Reading/Literary Journal by Elijah Martinez

"The Shabbat" - Marjane Satrapi

ekmartin25 — 2025-02-03 00:16:11 UTC

Words and images are skillfully intertwined by Satrapi in "The Shabbat," although the latter have a certain power in showing the emotional depth of the story. The words are not unimportant, yet the images speak volumes, multiplying the effect and emotional power of the story being told. The story can be told without images; some descriptive phrases, like "turquoise bracelet," and such onomatopoeic words as "BOOM" evoke clear images in the reader's mind (Mays 21–28). However, without the visuals, the story would not be as emotionally impactful as the text could be removed and the story told with just the images. These images convey the emotional trajectory of the narrative, from the lightness of family time and shopping to the stark devastation post-bombing very well (Mays 21–28). Still, without the words, however, some of the character and context would not be conveyed as well. So, Satrapis use of both words and images harmonize together to form an impactful narrative. Satrapi's use of visuals is particularly impactful; the panel depicting the family at Shabbat dinner shows a warm, intimate scene, their faces relaxed and happy (Mays 21–28). This visual sets the stage for the tragedy to come, making the contrast more devastating as the explosion visually shatters the peaceful scene and mirroring the sudden, violent disruption of life. A close-up of the main character's face at the end, with wide eyes in shock, is more powerful than words to describe how devastating it is. It went from large and expansive panels depicting the Shabbat meal to small and fragmented panels illustrating the bombing and the growing chaos and fear our main character was experiencing (Mays 21–28). Satrapi's diction is important, too; for instance, her description of how the main character felt-"my trembling legs" and "like a nightmare" following the explosion-creates such a powerful emotional response that it immerses the reader right in the center of horror of such a moment (Mays 21–28). The internal monologue of the main character, "No scream in the world could have reueved my suffering and my anger," captures the horror and pain that she felt after learning about the death of her neighbors and is a powerful statement to end on (Mays 21–28). Summarily, the power of "The Shabbat" lies in the harmonious use of words and images by Satrapi. The visuals instantly create an emotional connection, but the words contextualize and deepen the meaning. The picture of the family around Shabbat dinner establishes the notion of normalcy and lightheartedness, which, in turn, makes the event of the bombing very shocking and heartbreaking (Mays 21–28). The bombing was a disruption of this most holy day, a day of family and peace, really driving home how cruel and pointless war is. Satrapi's use of words and images powerfully conveys the tragedy of "The Shabbat."

Works Cited

Mays, Kelly J. The Norton Introduction to Literature. Eleventh ed., New York, W.W. Norton & Co, 2013, pp. 21–28.

Story within pages 21 - 28 is “The Shabbat” by Marjane Satrapi.

"Richard Cory" - Edward Arlington Robinson

ekmartin25 — 2025-02-16 23:28:54 UTC

The message of "Richard Cory" by Edward Arlington Robinson can be best simplified as: regardless of status, wealth, or outward perception, one never truly knows what another person is experiencing. First, Robinson uses a first-person point of view, making the reader feel part of the narrative. The repeated use of "we" emphasizes the idea of outward perception and how "we" viewed Richard with awe and admiration, desiring the life he seemed to possess. The imagery Robinson employs paints Richard as a composed man who appears to have everything. Phrases like "clean favored" and "he glittered when he walked" portray someone who seems to carry confidence and a regal air daily. However, this is ironic, as at the end of the poem, Robinson writes, "And Richard Cory ... put a bullet through his head." This starkly contrasts Richard's perceived appearance, revealing the poem's message. Moreover, Robinson's diction is direct, conveying the message clearly without complex figurative language. Phrases such as "we thought that he was everything" and the final line, "went home, and put a bullet through his head," convey the direct feelings of "us" and Richard's actions, respectively, to portray the poem's message. The narrative structure of "Richard Cory," moving from admiration to a shocking suicide, emphasizes the importance of not judging others based on superficial appearances. Therefore, Robinson's use of point of view, imagery, irony, and diction in "Richard Cory" powerfully conveys that appearances can be deceiving, and regardless of how someone seems, they may be suffering in silence.

"The Story of an Hour" - Kate Chopin

ekmartin25 — 2025-02-23 21:06:24 UTC

Kate Chopin's "The Story of an Hour" uses irony to highlight the oppressive nature of gender roles placed onto women within the institution of marriage. The initial presentation of Mrs. Mallard as a devout wife who would break upon hearing the news of her death's husband establishes a foundation of irony. Instead of spending most her time saddened by her husband's death, Mrs. Mallard experiences a liberating sense of autonomy revealing the stifling reality of her marriage. The culminating irony is at the end of the story, with her husband's unexpected return, her sense of autonomy is crushed and she dies "of joy that kills." Furthermore, Chopin's use of the word "possession" to describe Mrs. Mallard's sense of liberation is an important example of irony within the story. Initially, Mrs. Mallard attempts to fight the "possession" with her will, reflecting the internalized social norms that equates women's independence with transgression. Her struggle against this "possession" underscores the pervasive nature of those social norms. However, her repetition of "free" and the following "illumination" suggests a transformation in which the "possession" helped Mrs. Mallard attain self-ownership. This leads to her realize the she would "live for herself," which further exemplifies the restrictive gender roles that forced women to live and define their lives in service to men. Overall, this narrative's ironic structure serves to expose the confinement women experienced within patriarchal systems. Mrs. Mallard's realization of her liberation, then subsequently crushed by her husband's appearance, underscores the societal forces that suppressed women's autonomy and self-determination. Therefore, Mrs. Mallard's death acts as an example of a fatal consequence of denying women autonomy; a death from the joy of freedom.

"The Feast" - Snap Judgement

ekmartin25 — 2025-03-03 01:20:50 UTC

The interviewer uses these rhetorical strategies (tone, narrative structure, and language) to address the topic of the injustice faced by incarcerated men with respect and empathy. The tone of interviewer maintains formality and respect, addressing the men with "Mr." or with their nickname and listening to their stories. The interviewer also conveys a serious tone when directly addressing the topics of police brutality, life in incarceration, and the death of Silk, emphasizing the intensity of the issue. Moreover, the narrative structure aids in conveying the emotions that the podcast episode wanted to invoke. Starting with the story of Glynn Washington, it sets the context for the rest of episode even foreshadowing the concept of the feast through the food being cooked. Continuing the episode with the incarcerated men, it adds more context to the topics of police brutality life in prison, and the injustice of the justice system. Finally, ending the episode with references to the people who helped in producing the episode and a statement of tribute to Silk from Glynn Washington. Furthermore, the interviewer uses language to paint vivid pictures of the environment and lives of the incarcerated men. Phrases like "pretty rough" to describe the prison chow hall paints an unsafe place in the audience's mind, and causes the audience to sympathize with the men and get a personal image of life in prisons. Contrarily, phrases like "gigantic" and "seven inches tall" to describe the bagel sandwiches adds light-heartedness to the incarcerated men's situation and causes the reader to further empathize with these men. Overall, these rhetorical devices are used to cause the audience to empathize with the men, feel enraged by the injustices they have faced, and be inspired to create positive reforms within the justice system.