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English 202:  Padlet Thoughts and Connections

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English 202:  Padlet Thoughts and Connections

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During the semester, I learned about so many different meanings of short stories and poems, plus learning the ability to analyze them. Using the literature is a window or a mirror theory, I choose seven different literary works to talk about as well as the addition of one song. I found that I had a connection to each poem/short story I wrote about, making this final project important to me as well as adding to learning in this literature course.

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3. My Favorite work of the semester: "Yellow Woman" by Leslie Marmon Silko.

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3. My Favorite work of the semester: "Yellow Woman" by Leslie Marmon Silko.

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I chose this short story as my favorite work this semester because it challenged me the most. I had to re-read it twice before I started to grasp the message and the analysis behind it. I found it to be so mysterious, and partly dark, but also the connection both characters has toward each other. I liked how we get to see into both the man and woman's lives, as well their perspective on how the affair initially happened.  I also liked how we see both spiritual and influential ancient myths incorporated into the story.

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The High Road- one of my favorite songs, mostly connects to how life will continuously throw challenges your way, and you have to chose to either overcome them or let them hurt you. Life is non-stop and I finally think I am going down the correct path, that will lead me to a brighter and happy future, but I also have had a lot of internal struggle over the past two years that led to me go to school and again and get my degree. For this reason I believe this song is a mirror. Having empathy for others as well going through changes both positive and negative, I have learned so much about myself and who I want to be, and the importance of surrounding myself with people that support and love me and spread positivity.

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I thought of this short story as a "coming to age" realization. I thought A&P was a literature as a window story. Sammy goes through multiple changes as a the story progresses. from the realization that he doesn't like the way the girls are objectified by some of his fellow co-workers, to wanting to quit his job, I saw the connection to the cultural and ethical questions portion of the window theory. However, I also wanted to mention how literature as a mirror also connects to the story. I felt empathy for the way Sammy ponders quitting his job to better his future, as I have been in the same situation over the past year with everything going with the changing restaurant industry due to COVID. I quit a job that seemed like the most stable way to make money, even though it was not at the time. And because of that, I am in a much better place financially, and emotionally.

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Analysis of "Rocket Night" by Alexander Weinstein.

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Analysis of "Rocket Night" by Alexander Weinstein.

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Rocket night was the other story that really made think about how I would feel as a parent that has a child who is thought to be "Different" which causes them to launch him up into space for eternity. That being said, I also believed this was a literature as a mirror theory. The common theme "society versus outsider" is seen throughout the story, and if you can't fit in, you are exiled. I felt a lot of empathy for the kid that was treated differently as I had a few of the same experiences growing up. I grew up in a pretty wealthy village, Whitefish Bay but I definitely didn't fit that snobby "rich kid" stereotype. I for that reason was bullied a few times because I wasn't wearing the "best brand" of clothing. This story had a dark ending as well, and created feelings while I read it.

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Analysis of "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson.

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Analysis of "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson.

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When I first read this story, It gave me a dark and horror story feel. I definitely thought this connected to literature as a mirror. I almost felt a rollercoaster of emotions since the story started as a usual gathering that as a reader I thought would have a happy ending. When I discovered that they were drawing names for a village person to be murdered, I immediately felt empathy for the poor woman getting stoned to death. It showed me that I really shouldn't take any tradition for granted, as this one had a negative impact on Tessie's family, when she didn't think it was possible to actually be picked to die. When you expect a certain outcome, it may in fact be the opposite.

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I also believe that "Araby" fits into literature as a window. The context throughout the story contains a strong influence of religion in a small sheltered environment. I felt a connection to how he realizes he has a crush and love for Mangan's sister and then later realizing it wasn't meant to be. That in a way connects to the realness of humanity and how a relationship may show promise, but ends when the narrator discovers he is not interested in the relationship. Additionally, the cultural aspect adds thought to how a relationship may seem like a good idea, until you realize the person isn't right for you, or promptly end it. It is important to listen to what your mind and heart tell you.

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Analysis of "Queer Theory: According to My Grandmother" by Richard Blanco. 

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Analysis of "Queer Theory: According to My Grandmother" by Richard Blanco. 

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While reading "Queer Theory: According to My Grandmother", I thought it was literature as a window. Similar to "Girl", the use of stereotypes is evident throughout the poem. However, this poem leans towards a historical, cultural, and ethical questions portion of the window theory. You can tell how the Blanco writes in a view that the he is being pressured to act in a masculine way while focusing on gender norms. Finally, the poem also focuses on needing the approval of his elders, and how needing the respect of an elder is so important in today's culture.

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I believe "Girl" connects to literature as a mirror because of how the story depicts a relationship between a mother and her daughter. As a reader you also see the stereotype of how a female should act, as we see examples of her mother telling her how to do chores, act, and respect men. I have also been told by a man before how I should act, which is why I have a direct connection of empathy to the daughter in this story. The mother really focuses her attention on raising her daughter in a perfect" manner given the time period, my mom also raised me to a similar manner.