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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

    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.

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.

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.

"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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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? 🌙✨

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

“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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

Peace✌🏻

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.