious thoughts and simple, daily concerns was realistic and showed how people’s minds work, especially those who overthink. Seeing a character like this made me feel less alone and understood.

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Aug 29, 2024 - This Pin was discovered by Paul. Discover (and save!) your own Pins on Pinterest

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When I just finished read the story, I felt very confused. In my opinion, the story is very ambiguous in that the author does not explicitly state the purpose and purpose of the characters’ hunger and fasting. On the other hand, the author provides a little explanation, indeed explaining a little about why he fasts and why people like his art. However, in the end the story forces readers to interpret it with their own interpretations.

Reading Kafka’s “A Hunger Artist” made me realize how much I had struggled in the past to comprehend and find validation in a world that frequently looked uncaring. Artists going hungry for their art makes me think of the times I threw myself into projects or passions that other people didn’t value or thought were worthwhile. I eventually secluded or alienated myself as a result of my disordered mentality. I feel like a starving artist when my labors are misinterpreted; it’s as though others only notice the obvious and fail to appreciate the deeper work or significance.

In addition, I appreciate the effort put in because his character will only attract attention and validation from society, but I don’t like what he does. I felt deep emotion for the character that in the end he didn’t have any hope for his life.

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When I read "The Garden Party", I was immediately reminded of an something that I will never forget for the rest of my life, which is that when my mother passed away, I felt that the world stopped for a moment, filled with heavy grief. However, out there, life continued as usual. People still went to work, the sun still rose, and the birds still chirped. This is similar to what Laura experienced in "The Garden Party". When she hears about the death of a man from a poor family, Laura feels deeply moved and thinks the garden party is not worth continuing. However, her family and neighbors continued on with their lives as if nothing had happened.

This shows that even though someone is grieving, the world outside goes on, and for many people, everything seems to be fine. This teaches that even though we grieve, the world will keep moving, and we must learn to continue living even though our feelings are weighed down by sadness.

The thing I like about laura is that she wants to see the outside world, and get a sense of what has actually happened, which means that she is brave and her curiosity is strong towards what she sees and goes through.

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As someone who always feel like I didn't fit in with the people around me, reading "A Hunger Artist" made me realized that there are still people who have it worse just to try and fit in with the society. Just like how the main character can't stop fasting because he can never find food that he like, it reminded me of how I used to try to get the attention of other people around me by trying things that others like or trying to get their attention by doing something stupid, unfortunately it didn't work.

I'm not trying to say that the hunger artist is one of my favorite character in this story, but the artist itself got me interested to learn about the reason why there are people that dare to try any extreme things just to get other people's recognition without realizing that it could hurt themselves just because they wanted to fit in with the society just like how the hunger artist ended up dying because he wouldn't stop fasting to get other people's recognition.

What I learned from this story is that you don't need to be weird and you don't need to do something that could hurt you just to get other people's attention, you just need to be yourself. You don't need to enjoy the same thing that other's like, just find something that you actually like.

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When I listened to the story presented by my friend in class entitled "The Mark on the Wall" by Virginia Woolf, I immediately thought that this was an interesting story for me to write here.

"Overthinking" was the first word that came to my mind when I first heard the story. Who hasn’t thought about something too much? I do it a lot. In the story, the narrator keeps thinking about a black mark on the wall, wondering what caused it, but in the end, it is just a snail.

I must say, I didn’t particularly like the character in "The Mark on the Wall". The constant overthinking made the story feel a bit tiring for me. The narrator spends so much time wondering about a simple mark on the wall, and I felt like it was a bit too much. Sometimes, overthinking can stop us from seeing things clearly, and that’s what I felt happened in the story. I prefer to focus on solving problems rather than getting lost in unnecessary thoughts.

I chose this story because I'm also feeling worried right now, why? I am currently the event division coordinator for this year's Dies Natalis of English Literature. I am always afraid of all the steps I take, I am afraid of taking on an event concept, I am afraid I will be scolded, I am afraid of bothering people with the event concept I create, I am afraid make a rundown of events. These fears trap me in overthinking, making everything feel overwhelming.

And do you know what the impact of my fears and thoughts are? When I made a rundown for 5 hours, in the evening our rundown file was corrupted, at that time I had a fever. I tried to fix it as quickly as possible but still had excessive thoughts & fears.

The next day during the rundown discussion, I made a lot of mistakes in the rundown and was scolded in front of many people. But, just like the narrator in Woolf’s story, I eventually realized that overthinking and worrying so much only made things harder. The following day, I revised the rundown with the help of a more experienced committee member.

The moral value of this story is learning to manage overthinking. Fearing failure can lead to stress and mistakes, as seen with the corrupted file and errors in the rundown. It's important to trust yourself, ask for help when needed, and see mistakes as opportunities to improve

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After reading "A clean well lighted place", this story is related to my own life. it's about someone who feels lonely and finds a place of comfort. Sometimes when I feel overthinking, I need a comfortable place, maybe in my room no one bothers me or I go out to find a place that is not crowded and I will enjoy it, there is no noise to calm my mind. The loneliness that occurs may be caused by stress over something and perhaps there is no one to talk to and express your thoughts. When the day is long full of activities, I need to recharge my energy in the room alone. maybe many people do things like me. we need to have our own space to calm down and calm our minds. Feeling lonely is not always bad, sometimes we don't know what to feel, when I want to be alone, I just need a break from crowded places.

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When I first read the short story entitled “A Clean, Well-Lighted Place” by Ernest Hemingway, the reaction I showed was a face of confusion because I thought this story gave a quite confusing impression. this story is more related to my own view of life. In the story there is a story about an old waiter who is willing to open a cafe late at night because he is afraid that someone still wants to visit the cafe. Well, if it is connected to the story, one of my views of life is that when there is someone who needs my help even if it is just listening to someone's story then I will try to take my time to respond to them because I also think that if one day I am in the position of those who need help then I can more easily get that help. Then related to the characters in the story, I don't like the character of the young waiter who seems not to care about the surrounding environment and is concerned with his own interests. For the old maid character, I like her attitude of caring about the people around her and being patient. For the old man's character, I felt sorry for him and felt his sadness and loneliness.

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After reading and understanding the story "The Rocking Horse Winner" by D.H. Lawrence, I felt the story left a strong emotional impression. I was shocked by how Paul ended up, even though he tried hard to live up to his family's expectations. In my opinion, this story reveals inner conflicts, especially related to money, love, and unrealistic expectations, causing a negative impact on the family's life. This story carries a relevant theme of obsession with material things and sacrifices that are too great to achieve them.

Reminds us of a worldview that often only values material and financial success. I feel this story is relevant to modern life, where many people get caught up in the pursuit of material things without thinking about the impact on family relationships and happiness. I may not directly relate to Paul's experience, but the pressure to live up to other people's expectations and the need for acceptance in society are things I encounter often in my daily life.

Regarding the characters in the story, I have mixed feelings. On the one hand, I really love Paul for trying so hard to live up to his mother's insatiable expectations, even though he himself is unhappy. However, I didn't like his mother who focused on money and material things, without realizing how this was destroying her family. In addition, Paul's mother shows her disregard for her son's feelings and his tendency to pursue wealth. I also felt angry with Paul's father's ignorance of not being involved in the family's problems. Overall, I feel that the characters in this story are a reflection of the failure of deeper human relationships, which are too focused on personal and material interests.

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After reading “A Clean, Well-Lighted Place,” I immediately relate. The story is simple, but leaves a deep sense of emptiness. I remembered how often we look for a cozy place to just sit, think, or forget about the burdens of life for a moment. The part about emptiness made me think, what really makes our lives meaningful? It feels very relatable, especially when we feel alone. This story reminds me of a moment when I felt tired of life, but didn't want to go straight home. Sometimes I would be alone in places like cafes or in front of Indomaret just to “escape” for a while. Those places become a space to calm my mind. For me, this story also reminds me that small things, like giving space to others, can sometimes mean a lot to them.

I like the character of the old waiters. He knows that not everyone just needs their food or drink, but sometimes people need a place where they can feel calm, comfortable, and valued. He teaches us to be more patient and sensitive to others, even if we don't really know what they're feeling.

This story, though simple, made me realize that life is sometimes empty and hard. But, a small comforting place or gesture can be a solace in the midst of it all. Sometimes, something as simple as sitting in a bright, quiet place is enough to make us feel better.

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After reading "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place," I found myself relating to the old man and the older waiter, even though I am still young. The story is about loneliness and the need for a quiet, safe place, which I think everyone can understand, no matter their age. The old man stays at the café not just because he wants to drink but because the café is bright, clean, and orderly, and it helps him avoid the darkness, both the literal night and the emptiness inside. I’ve had moments when life felt heavy and confusing, and during those times, I also looked for a place or something to make me feel safe and grounded. That’s why I connected with the older waiter, who doesn’t rush to close the café and understands why the old man needs to stay there. The way the older waiter talks about nothingness really stayed with me because it reflects those times when everything feels meaningless and you just want to find something to hold on to, even if it’s small, like a quiet, clean, well-lighted place. It made me realize that life can be hard for anyone, whether young or old, and that people often carry feelings of emptiness or sadness in ways we don’t always see. The story reminded me how important it is to be patient and kind to others because we never really know what someone else might be going through. It also showed me that even though I’m young, I sometimes feel like the older waiter, understanding the need for peace and light in a world that can feel dark and chaotic.

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After I read this short story “The Garden Party” I felt mixed feelings after reading it, it's hard to write down how it feels. more precisely this story reminds me of the true reality of life, which is shown at the end of the story when laura tries to understand the reality of life after going through such an emotional day, that the world is not always about happiness and beauty but there is also sadness and suffering. this story also shows that humans are not always good and humans are not always bad, because that's what makes humans a unique creation.

I actually relate to Laura's character in this story, with what I felt when I was a child, a time when I only thought and saw that the world was always fun and full of happiness, but over time I began to understand that the world is not always filled with happiness, but there are also things that make me feel uncomfortable and also feel the loss of something that is so special to me. from there I can learn that it is important to be grateful for every happiness that I feel no matter how small it is, and also I have to face all the difficulties that are in front of me as well as possible.

I like laura's character in this story because she showed sincere empathy when a neighbor died regardless of whether the neighbor was poor or rich. although her family did not share laura's thoughts, laura remained herself by still doing good to her neighbor by visiting the house of her grieving neighbor and giving food to them. Laura's character can be used as a good example, that always be yourself, do something good to everyone without discriminating and ignoring people who think negatively like mrs. sheridan in the story, and always remember that in this world humans are not always good and not always bad. for that I want to be one of the humans who can provide kindness to others.

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When the train drove away from my hometown, I sat alone in the seat by the window. Night had arrived, and the city lights began to fade in the distance, replaced by darkness that enveloped the tracks. This train takes me back from my hometown full of memories to Surabaya, where I pursue the future. The sound of the train engine and the rustling of the night wind coming in from the small crack in the window made me feel like I was in a world cut off from reality. Around me, there was only silence, and in that silence, I felt something familiar. Something similar to the story I've heard, "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place" by Hemingway.

The story tells the story of two waiters in a small cafe who that night serve an old man who sits alone. The young waiter felt impatient and did not understand why the man wanted to stay in the cafe until late. The older waiter, on the other hand, understood the man's loneliness, that there was something in the silence and that small search that made him feel calm. The cafe, bright and clean, became the only place where the old man could feel safe, far from the darkness of the outside world.

I remembered the story when I saw the train lights flickering in the distance, as if illuminating the darkness of the night. Even though I'm not the old man in the story, I feel there are similarities between us. On this trip, I was also looking for a bright and clean place, a space where I could sit alone and feel not alone at the same time. A place where I can fight the fear of loneliness and feel that there is something bigger out there, something more than just routine and noise.

This train runs on a deserted track, leaving a trail under the twinkling stars in the sky. Around me, the chairs were empty, I was the only one sitting there, contemplating. My mind drifted to a familiar feeling of loneliness. The loneliness that wraps up tonight seems to remind me that everyone, no matter how noisy their life is, needs a place like that cafe—a place that offers a glimmer of light, a place where you can sit quietly, contemplate, and there is only peace.

In Surabaya, I knew I would return to the busyness, noise, and demands of life that never stop. But, tonight, on this journey, I want to find the same peace as that cafe. A bright and clean place where I can feel awake for a moment, in the middle of this big silence. Maybe, I wouldn't find it in the city of the region, but in myself, in the way I see the world, I want to create that place—a space where solitude is not emptiness, but a soothing light.

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When I read The Garden Party, I immediately thought of 9th grade. I didn't wear a hijab then because I didn't think I was ready. But the more I realized that I had reached puberty and had to start taking responsibility for myself. Like Laura in the story, I was confused. It felt like there were two voices in my head, one saying it wasn't time yet, the other saying if not now, when? Eventually I tried to slow down. Turns out the process wasn't as hard as I thought. I became more comfortable and realized that wearing the hijab is not just about appearance, but more about respecting myself. From this story, I learned that times of doubt are natural, but the important thing is that we continue to find what is right for us.

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After reading “The Garden Party,” I found the story both surprising and thought-provoking. With Laura and her family initially focused on the joy of the garden party, the sudden appearance of death in the class divide forces a significant shift. It is this shift that makes the story compelling. Laura’s reaction to the man’s death, and the way she tries to reconcile her two opposing worlds with the harsh reality outside, is both touching and complicated. The story reminded me of situations where I, from a privileged background, suddenly became aware of profound social injustices that challenged my worldview. For example, many people experience moments of discomfort or awakening when they first witness the hardships faced by those living in poverty or the effects of systemic injustice. Moments like Laura’s can be transformative yet disorienting, as they force individuals to confront the harsh realities of their privilege and the suffering of others.

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I will share my personal response to the short story “Sweat” by Zora Neale Hurston. After reading Sweat, I was left speechless and astonished at how Delia was able to persevere with incredible strength in the face of her irresponsible husband. As a woman, I found the story very touching, especially because Delia had to face mistreatment from Sykes, who not only neglected his duty as a husband to earn a living, but also had an affair with another woman. This made me feel resentful and angry towards Sykes, who had no respect for Delia and even deliberately tried to scare her by bringing a snake. However, I was also very satisfied with the ending, where Delia let Sykes face the consequences of his own actions. I felt connected to Delia's resilience. Although I have never experienced violence like her, I believe that hard work and determination are the keys to overcoming difficulties in life. Delia reminded me of a personal experience when I had to deal with people who didn't support me, but by staying focused, patient and trying, I was able to prove that I could get through the challenge. Delia's character really inspired me to not give up, even when the going gets tough, while Sykes served as a reminder that the importance of respect and responsibility in relationships should not be overlooked.

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After reading the short story "The Rocking-Horse Winner", I initially felt confused about the storyline. However, by the middle of the story, I started to feel sad and upset. I was upset because of Paul's mother, who only cared about wealth and materialism rather than her family. She failed to give enough love to her children, which had fatal consequences. I felt sad because, in the end, Paul died after trying so hard and becoming obsessed with earning money just to gain his mother's attention and love, but in the end, he never received it. This story made me reflect on how materialism and a lack of love can destroy a person, both physically and emotionally.

True love and genuine happiness are far more valuable and cannot be bought with money. While material possessions can provide comfort, only love can give true meaning to our lives. In the story "The Rocking-Horse Winner" by D.H. Lawrence, Paul works hard and sacrifices himself to gather money in order to gain his mother's attention and affection. However, in the end, he does not receive the love he seeks until he dies. From this, we learn that the desire to make our loved ones happy through material means can sacrifice our own happiness, which is not a good thing.

Often, we become too focused on fulfilling the expectations of others, forgetting that what is most valuable in life is the relationships we build with those we love, involving mutual affection, not material wealth or money. In my life experience, I also strive to make those I love happy, but I remain aware of my limitations. Simply being able to see their smiles is enough for me. My happiness lies in the small moments spent with friends who care for one another, that is enough to feel love. Meeting and sharing moments with them, and seeing those I love smile and laugh, warms my heart and makes me very happy. That is why love cannot be measured by material things; sharing those small moments is enough and will become beautiful memories that I will always cherish.

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A Speck of Light in the middle of Loneliness

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A Speck of Light in the middle of Loneliness

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After reading “A Clean, Well-Lighted Place” by Ernest Hemingway, I felt sad. It's a simple story but it has a very deep meaning about loneliness and the search for the meaning of life. Looking at it from the perspective of an old servant, I was reminded of my old neighbors, they are husband and wife, they feel lonely since their only child died. Just like the grandfather in the story, they seem to need something that makes them feel calm and a little happy in the midst of their loss. Whenever my mom and I visit, they are always so happy, like our presence makes them feel less alone, just like the grandfather in the story who always visited the bright and clean cafe. I really understand the feeling of the old waitress in this story who wants to keep the cafe open for the grandfather, because he understands that lonely people need a place or a small moment that can make their lives a little better. Then about the characters I like the old waitress in this story because he is empathetic and caring. He understands that people like the old man need a place or a small moment that can make their lives a little better. understands that people like the old man need a cozy place to spend the night. On the other hand, I don't really like the young waitress because he's impatient and only thinks about himself. But I also understand, maybe he doesn't understand loneliness because he's never experienced it and there's a wife waiting for him at home. And about the old man, I feel sorry for him. Overall, this story reminds me that empathy and even the slightest attention is really important for people who are feeling lost or lonely.

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To be honest, after reading the story “The Rocking Horse Winner” by D.H. Lawrence I was like, why are you doing that Paul? It's like Paul is desperately pursuing his obsession to find fortune without caring about his health. This is sad, shocking and really upsetting, for the sake of his mother who is hungry for wealth he must lose his life. I thought, seriously, just for the sake of luck? This story also relates to my life although not as severe as Paul. Sometimes we really feel like we have to give our best to make others proud of us, especially our parents. When I was in elementary, middle and high school, my parents really wanted me to always be an outstanding student. From here I started my obsession to get rank 1-3, I tried continuously even though I was actually tired because I had to compete with my friends whose intelligence could not be underestimated. But after I thought about it, which parent wants their child to succeed? Finally after all my efforts, I was able to get a ranking from elementary to high school. Thankfully, I didn't get sick and lose my life because of Paul's obsession. Okay now, I'll share my thoughts on the characters. The first one is Paul, I really feel sympathy for him. Imagine he is still a child but must be required to fulfill his mother's wishes so that he can be recognized as lucky and get his mother's love, very sad. Furthermore, it is clear, here I really lost respect for the character of Paul's mother because all she thought about was money, money and money until she indirectly sacrificed Paul just for money. In addition, I also don't like Uncle Paul. He also took advantage of the opportunity by pretending to help Paul, even though he originally also wanted Paul's money and also he had no initiative to stop Paul from his obsession.

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How We Got the Crash Wrong | Powerful images, Meaningful pictures, Powerful pictures

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Seeking Light Amid Loneliness: A Reflection On Loss And Solace

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Seeking Light Amid Loneliness: A Reflection On Loss And Solace

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After reading "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place," I felt a mixture of sadness and admiration for the way Ernest Hemingway portrayed existential imagery and the human need for simple comforts. The story is not surprising in terms of events, but creates a deep feeling of melancholy. The short but meaningful dialogue made me think about the loneliness and meaning of life that I have gone through so far, through all the ups and downs that have come during my life.

This story reminds me of moments when I felt disconnected from the world or faced feelings of loneliness, at the same time my grandfather and grandmother died, and I felt really lonely at that time, because they were the ones who replaced my father after my father left. The need for a “clean, bright place” feels universal—a place where one can feel safe and valued even if the outside world feels cold and chaotic. I identified with the older waiter, who understood the importance of the place to the elderly man sitting alone. Because I have been in that position, looking for peace, in a place that makes me comfortable and calm, to give myself time to enjoy solitude and take a break from all the tiring things, to restore the energy that was drained from being too involved in sadness. This theme resonates with my beliefs about the importance of empathy and refuge, both physical and emotional. This story succeeded in touching my emotions and depicting the human side that is often unseen.

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After reading the story A Clean, Well-Lighted Place, I felt as if I could feel what the character in the story felt - loneliness that can only be overcome by returning to a place full of warmth.

As an overseas child, I often feel lonely. Even though I had new friends overseas, and could experience happiness with them, there was still a sense of emptiness that was hard to escape. There are times when I feel far from home, separated from my family, and it makes me feel lonely.

However, there is one thing that always makes me feel happy again, returning to my hometown. When I go home and see my family, it's like returning to a place filled with warmth and love. There, I feel completely accepted, without the need to pretend or feel alienated. The peace and tranquility I felt in my hometown was very different from life overseas.

Being away from my family often made me feel lonely. Although new friends overseas bring me happiness, there is a void that can only be filled with the closeness of family and the atmosphere of home. My hometown is a place where I feel safe, comfortable, and surrounded by people who care about me.

Every time I went home, I felt refreshed, as if all the burdens in my heart could be lifted. Those are the moments when I truly feel happy, because I know that even though I'm far away, I always have a place to return to, a home that provides warmth that is irreplaceable.

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“A Clean, Well-Lighted Place” by Ernest Hemingway is one of the stories that left an impression on me. After reading this story, I feel the emotion and loneliness atmosphere. One thing that I realized is about how the feeling of the old man character in this story really reflects the condition of human beings nowadays. Many people may feel lonely and desperate because of the complexity of life. They also sometimes feel stressed and hopeless in their life. When I look back on myself, sometimes I also kinda feel under pressure because a lot of thing, just same as the other human beings. Similar to the old man, when I am feeling tired or desperate, I prefer to come to a cafe because it is really cozy place and could gain back my mood. The one character I dislike is the young waitress because he does not empathize with the person that struggles with loneliness, but honestly for me, I really dislike the suicidal thoughts of the old man, because suicidal though is just a big no. For me, feeling desperate and stressed are common things, but it depends how we can control our emotions, so that we will not over complicated with our own mindset.

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11/365 - Lonely coffee in a empty café | Street photography, Cafe, Coffee house

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Lonely coffee in a empty café by oalsaker on Flickr.

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After I read the story "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" by Ambrose Bierce, I felt emotional because Peyton Farquhar's escape from execution turned out to be a hallucination that he created. Hallucinations often occur to cover harsh and painful realities. In difficult situations, this can lead a person to create hope as if their wish was achieved, even though it wasn't. As Farquhar was dying, he imagined himself escaping execution and returning to his family back home. This story reminds me that high hopes that are not being fulfilled can lead to hallucinations as an escape from harsh reality.

I often experience something like this. When facing a painful reality, I tend to imagine things that are happy or in accordance with my desires because hallucinating can make me forget about something or reality that doesn't work. Although in the end I have to return to the reality, the hallucination gives me a little happiness even if it is only for a while.

I also liked Farquhar's character in this story too. He was presented as someone who was brave and was willing to help the fight against the Union forces. Unfortunately, he was deceived by their tricks, which led to his execution. This story not only made me emotional but also represented the human side of facing pressure, expectations, and harsh realities.

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After reading The Mark on The Wall by Virginia Woolf I felt confused, disoriented, and mixed up what exactly did the author mean. The author describe that the character is smoking while enjoying tea perhaps in winter while thinking about what actually the mark on the wall is, the character also think about Shakespeare, discussing whitaker’s table of precedency, as well as talking about nature that makes me wonder what is this story talking about? until I realized that Virginia Woolf wrote it using the first pronoun of the main character in this story ; the unnamed narrator. When I realised that Virginia Woolf used the first pronoun it made me feel comfortable when reading it as if I was thinking along but still stuck in confusion.

The story relates to the life I’ve been living lately because I really like writing journals which are written in a form that is almost the same as this story, it’s like someone who tells their current situation, what I feel at that time, what events have happened lately, or even something small as I killed a cockroach or mosquitos, playing with my friends, my nephew, eating favorite food, my parents who always cooked my favorite dish I also write down on my journal.

In terms of liking or disliking the narrator, I'm more of ‘ah, she's just like me’ person who thinks about small things starting from ourselves, nature, life, family, future, and the others. About ‘the unnamed narrator’ I have the same feeling which makes me appreciate and understand what the narrator is thinking. The writing style in this short story is stream of consciousness which seems to invite the reader to think reminds me of myself who always thinks about and writes down the little things that have happened in my life. Furthermore, I appreciate the character described in this story, cause from this I can draw the conclusion that everything happens should not be overthought but immediately done according to reality (just being present, don't look at the past).

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After hearing the story “A clean, Well-Lighted place” I felt like what the character in the story felt, loneliness in a crowd is really uncomfortable. Actually, being alone in a room or going to a quiet place alone is comforting, I like solitude but to be honest, I also want to have one close friend who I can take anywhere, also who is always there, always exchanging thoughts and stories with me. This story makes me look at myself. I often feel alone when my mind is chaotic or I'm tired of all the activities and tasks, so I need someone to share my worries. I really need a friend who is always there, always hears my stories, and who always exchanges stories with me. but maybe the universe told me to be strong to face the harshness of the world alone, even though I often laugh with friends on campus or boarding school, I still feel that loneliness, because my friends at campus or boarding school also have their own place to go home like their best friends or parents, when they are tired they can go home to meet their families or just take a walk and talk about their daily lives with their close friends. I'm not used to complaining with my parents because when I see my parents I feel sad, they already carry a lot of burden and I shouldn't add to their burden, and my parents also really believe that I'm strong enough to face this life, but in reality, I also need a place to go home, a place to tell everything. I couldn't go home every time I felt tired like my friends did because my home was far outside the island, but meeting my parents through video calls had brought my spirits back, even without telling them. I felt pity for the old man character in the story, he seemed to have lost hope and had to find his own peace. I don't know where the family or friends are who should be the place where he complains.

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Reflections on Hemingway’s “A Clean, Well-Lighted Place”

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Reflections on Hemingway’s “A Clean, Well-Lighted Place”

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Just finished Hemingway’s "A Clean, Well-Lighted

Place", and wow—it hit hard. It’s a story about loneliness, finding comfort in small things, and how we all face life differently. The older waiter’s quiet understanding of the man’s struggles really stuck with me. I am someone who does everything alone, sometimes I also stay in a cafe to enjoy being alone. Sometimes, a simple, peaceful space can mean everything when the world feels heavy.

Have you ever found yourself needing a 'clean, well-lighted place' to escape? 🌙✨

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When I first heard the story "Sweat" by Zora Neale Hurston, I felt an overwhelming emotion, because this happened not only in ancient times, but still happens a lot today, where the wife works hard to support the family, which is not her duty. But the husband unknowingly has an affair with someone else using his wife's hard-earned money. It's a very inappropriate thing to do, because it's the same as a man having no dignity unless his veins are broken.

The theme of struggle and justice is very appropriate for this story, the struggle of a Delia is very inspiring to many people that even if they are hurt, there must always be the law of karma that applies, maybe it won't be repaid right away, but it will definitely happen. Like a Sykes always scaring Delia with snakes but in the end it is the snake that pecked her to death, this is called a weapon eating a master and the law of karma must apply. To be in such a position is not easy, but Delia remains patient and steadfast despite being spiritually destroyed by the person she loves, her own husband, who is having an affair with another person named Bertha. I hope that these things can be wiped off the face of the earth, because their existence is of no benefit to those around them, although we know that people must be useful to other people, in a positive way of course.

My opinion of Delia's character is great and not everyone can survive in her position. For Sykes, no more people like him who only hurt a woman's feelings and can only spend money without any effort and even have an affair, that is not worth emulating. And for Bertha, hopefully the door to her heart will be opened that what she did was not good and she must understand that they are both women who must know the feelings of other women when it happens to them. If Sykes can betray Delia, then it is possible that she will be betrayed by Sykes. If Bertha doesn't give in, Sykes won't, and vice versa. So let there be no infidelity, because that one thing can have a negative effect in life, namely the law of karma on oneself for the rotten deeds that one does.

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I felt curious and reflective after finishing "The Mark on the Wall" by Virginia Woolf. The mundane mark turning out to be a snail was unexpected yet thought-provoking, it's show us how we assign deep meaning to simple things.

It reminded me of One night, while staying in a luxurious villa, I was captivated by the view from my window. But as night fell, I realized there were no curtains, and memories of a psychopathic film filled me with fear. I imagined monsters, stalkers or psychopath watching me through the uncovered window 😖. Suddenly, a knock on the door startled me😱, heightening my anxiety. To my relief, it was my aunt😓, bringing me a remote I didn’t know I needed—it controlled the automatic curtains. My fear vanished as the curtains closed, and I laughed at how my imagination had taken over🙃. My imagination spiraled, just like the narrator’s, until a knock at the door brought me back to reality—similar to how the snail grounded the narrator.

The narrator’s wandering thoughts resonated with me. While their musings felt distant at times, I empathized with their need to find meaning in chaos, as I often overthink trivial things too.

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Illustration of the mark on the Wall by Virginia Woolf

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What I think when I finish this story is that it left a big impression on me because I think this story has an interesting story and I feel like I am related to the story. Why do I feel this story is related to me? Because I often do the same actions like the narrator or the main character of the story. The narrator in this story is described as someone who is thinking about something too much or can easily distract from what she thought of before and the other times she was also described to be a person who reflects on her past memories. I do the same things as the narrator is doing like overthinking about something in the past or what I already did.

I also can easily get distracted when I think about something, for example: before I think about “What I am doing today?” And after that i think “Why would I do that?” or “Why should I do this?”, etc. the narrator of this story is also believed to be someone who experienced a traumatic experience because of the impact of world war I has given. And because I read this story, I realized that I often do the same things like the narrator or the main character of this story because I’m a person who thinks about something further how it become when I do it like this or that and I tend to overthink my actions because I don’t want to make any mistakes or regret of what I’m doing.

This story has moral values such as: questioning reality and certainty, value in introspection and freedom from conformity. I often question why my life is so hard, doing introspection of what I have do and also I’m keeping my opinion as a woman to something I feel that doesn’t fit me. But, I prefer to keep it to myself because I'm afraid that I’m not be heard by people because of my gender as a female.

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The story "Sweat" by Zora Neale Hurston evokes a whirlwind of emotions, anger, sadness, awe, empathy, and relief, all at once. It is heartbreaking to think of Delia enduring the abuse and immoral behavior of her husband, Sykes. Knowing he was cheating right in front of her eyes made me feel that he was truly akhlakless. Wasn't it enough to hurt her physically with punches? Why did Sykes have to add another punch to Delia's heart? In other side, I was amazed by Delia's strength in enduring both mental and physical pressure from such an awful man. The ending brought me relief as Sykes slowly met his death and Delia remained silent; that was KARMA.

This story does not relate much to my personal life. I could never be as strong as Delia. In today's world, men like Sykes still exist, and many women like Delia are still out there. However, I refuse to be like Delia. Partners should love and care for each other, not inflict pain. If someone truly loves you, they won't hurt you physically or emotionally.

While I felt some anger towards Delia for not taking action against her husband’s oppression, I understand the societal pressures she faced that made her hesitant to leave him. Nevertheless, the ending was very satisfying for me, justice for Delia.

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After reading the story "The Garden Party" I felt was about the lack of feelings, lack of attention and empathy between people who have more wealth and people who are less wealthy, so that it made me feel confused and mixed up and have emotions to make everything equal without distinguishing social status.

There are several storylines from the story above that are related to I have felt so far. One of them is the situation where the main character tries to stop the party by asking for help from everyone around him because his neighbor is experiencing a disaster, but is rejected and immortalized, so the main character chooses the path and decision to solve his own problems. And this is the same as I have felt in my life, like this photo which depicts a person who continues to stare at the light in front of him that he wants to achieve, for the peace of the environment around him. And the darkness in the photo is depicted as an obstacle and obstacle to reaching the light that will be achieved. By closing this paragraph with the words "there is no peace without resolution and there is no peace without struggle in facing every obstacle that exists"

In this story, I like the figure named "Laura", with her figure has empathy for her neighbors who are experiencing a disaster without looking at their social status, even though her family rejects and ignores her advice, she still has her own decision to resolve and continue to have empathy for her neighbors who are experiencing a disaster. In this case, I was touched by the decision she chose (between her continuing to follow her family who are indifferent to her neighbors or choosing to have her own empathy for her neighbors who are experiencing a disaster).

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The Rocking Horse Winner evokes deep emotion in the readers. I felt connected to Paul’s emotion – the pressure and ambition to please his parents and relate to his struggle to fulfill their expectations by pushing his limits. Even when he was about to die, despite all the effort he put in to gain more money to satisfy the sense of luck expected by his mother, she denied it and insisted that he did not have such luck. This story also critiques human nature, the sense of greed, and the insatiable desire that Paul’s mother has. As we know, we find it roaming around at this very age. After all, to feel fortunate and sufficient is how we react to it. However, if we truly live life with awareness, enjoyment, and gratitude will remain, no matter how small the blessings are, it will allow us to feel truly content.

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Pin by FDC on red | Notes art, Card design, Illustration design

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This Pin was discovered by FDC. Discover (and save!) your own Pins on Pinterest

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My initial reaction when I heard this story was surprise, because at the end of the story it was revealed that the marks on the wall were only from snails. However, it also reminded me of the little things that can unconsciously trigger imaginative worlds in our minds.

This story is very similar to my own experience of imagination, especially when I look up at the clouds. I often look up at the sky to see the beauty of the clouds there, this can also calm my mind. But sometimes I get lost in the changing shapes of the clouds, thinking they resemble animals, letters, or even humans. One of them, when I was in elementary school was during sports class on the school field. When I was resting after sports, I looked up at the sky, which was cloudy, and at that moment I saw a cloud that I thought looked like a moving horse. But when I told my friends, they said that it wasn't a horse like I said, but just an absurdly shaped cloud.

I relate to the first character's introspective and imaginative thinking, because I often overthink things or create complicated things from simple observations. I also admire the main character's openness in letting her thoughts flow without judgment, even when her thoughts seem absurd. In addition, the presence of the second character, who tells us the mark came from the snails, was a necessary counterbalance. It felt like a reminder of how reality eventually intrudes on even the most elaborate daydreams.

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Like an Old Man, I Need a Comfortable Place

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Like an Old Man, I Need a Comfortable Place

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After reading the story “A Clean, Well-Lighted Place” by Ernest Hemingway, I initially felt confused by the beginning of the conversation, but after reading until the end of the story I understood and felt touched by the situation that happened in the café, especially the old man who was looking for comfort. I felt connected to the theme of loneliness and the need to find a comfortable place like the old man. I think, I am also like that old man, when I feel stressed after long days or weeks of activities, classes or other assignments, I need a comfortable place to release all the tiredness, boredom and stress. If the old man's cozy place is a café, then the most cozy place in my opinion is the beach. At the beach, the sound of the wind blowing and the sound of the waves make me feel comfortable and calm, so it is similar to the old man's atmosphere when he is at the café enjoying a clean and bright place. In the story, there were characters that I liked and characters that I didn't like, the first being the old man. I felt empathy for the old man, I understood how it felt to be lonely, especially when he came alone into the café and enjoyed the night and drinks alone. Before that he tried to kill himself, and that made me feel even more sorry for him. The second is the old waiters, I think he's an interesting character, because he doesn't think about himself, he still serves the old man who needs a place to find comfort and peace even though he himself actually wants to go home and close the café. He already knows the meaning of life so he let the old man stay in the café and didn't kick him out. Then the last one is the young waiters, unlike the old man and the old waiters, I think I don't like him, because I think he is selfish and impatient. He only focuses on going home, resting and sleeping. I also think he's rude because when he talks to the old man he's a bit pushy and rude. However, I also don't entirely blame the young waiter, because maybe he doesn't understand what life means yet and maybe when he gets older he will.

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After I heard the story Sweat by Zora Neale, it reminded me of an incident, that was more or less similar to the story, so I once saw a family consisting of a father, mother, and child. In this family, the father is someone who has an uncertain job, while the mother is someone who has a permanent job, so almost all of the household needs to use his wife's money. In this household, the husband often uses a high voice to abuse his wife, but the wife still stays with his husband. One day her husband was so violent towards his wife that a neighbor took her child to secure the child from her husband's anger. Such incidents continued to repeat until one day when her husband committed violence again the wife chose to run away from home and leave the child and her husband, her husband still looked for her in several places but did not find her, finally, the child was entrusted to her sister to take care of. A few days passed until he asked for help from other siblings to bring him and his wife together, at that time there was a wedding of his brother's daughter and that's when his wife reunited him and he also promised not to beat his wife again, finally, he and his wife are back together now.

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After I heard the story Sweat by Zora Neale, it reminded me of an incident more or less similar to the story, so I once saw a family consisting of a father, mother, and child. In this family, the father is someone who has an uncertain job, while the mother is someone who has a permanent job, so almost all of the household needs to use his wife's money. In this household, the husband often uses a high voice to abuse his wife, but the wife still stays with her husband. One day her husband was so violent towards his wife that a neighbor took her child to secure the child from her husband's anger. Such incidents continued to repeat until one day when her husband committed violence again the wife chose to run away from home and leave the child and her husband, her husband still looked for her in several places but did not find her, finally, the child was entrusted to her sister to take care of. A few days passed until he asked for help from another brother to bring him and his wife together, at that time there was a wedding from his brother's daughter and that's where his wife reunited him and he also promised not to beat his wife again, finally, he and his wife are back together now.

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After reading The Garden Party by Katherine Mansfield, I felt both thoughtful and a bit sad. The story begins with the excitement of preparing for a party, which made me feel curious and happy. However, when news of Mr. Scott's death is announced, and Laura reacts with deep emotion, it made me pause and reflect. The ending, where Laura sees the peaceful expression on Mr. Scott’s face and struggles with her emotions, left me thinking deeply. It reminded me how often people focus on their own lives and forget how delicate life can be.

I can relate to Laura’s experience of realizing that life isn’t perfect. When I was younger, I didn’t fully understand how challenging life could be for others. But as I grew older, I started to see that not everyone experiences the same happiness or opportunities. Like Laura, I learned that we sometimes have to face difficult truths, and it’s important to be kind and thankful for what we have.

I admire Laura for her kindness and empathy. Even though her family didn’t seem to care much about their grieving neighbors, Laura did. She chose to visit the Scotts despite the difference in social class and showed them respect. While the Sheridan family focused on appearances and social norms, the Scotts displayed quiet strength during their loss. This contrast left a strong impression on me.

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When the story of “mark on the wall” was retold through a video by presenter, I realize that perception has a big influence on the mind, like the narrator in the story who gets lost in thoughts about a small mark. After watching and listening the video, I actually cannot explain the feelings I feel at that time, I just feel like “this story really really describe me so well”.

“What about my future?...” while staring at the sky. Near my house there is a park, at 7am and when have free time, I often sit or lie down on a chair looking directly at the sky. My mind is like “mark on the wall” from the story, starting a journey of imagination. I start thinking about who I want to become, what I want to achieve, and all the paths my life could take. It's scary ,also slightly exciting. Will I become the person I dream of? What challenges will I face? What opportunities will come my way? My daydreams about the future are like that. One small thought can expand into a whole world of possibilities. Sometimes these thoughts make me feel anxious, and sometimes they make me feel hopeful.

I still have a lot of time about what will happen in my future. my life can take many directions. What matters is that I remain open, curious, and hopeful. So, when I look at the blue sky and have a lot of thought in my imagination, I have unexplainable feeling. I know that my overthinking is maybe not a weakness, but a sign of my creativity, my depth, and my potential to grow.

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Reading The Rocking-Horse Winner gave me a deep emotional experience, where feelings of sadness and empathy were felt. Paul's tragic obsession with bringing luck and wealth to his family ultimately cost him his life, and that is truly sad. Her desperation to please her mother, who shows no emotional affection and silences the whispers that haunt her home, is poignant and disturbing. This illustrates the destructive impact of social and family pressures. I felt empathy for Paul's innocence and determination, but his struggle for recognition felt heartbreaking. This illustrates that this story is closely related to the real world, where many children try to make their parents proud, but in fact most parents are not satisfied with the results given by their children. Meanwhile, the character Hester, her mother, is described as cold and obsessed with wealth. However, behind his nature, there is an emotional struggle that makes him still worthy of pity. This story is so bleak and tragic that it reflects the consequences of equating love with material success, inviting readers to reflect on the many misguided values in life.

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After finishing reading Sweat by Zora Neale Hurston, I felt emotional. On the one hand, I'm really sad about what Delia experienced. He worked hard every day, worked hard to make a living for them. Then what made him angry was Sykes' rough treatment of Delia, with no sense of gratitude at all. But at the end of the story, I was really relieved. It felt like everything Sykes did ultimately came back on him. When he tried to hurt Delia in a really cunning way, it turned out he was the one who got hit. That was a moment that really made me satisfied. I feel there is justice for Delia.

I feel related to Delia's struggle to survive even though the situation is difficult. She works hard every day to make ends meet, but ends up living under the pressure of her husband who doesn't appreciate her efforts at all. That made me think about examples that I often see around, where a woman works hard to provide for her family, but her husband doesn't do anything. Instead of helping, it actually creates problems. Just like Sykes, he doesn't work, he's just a nuisance, and even pretends to be powerful. In situations like this, I feel it is very important for us, both women and men, not to allow injustice like that. If there are people who are just living their lives without contributing, but instead doing whatever they want, we must have the courage to speak up or take a stand. And we as women must have the courage to say "enough!" when we can no longer continue to accept bad treatment. Because if we just keep quiet then there will be no change, and the toxic ones will continue to feel like they can act as they please.

Here I really admire Delia's character. Her struggle to earn a living alone makes me sympathize with her strong and patient character, despite years of being treated badly by her husband. On the other hand, I really dislike Sykes because of his cruelty and arrogance. His constant demeaning behavior towards Delia made me view him as (sorry) a detestable character, and his ultimate fate felt very fitting for Sykes.

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My first reaction after hearing the story of “The Rocking Horse Winner” was shock because there is someone who has been given life and also needs that are actually enough to fulfill life's needs, but he is still not satisfied with it. To the point that his son sacrificed everything to be able to please the mother's heart, which ended miserably. And also when I heard this story, my feelings were mixed between empathy and anger.

I felt empathy for Paul because he mobilized everything just for his mother, who was thirsty for money; he also sacrificed himself just to get his mother's love. From this story I feel related because in today's world many people justify all means so as not to be left behind by viral trends, and also in this modern era many people want to get money quickly illegally, such as playing online gambling, which is rampant. And also nowadays there are still parents who think that the child needs more material to fulfill his life, but in reality many children feel less affection from their parents. And the character of Paul made me feel empathy because he was willing to spend his youth to please his mother but in the wrong way until he was obsessed with winning, which ultimately caused harm to himself. And from this story, I realized that when we only follow social standards, wealth will destroy not only ourselves but also our loved ones.

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After reading "A Hunger Artist" by Franz Kafka, I felt touched and sad. The story is about someone's struggle to gain recognition, but still feels ignored. The deep loneliness in this story is very familiar to me.

Since I was little, my father always asked me to be the best. In middle school, I entered the state school of my father's choice even though it wasn't the one I wanted. There, I had to continue ranking 1st, meeting the expectations of my father who thought the school was not good. I succeeded, but there was no appreciation at all.

When I was in high school in the islamic boarding school. There, my roommate ranked 4th, and his parents were very proud. Anything he asked for was immediately bought. Meanwhile, I am ranked 1st again, but still nothing has changed. My father never even took my report card since elementary school. I just want to hear one sentence: "Daddy is proud of you." But it never came out. My mother died when I was little, so the only appreciation I expected was from my father, but he was always silent.

I thought, what have I done this far? It felt like there was nothing to expect from me. Even ranking 1st means nothing if no one is proud or appreciates it.

The starving artist in this story is so relatable. I totally understand the frustration, fighting hard only to be ignored. Kafka succeeded in showing how painful it is when someone's hard work is never appreciated.

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After reading “A Clean, Well-Lighted Place,” I was stunned by the theme. The story may seem simple, but it can actually explore feelings that we often experience and sometimes hide. I feel that this story relates to my own experience, where I sometimes feel lonely or ignored.

For example, when I'm at a crowded social event where everyone is chatting and having fun, sometimes I feel alienated. Even though there's laughter and fun all around, I sometimes feel like an uninvolved observer. I try to join the conversation, but most of the time, my words are not interesting. This feeling sometimes makes me feel hurt, especially when I see other people looking so friendly and happy. It makes me think, what's wrong with me? Moments like this make me realize that loneliness can arise even in a crowd, and it makes me appreciate the places where I feel comfortable and accepted.

In addition, I felt empathy towards both characters, even though they had different views. The older waiter, with a lot of life experience, was better able to understand the customer's feelings and the importance of creating a comfortable atmosphere. On the other hand, the young waiter seemed more indifferent and self-centered. I understand that young people are often more self-interested and less sensitive to the feelings of others. This difference in perspective made me reflect on how the way we see the world can affect our interactions with others.

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The story "Sweat" by Zora Neale Hurston made me feel the pain experienced by Delia after reading the story. The emotion inside me increased when I found out how Sykes treated his own wife, Delia. Although what Delia experienced doesn't really relate to my personal life, as someone who has seen similar things, I was quite concerned about what Sykes did. Even those threats should not have been made by Sykes. This story really brought me to a feeling that is hard to explain. I really disliked Sykes' selfish and arrogant character, but I also slightly disliked Delia's character of being a weak woman. Even so, I still liked Delia and was on her side because women don't deserve that kind of treatment at any time.

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After I read “The Mark on the Wall” by Virginia Woolf, I felt confused. how could someone's thoughts become such a meaningful short story. This story frustrated me. At first I was confused about what the author really wanted to convey. Then I read it over and over again until I could conclude that this story only tells about the fleeting thoughts of the narrator.

The situation experienced by the main character in the story “The Mark on the Wall” by Virginia Woolf I often experience in the real world. Especially when I'm daydreaming or waiting for someone. At first I'm just thinking about what I'm seeing, then suddenly my mind jumps to memories of the past, and an instant later I'm thinking about my future.

I don't really like the characters of the story “The Mark on the Wall” by Virginia Woolf. It's not clear who the main character is. Then how “someone” got there, and who he was, I don't know either. This made me very confused.

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ᴛʀᴀᴘᴘᴇᴅ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛ 🍃

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ᴛʀᴀᴘᴘᴇᴅ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛ 🍃

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After the reading of ‘The Mark on the wall’ by Virginia Woolf, I do clearly remember having got the feeling in my body used in the story and the sensation of confusion. In this piece of literature, the mark on the wall has been addressed, and, in conclusion, I could only come up with what has been going on in my mind — the existence and the meaning of existence at that time. What I liked most can be described by a concept of the sign and the signifier as the means of perceiving reality and we ourselves as part of this reality. This means that I involve myself in thinking hard and deep which actually leads to finding problems as well as expectations. This attitude I can refer to the protagonist who has existential anxiety in relation to the reality and the goals though the search was of the meaning of this existence was my own. Sometimes I did not even fully understand her feeling, this is where I was being considerate of vulnerability portrayed and this feeling of entrapment in this story.

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Chasing a dream is like chasing a shadow.

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Chasing a dream is like chasing a shadow.

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After reading the story "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" by Ambrose Bierce, I felt confused with the plot created by the author. At the beginning of the story, I saw a tense atmosphere because the main character was going to be executed, then I felt happy because he managed to escape the execution. But the end of the story was very surprising because it turned out that all of that was just a dream from the main character that looked very real. In fact, he had indeed died in the execution by the soldiers.

During my life, maybe this story is more similar to my experience when I feel frustrated with life and want to get away from all problems. I always dream of being able to live happily and not have any problems. But I realize that reality sometimes feels bitter and we have to accept it patiently.

I don't really like the main character, he is too ambitious and doesn't think about what happens in the future. Although he is not entirely wrong, I am a little disappointed with his actions. In fact, I empathize more with his family who have to live without him because of the main character's carelessness.

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My reaction after hearing the presentation about "The Garden Party" by Katherine Mansfield made me think about how people can live such different lives, even though they are close to each other. I was surprised that the story combined the joy of the party with the sadness of someone’s death, which felt unusual and uncomfortable. I also noticed that the story didn’t explain how Laura felt at the end. It made me wonder what she really learned about life and death.

The whole story emphasized the situations where people live very different lives side by side, which is made me realized about how wealth and privilege can create a big gap between people. Laura’s family was rich and happy, planning a big party, while the family next door was dealing with the death of someone they loved. I understood how Laura felt uncomfortable in this situation because I also feel uneasy when I see unfairness in how people live. Her wish to show kindness to the grieving family made me think about how I try to be kind and care for others, even if it’s something difficult to do.

Personally, I liked Laura the most because she was kind and wanted to understand people who were different from her. She wasn’t perfect, but she seemed genuinely cared about others. Her visit to the family who had lost someone showed that she wanted to connect with them and understand their pain. On the other hand, I didn’t like Laura’s family, as they were only focused on having a good time at their party, and didn't consider how inappropriate it might seem. Although, I know that canceling a party is not easy, especially after all of the efforts and worked hard, also they didn’t think it needed to be changed because of something that didn’t directly affect them. But still, this attitude showed a lack of empathy for others. It’s a complex situation, and both perspectives that continuing with the party and showing empathy are understandable in different ways. Overall, the characters made me think about how our actions and attitudes can deeply affect others, especially when they are going through tough times.

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After reading “Sweat” by Zora Neale Hurston, it made me think of the law of planting and reaping. The bad treatment done by Sykes will definitely get its karma. Sykes who was bitten by the snake that he used to scare Delia is a picture of the karma he got because he behaved and treated Delia badly. This made me aware and became a reminder for me to always do good to everyone, if I treat others badly then I will get their karma. On the other hand, I salute and admire Delia's patience, she is so strong and tries to keep going.

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When I finished reading "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge", I was really surprised and saddened by the ending. I thought Farquhar had escaped and was finally safe, but in reality, it was all an illusion in his mind.

This story made me think about how our minds can shape a version of reality that seems completely real, especially when we’re in difficult or hopeless situations. I'm kind of like that too, because sometimes, when I feel hopeless about my current situation, I dream of getting something great, even though my dreams do not align with the reality. And then, dreams will merely remain as dreams.

As I thought more about Farquhar, I realized I had mixed feelings about him. I admired his courage and determination to escape, but on the other hand, I questioned his choice that led him to that bridge. I empathized with his fear and his longing to return to his family, which made me feel sad for him. The soldiers didn’t really stand out to me as characters, but they helped the situation feel realistic and intense.

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When I heard the mark on the wall by Virginia Woolf, I feel and think that the main character in the story was similar to me. I often do the same thing like her. Maybe as a human being its a normal and  natural thing to do, especially a woman that likes to think, think and think again,  then get stuck in a maze of my mind, even though it's just a little or simple thing. For example, when I want to go to bed and want to sleep, I just stare at the ceiling and then let my mind take me wherever it wants to go, thinking about something that already happened or even not happened yet. Or sometimes i  get distracted while doing something, like when i’m doing something suddenly my mind flashbacks to the past when i do something else and i started to question everything, “why i do that at that time?” “Why didn't I say this before?” “why i say that?” and many more, then my mind goes around wherever it want to go. And the result is that I don't do what I should have done in the first place because of that. Also sometimes all I think about  is just me, myself and i. i didnt think about the other people, because I was trapped in my own mind. Overthinking was a simple thing but really complicated because like the name, we like to over when think about something, and I personally think that is not good. And now i try not to overthink about anything, just go with the flow.

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The garden was full of the sound of happy voices, but to Laura it was as if the music had stopped

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The garden was full of the sound of happy voices, but to Laura it was as if the music had stopped

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After finishing The Garden Party, I felt a mixture of sadness and concern. The ending, where Laura sees dead people, was very shocking and emotional. It made me think deeply about the differences between Laura’s world and the world that other people live in. I wondered if Laura could or would change that at the end of the story.

The story made me think about how easy it is to ignore other people’s struggles when life feels good. Like Laura, I sometimes don’t realize how different my life is from others who may be struggling. The theme of privilege reminded me to pay more attention and empathy to people who are facing hardships, and that empathy is always there and comes when I see people who are less fortunate in their lives facing hardships that I myself have not experienced.

I liked Laura because she seemed kind and open-minded, even though she was a bit naive. I empathized with her struggle to understand the world outside of her privileged life. Her family, especially her mother, seemed shallow and only focused on appearances, which frustrated me. The way Laura tries to connect with the grieving family at the end of the story shows her growth, and it makes me hopeful for her future.

This story made me think about empathy and understanding people from different backgrounds, which is an important lesson for everyone. Life is all just a question of attitude, isn't it?

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Something that I felt after reading "The Mark on the Wall" was an abstract feeling because it had very broad assumptions. Something seemingly trivial, like a mark on a wall, becomes an entry point to deep philosophical exploration. At first, I felt a little confused by the narrator's incomprehensible train of thought, but by the end of the story I realized that it reflects how our minds work in the real world. Explains that the mysteries of life often have deep answers about introspection, especially how we perceive reality and give meaning to the small things around us. This story also provides a sense of calm, reminding me that the beauty of life is often found in moments of calm, simple thought and observation.

Just as when I look at the ocean I make it an object of tranquility. Because Just as the narrator in Woolf's story is lost in the flow of his thoughts. The ocean can bring people into a state of deep and boundless contemplation. providing moments of introspection and self-awareness is like the rise and fall of ocean waves. Because sometimes we can be lulled by a situation. That's why I always go to the beach. Apart from the fact that my house is in a beach area, one of the advantages is that I can calm myself down and look for answers to every doubt that is on my mind. Even a small sign in Woolf's story has a broad meaning, let alone an object as big as an ocean.

Although the main character has no name, he is only mentioned as the narrator, whose inner thoughts and musings form the core of the narrative. While there isn't much action or conflict between the characters, I found the narrator to be quite interesting. The narrators come away feeling connected, as if their reflections are a reminder that even in solitude or seemingly trivial moments, we share the same thoughts and uncertainties about life.

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After finishing "A Hunger Artist," I felt a mix of surprise and sadness. The story was quite unusual and a bit confusing at first. It was about a man who starved himself as a form of art, which is not something you hear about every day. I felt sorry for the artist because he seemed lonely and misunderstood by the people around him and sometimes i feel understand that the artist is in search of validation that "this is art chat, why you all can notice it?”. For real, this story made me think about times when I felt like people didn't understand me or my interests. The hunger artist was very dedicated to his art, just like I am when dedicating somethings like my hobbies and passions. Sometimes, others don't see the value in what I love Including my parents😮‍💨, and that can be frustrating. The theme of wanting recognition and feeling isolated reminded me of moments when I wished people could see things from my perspective. I had mixed feelings about the hunger artist. On one hand, I admired his dedication and strong will. He was determined to continue his fasting even when it became unpopular. On the other hand, I felt sad that he didn't have anyone who truly understood or supported him. The people around him seemed more interested in the spectacle than in understanding his true feelings.

Peace✌🏻

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A Clean, Well-Lighted Place" by Ernest Hemingway

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A Clean, Well-Lighted Place" by Ernest Hemingway

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At first I read this story it was just ordinary. But after a while I don't know why when I started to understand the contents of the story I felt pity. The story is good, it touches our brains a little to think further.

From this story, what I caught the most was how people's perspectives are different. In my opinion, here it really applies to don't judge a book by its cover. From this story it is given from the perspective of the waiter who serves the old man. Here we are indirectly told that people's perspectives are different. The old waiter understands the condition of the old man very well because he might be able to feel what he feels. While from the younger waiter, according to him, the old man only spends his time with useless things. Maybe here the implicit thing is that we cannot limit what other people think when they see us.

This story made me a little aware that maybe we should reduce the frequency of commenting on other people who we don't even know who they are.

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After finishing reading "The Garden Party" by Katherine Mansfield, I felt emotional and touched, especially at the end of the story. When Laura visited the Scott family home and saw Mr. Scott's body, I felt a deep mixture of feelings. On one hand, there was sadness because of death itself, but on the other hand, there was also a sense of peace. Mr. Scott's face was so calm, reminding me of death, although painful for those left behind, but it can also be a peaceful ending for those who have experienced it. I felt that this ending touched a reflective side in me, making me think about the meaning of life and death.

I felt this part was very relevant to my personal experience. When my parents died, I also felt deep sadness. Losing them was a very difficult moment, but at the same time, I also found peace. I knew that they no longer felt the pain or suffering that existed in this world. Just as Laura saw the peace on Mr. Scott's face, I also had the belief that my parents had rested in peace. This moment taught me to accept loss with gratitude and peace, even though the longing never really went away.

Laura's character made me feel sympathy. She is a young girl from the upper class, but she has a soft heart and is full of empathy. I admire her efforts to understand the grief of others, even though it is outside of her comfortable life experience. However, I felt frustrated with her family who seemed indifferent at first to the tragedy around them. Laura's family's attitude reflects the importance of social status differences that often occur in life, which assumes that those of lower social status are not considered important to them.

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The ending of Sweat by Zola Neale Hurston made me very satisfied because Sykes died. Sykes was wrong because he was very arrogant and evil, but I was also upset because Delia let herself be treated like that for 15 years. I felt deep emotions when reading Sykes's bad treatment. Although I have never experienced an incident like Delia, I also felt disappointed. Delia has trusted Sykes to live with him, but he repaid her badly. The story made me think more carefully and be aware in the future when choosing a partner. I think it's better to get married without rushing, choosing the right partner and time. But I think Delia's patience needs to be emulated. I quite like Delia's character, maybe because I can't be as patient as her. And I will try to be more patient in the future.

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Being a person who always relied on is not good

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Being a person who always relied on is not good

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I just wonder if I have many friends I'll be fine, my life is going to be a great. But no...

When I read "A Clean, Well Lighted Place" By Ernest Hemingway I learn when I have anything that I want or whatever I need, I'm still lonely. Maybe I just work so hard, and I'm always being independent person, I can't say that I need some help to the other. So it's just my mine that said "you have nothing to be proud of" And sometimes I think I'm just tired for all of this, and what I need is just take a moment to have a break. Someone said "you have take a rest but don't give up, everything that you have done in this life have an impact for you in the future, I'm promise for you, you can't get anything for now but, on two or three years later you'll see" My friend told me that and its just happened for me I can do anything. For now I have to take a rest again. It's so tired when you keep going through all of the problem that you have you see the solution but it everyone can't see it, not a personal stuff but many stuff that include some of people.

I have a group chat that always listen my story whatever it is, even my story about girl, organization, my whole life. They don't laugh at me, they always support me for everything. Thanks guys, for me it such a amazing friends because it doesn't matter how many friends that you have but, you always have a friends that always be in your side and support you.

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After reading the short story ‘The Garden Party’ written by Katherine Mansfield, I realised that caste still exists today. Today's caste is almost the same as it was back then. That is, where the most powerful people or rich people treat the less fortunate people with treatment that is almost like being enslaved and degraded by their caste.

However, not all of them have this trait. There is a small group that has empathy for others as seen in Laura's trait. There is also a transformation in Laura's character after she visits Mr Scott's house to pay her last respects. After the visit she begins to realise her arrogance and indifference to the suffering of others.

This incident helped her develop empathy and social awareness. And because of this incident, she discovered what the meaning of life is. Through Mr Scott's death, he realised that worldly pleasures are temporary and that there are more important things in life than luxury and pleasure.

Laura's journey from a selfish girl to a more caring and empathetic person was a spiritual journey. Her experiences taught her the importance of humility and compassion.

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Through the Eyes of the Artist: Validation, Sacrifice, and Identity

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Through the Eyes of the Artist: Validation, Sacrifice, and Identity

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After reading “A Hunger Artist” by Franz Kafka, I was initially shocked by what the artist did. I began to wonder what the reason was that made him fast and not eat anything like that. When my friend finished telling this story, my classmates had several perspectives on why the artist fasted. The discussion was very exciting because we all tried to find the reason why the old man fasted and did not eat anything. This discussion was very exciting because we all tried to find the reason why the old man fasted and did not eat anything. Until finally we all found the right reason if the old man fasted and did not eat anything because he felt that there was no food that suited his taste. In this story, Franz Kafka also indirectly touched on human life in the era of modernism. Maybe that's what makes this story stick in my memory so much compared to other stories. “A Hunger Artist” by Franz Kafka explores themes such as isolation, the search for validation, and the pursuit of artistic or personal goals, often at the expense of societal understanding. I found the starving artist’s struggle for validation to be reminiscent of times when I’ve worked hard and the results weren’t appreciated by others. When faced with such experiences, I sometimes felt frustrated because I had to make them understand how valuable it was to me. This theme of isolation resonates with my own experiences of choosing paths that felt lonely—like focusing too much on academic work or volunteering in ways that others might find too idealistic. Like The Hunger Artist, it often felt like a spectacle, with others only judging from the outside without really understanding the purpose or effort behind it. The story also serves as a reminder of the dangers of seeking too much validation from others. I believe that while external validation can be fun, self-fulfillment and inner motivation are more important so that we don’t lose ourselves in the pursuit of approval. The character in this story, the starving artist, made me feel uneasy with everything he did, from purposely not eating anything to being exploited just to get validation from others. Honestly, I don’t like the hunger artist’s attempts to torture himself for validation. I think he could have done something else to get people to recognize his abilities instead of torturing himself. So pay attention to yourself, because no one can pay attention to you as well as yourself.

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I felt surprised by the slightly odd concept of the story that Franz Kafka brought up. The plot is actually quite simple, but to understand the meaning of the story, you really have to use your brain. Honestly, there are many opinions about what Franz Kafka meant, but the more opinions there are, the more interesting the story becomes.

The character of the hunger artist and the panther represent me. The hunger artist who want validation about everything, without thinking his own self is just the old me. Who won everything just for validation from parents, friends and any others. However the phanter is representing myself right now who want to living without any complisment. Just want to be myself, and strong mental just like big cat mentality.

The hunger artist : Pathetic (The principal is very pathetic because it wants things in the form of validation)

The Impresario : Shady (Make the hunger artist die just for money and attention)

The Audience : Just like real life humans who like viral things, just f

or fun.

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A Moment of Peace in the Chaos of Solitude

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A Moment of Peace in the Chaos of Solitude

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After reading the short story "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place" by Ernest Hemingway, I was overcome by a subtle yet profound sadness about loneliness. The image of the old man who routinely visits a quiet cafe alone made me reflect and ask myself: do I also have a place that truly gives me peace?

Well, I often find myself in situations of loneliness, just like the old man in the story. When that happens, I prefer to go to the places that offer me peace and a chance to refresh my mind, such as outdoor cafes or libraries. Some people might ask, "If you're lonely, why not go to crowded places or hang out with a group of friends to chase the loneliness away?" But even though I feel lonely, what I need is a quiet place with people around who make me feel "present" and "connected" without the need to interact with them. I usually cope myself by doing things I enjoy while being alone in that places, such as listening to music, reading books, or playing games. And eventually, the feelings of loneliness goes away by itself.

Also this story made me empathize with the old man, especially when it was mentioned that he had attempted suicide. From his story, I realized that everyone has their own way of dealing with loneliness and emptiness. While I may not feel the extreme despair he experienced, the story reminded me that even small acts, like finding a comforting place, can be a way to escape the void.

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not mine 🫧 | Dream life, Study inspiration, Study motivation

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This Pin was discovered by karen!!. Discover (and save!) your own Pins on Pinterest

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After finishing “Sweat” by Zora Neale Hurston, I felt a deep sense of justice and relief. In the story, Delia is described as a woman who works hard to earn a living even though that is not a wife's duty. Sometimes getting bad treatment from her husband makes me feel sad when I read it. The ending, in which Delia's abusive husband Sykes suffers the consequences of her actions, is powerful and unsettling. but the ending also made me think about how much he had to endure to get to that point. The intensity of the story, especially in the final scenes, really made an impression on me. The way Hurston builds tension makes the outcome feel surprising.

This story made me think of the strength people show when facing difficult relationships. Delia’s persistence reminded me of people in my own life who have quietly endured hardships and eventually reclaimed their independence. Her dedication to her work and refusal to let her circumstances completely crush her spirit were particularly inspiring. I also connected with the theme of justice, how the harm we inflict on others often has a way of circling back to us. It made me reflect on my own values about standing up for oneself and the importance of accountability in relationships.

I admire Delia's character because her strength and patience throughout the story. She carried herself with dignity even when life seemed unbearable, and I couldn’t help but root for her. Her growth, especially in the face of Sykes’ abuse, was powerful to witness. Honestly, I disliked Sykes intensely. His arrogance and cruelty made him a character you couldn’t sympathize with, so when his own actions turned against him, it felt like justice.

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If you ask me "have you ever felt unappreciated and ununderstood by the people around you?" the answer is "yes, I've always experienced it". I am a person who has a passion for graphic design, but is still underestimated by my family, and the people around me, as if what I do is just a useless thing like playing games and wasting time, just like the story of "a hunger artist" by Franz Kafka that I just read recently, an artist who shows fasting as an expression of art but is only consider just an entertainment by his audience, even when he moves elsewhere, it means nothing, not considered, as if he is isolated and cannot show his artistic expression. So far I've realized one thing, that even the slightest appreciation is important, at least a brief compliment is very meaningful.

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“An Occurrence on Owl Creek Bridge” by Ambrose Bierce amazed me at how much it matched with my expectations and also with my life, even the lives of people on this earth in general. I felt shocked and a little heartbroken after finishing it. The twist at the end was unexpected. The story made me realize again what is real and what only exists in our minds. This made me think about the creation of simple perception in our minds can change any situation in our lives.

In my own life, I relate to this story because of course in life there is always hope in our difficult times. Farquhar's hope to escape from the army and return to his family reminds me of the times I held on to hope even when the situation seemed hopeless. Sometimes, when we face difficult things, we create hope or the illusion of moving forward, even though it is not real. This story made me reflect on how sad and fragile I am.

When it comes to character, it makes me think about how strong people's beliefs are and how they can encourage us to take risks that don't always end well.

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DALL·E 2024-12-03 22.28.38 - A simple, peaceful scene of a person standing by a calm lake at sunset, surrounded by soft, fading light. The atmosphere is quiet and serene, with sub

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Katherine Mansfield's The Garden Party is a short story that depicts the sharp contrast between the luxurious life of the Sheridan family and the poverty of the Scott family, and explores themes of social class, empathy and the transience of life. When I read this story, at first, I felt that it was normal, because I thought that this story had been seen in many soap operas or stories from people in Indonesia. However, I was still surprised that there are still people who lack empathy like Laura's mother. I also wondered why Laura's character was different from her mother, she still had empathy, even a lot of it. However, my lecturer explained that at Laura's age, she was still in a period of self-discovery, so it was natural that Laura's nature and her mothers were different. The story also relates to my thoughts when I realized that in my own neighborhood, there are still many social inequalities such as the difference between people who are well-off and those who are not. This can be seen in where they live, because in my neighborhood, people who are well-off have a more than decent place to live, while people who are less well-off have a place that can even be called inappropriate. Meanwhile, when I pass by or am in a school environment, I see that there is a social inequality that is quite visible to the eye, namely when there are children who are picked up by four-wheeled vehicles and there are mobile snack sellers who only ride motorbikes when they sell or make a living at the school. In this case, the correlation is that there are also many social inequalities that are quite visible to the eye and without being felt. I feel that God created a complex life in this world, which means that every human being is created to complement and fulfill each other's lives. Imagine if everyone was in the same social class as Laura, then who would help Laura's family work like the working class did in Mr. Scott's neighborhood. So, I realized that all humans are created with the best of creations, even their destiny is also destined very fairly. This can be seen in Mr. Scott's family, which is full of warmth and peace, and Laura herself is surprised by this situation. She realizes that not everything in this world is about money and wealth, but it can also be about contentment and peace. In my own opinion, having wealth is a privilege that we should be grateful for. When we are not thinking about the economy, then one burden in our lives is gone, imagine if we are sad, we can cry in a luxury car or take a vacation to treat our sadness. However, it's not just a stable economy, a supportive and warm family and environment are also needed. If you look at The Garden Party, the two different stories have two different sides in enjoying their lives. In Laura's family, they are happier with the wealth they have, while in Mr. Scott's family, they are warm and think that just enough is enough. In this story, I didn't like Laura's mother because she lacked empathy with others, but I really liked Laura because she was able to realize and empathize with people whose economic status was below her family. As for Mr. Scott's family, I liked them because the author portrayed them as a warm family, as seen when Laura visited Mr. Scott during his death. I feel that in this world there should be people like Laura and families like Mr. Scott's family.

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A Personal Reflection on "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge"

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A Personal Reflection on "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge"

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I often find myself lost in reverie, adrift in the currents of my own imagination. It's a familiar escape, a comforting retreat from the sometimes harsh realities of daily life. These daydreams, these flights of fancy, often take on a life of their own, weaving intricate tapestries of possibility and "what if." Reading Bierce's "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" ignited a particularly potent example of this internal world, a vivid exploration of the power of the human mind to distort and reshape time itself.

I was immediately captivated by Peyton Farquhar's desperate struggle for survival, his consciousness clinging to life even as his physical body teetered on the precipice of death. The narrative's masterful manipulation of chronology, its seamless blending of reality and illusion, resonated deeply within me. I found myself questioning the very nature of time itself – is it linear, a relentless march forward? Or is it, as Bierce suggests, malleable, susceptible to the whims of our perception?

I identified with Farquhar's desperate clinging to hope. In my own daydreams, I often find myself rewriting narratives, altering outcomes, indulging in fantasies of triumph and escape. Like Farquhar, I find myself transported to different times and places, experiencing moments of intense emotion – joy, fear, exhilaration – all within the confines of my own mind. I imagine myself overcoming obstacles, achieving impossible feats, experiencing the kind of profound freedom that Farquhar briefly tastes in his imagined escape.

It is a fascinating paradox, this ability to simultaneously experience the immediacy of the present and the vast expanse of the past and future within the confines of a single moment. I think of the moments in my own life when time seemed to stretch, compress, or even reverse itself – moments of intense fear or profound joy, where the boundaries between reality and imagination blurred. These experiences, I realize, mirror the subjective experience of time that Bierce so masterfully portrays in his story.

I believe that the power of "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" lies not only in its masterful storytelling but also in its exploration of the human psyche. It's a story that invites introspection, that prompts us to examine our own relationship with time, memory, and the power of imagination. It reminds me of the importance of cherishing the present moment, of acknowledging the fleeting nature of time, and of recognizing the profound impact that our internal worlds can have on our perception of reality. I will undoubtedly revisit this story again, allowing its intricate narrative to further unfold within the landscape of my own thoughts.

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After reading "Sweat" by Zora Neale Hurston, I felt a mix of anger and admiration. The story made me feel frustrated for the main character, Delia, because of how her husband treated her. But I also felt admiration for her strength and determination to overcome everything she faced, especially at the end when she takes control of her life.

The story reminded me of the importance of standing up for oneself and having the strength to walk away from toxic situations. Delia's ability to endure her hardships and then take control of her life made me think about how sometimes we have to be strong and make difficult decisions for our own well-being, even if it’s hard.

I felt sympathy for Delia because she was mistreated by her husband, but I also admired her courage. She didn’t let his cruelty break her spirit. On the other hand, I disliked her husband, Sykes, because of how he treated her. His selfishness and cruelty made me angry, and I was glad to see Delia finally gain the strength to stand up to him.

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I found "The Mark on the Wall" really resonated with me. It was like a mirror to my own moments of deep, unrestricted daydreaming.. I often let my thoughts drift freely, just like the narrator in the story. I do this when I'm lying down looking at my ceiling, watching a candle flicker in the dark, or while looking at the road. We've all been there, haven't we? That feeling when you're on too many thoughts or when your mind just shifts when you're silent. Sometimes, I worry about indulging in these thoughts too much. But this story has really helped me to understand that it's okay to just go with the flow of my own thoughts. After all, it's all part of understanding life's little mysteries and finding meaning in the everyday. And as they say— not every question needs an answer! So, don’t overthink it—just enjoy the moments✨

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After listening to the short story "The Mark on the Wall" by Virginia Woolf presented by group 5, my first reaction was, "oh wow! this really relates to me!". This short story left me with strong emotions. This story illustrates how small things—like a mark on the wall—can trigger broad thoughts about life, time, and reality. In our daily lives, we often find ourselves contemplating trivial things. This means that life is often full of confusion and doubt. The mark on the wall becomes a metaphor for how individuals view the world. In life, what we consider important often depends on our perspective, which can change over time or circumstances. This story is also a reflection on how memory works. The narrator connects the mark on the wall to various past memories, and this shows how memory can shape the way we see the world.

It reminds me of small moments in my life when something simple—like a mark or stain or shadow on the wall—encourages me to reflect on many things. When I have nothing to do, I usually lie down in my room, staring at the wall. My mind likes to wander everywhere. thinking and contemplating the past, the future, other people's expectations of me, pets, can I be a good person until I die? can I be successful in the future? is my soulmate a human or the angel of death? and many more.

I like the characters—who are unnamed. I empathize with the narrator's struggle to find a definite answer, because I myself have had difficulty focusing my thoughts, and sometimes feel trapped in a spiral of thought. I understand how difficult it is to control the flow of thoughts and feelings, and how it can make us feel confused and hopeless.

I feel a little disappointed with the narrator. He is too obsessed with the mark on the wall, so that he loses touch with the outside world. He does not try to find a rational explanation for the mark, and he lets his imagination take over.

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When I first heard and read the story “The Rocking Horse Winner” I felt mixed feelings such as confusion, anger, sadness because I felt it was unfair for a child. Paul didn't deserve that treatment that a child as small as Paul should just play, but instead he had to think about and share the economic burden of his family. And this story is very relatable to my life, where as the first child who is always burdened with the doctrine of having to support the family.

I really like Paul's character where he tries to make his mother happy. He has a strong determination and never complains. Even until the end of his life he was still trying to make his mother happy. and it really made me more motivated to become a stronger person and never complain about what I was living.