Guests on the Sea

There is an ongoing dispute between Israel and Palestine on the division and establishment of their states. The Palestinians had always wanted to have a state of their own. But it seemed impossible because Israel and Palestine are occupying in the same land. The only option for them is to divide the land and to create two states. Another option is to create one state wherein all are to be treated equal, which is not that good considering their differences in every ways. The Israelis were hooked up with this idealism that since they are the Jews "The Chosen People of God", they are superior among all races. It is good for the preservation of their culture and civilization. But considering human realtionship they should be fair and just with each other.

Maybe what the author wanted to portray about the history that was shattered is the concept of brotherhood. Considering the roots of Israelis and Palestinians, they all came from the same ancestors which were the grandsons of Noah. In fact, there was a time that they were called distant brothers. And also the guests on the sea, represents the entire population of Palestine. Since they are very eager and determined to have a land of their own, but couldn't attain it. I think the land in the poem that the author was talking about is the land that the Palestians dreamed of. Farewell, small island of ours. These could also mean that they bade farewell to this land because of the reality that it is impossible for them to have a land of their own. First, Israelis and Palestinians wanted to occupy this land, therefore migration is not an option. And another thing is that, if they wanted to occupy and create a state of their own, they could consider fighting, wherein thousand of innocent civilians will die. From this, we can see that there is really no alternative in the Palestinians fight to have their own land rather than having an agreement among themselves.

The journey could also be the events that the Palestinian had encountered when they were thrown out from their own land. The issue could be solved easily through diplomatic means, which is easier and not time-consuming. But considering their affialiations and way of life, it is not that easy. Their way of life, beliefs, and religion contradicts each other. Giving them a hard time to reconcile. But until now, there is still no definite answer to their wants. "The sea, do not give us the song we do not deserve". For me, the sea refers to the land that they should have had. But instead they were caught up with these hardships because of discrimination. The author used women, poet, apple and many other things in the poem. It signifies that despite the teachings of the Bible, the Israelis failed to do so because of their arrogance. How could they consider themselves superior and righteous when in the first place they couldn't even consider their distant brothers. I am not saying that it is the Israelis fault for having these kind of conflict, the Palestinians had also their share in making this conflict worse.

The Song of Becoming

“But there is suffering in life, and there are defeats. No one can avoid them. But it's better to lose some of the battles in the struggle for your dreams than to be defeated without ever knowing what you're fighting for.” - Paulo Coelho

The first nine lines of the poem was all about the childhood of men and women who continuously fought for freedom. It was during childhood that dreams were created. It was during these times that the hunger and thirst for knowledge began, to know more about the recent events happening around them. After the author had acquainted us with their experiences during childhood, she began to shift to the crisis that had undergone, especially during the Israeli occupation.

The children who once pretended to be great heroes in history were about to become one. Men and women began to stand on their feet. Indeed, the rest of the poem were all about the transformation of a peacuful child into a mature individuals. Mature enough to strive for their own rights and struggle for the oppressed people. Mature enough to stand firmly on what they believed in, may it be God or Allah, even if death awaits them. In fact, the last few lines of the poem were all about death. It was all about how these people defended what they believed in, how the death of thousand people made us aware of their determination to be treated fair and having a nation that they can call their own.

The Lamb and the Tyger

Blake is actually making a point by asking a question that many of us ponder at some point in our lives. Is the same god who created all the wondrous good in the world, which in this poem is represented by the lamb, also the creator of the Tiger, which in this poem represents the brutal, predatory side of nature, and, by extension, reality. In short god created all these wonderful things together with the not so beautiful things maybe to remind us that life isn't fair. Life is not always about being happy, there is a relentless struggle to overcome the odds.

The symmetry between the lamb and the tyger is important because Blake is making a reference here to the Lamb, the counterpart of the Tyger. They are the same in that they are both part of god's creation. They are both equally important tools of nature, the lamb and the tyger, however they are different in that the lamb represents innocence, youth, and pleasant aspect of nature, where as the tyger is representing the more powerful, brutal, fearful part of nature Though both can be beautiful in their own way, the Tyger is beautiful in a more experienced light, as one recognizes the striking colors and form of this graceful, yet deadly beast, where as the Lamb is seen in a more childish, cute fashion.

Tyger! Tyger!Burning bright
Little Lamb, Who made thee?
Little Lamb, I'll tell thee!
Little Lamb, God bless thee.

Hanging Fire

I think the poem is all about the hardships of a teenager, about how she feels her skin is deceiving her because it does not show her true colors, or who she really is. Her knees are ashy because of all the "falls" she has taken, I see those to be her scars of her life. Learning how to dance before the next party can just be learning how to do anything before the next moment, being a teenager is a time of learning how to be an adult. She has this fears of not making it through high school, which is a scary place for everyone, but I think it means she will not be able to do anything in life if she cant grow up. She thinks there is nothing to do or nothing that has to be done, which just means she sees no importance in anything.

The poem was entitled Hanging Fire maybe because the girl in the poem is waiting for something that would change her life but couldn't grasp it. As always, a teenager thinks that no one cares about them and everything is either right or wrong no matter what she has to say about it. Making a team or getting higher grades is an accomplishment to a teenager, she wishes she had an accomplishment but does not see all the little things she has done. She wonders why she is the different one who has braces. And finally she wonders who people are going to see her as tomorrow, her clothes, we all know teenagers judge each other based on appearance, so she does not know how she will portray herself in the future. And finally about her mom, she is the person who the writer feels has betrayed her most, she has not been there to comfort here when she needed it or she has not listened. She was betrayed by her mother in her time of need. That's what the writer wanted to emphasize more by repeating the line "and mommas there with the door closed".
All of us has gone through this period, and some of us barely made it we just have to get through it and hope everything comes out for the best. =

The F ury Of Overshoes

The poem was all about a childhood memories. It talks about childhood life as not always about being happy. There is always a constant struggle for independence and freedom from fears. And at the latter part of the poem , the author talked ab out the obsession and frustration of a child wanting to grow up but was being absent-minded about it. I think the poem is more about her life now than it is about her childhood. For instance, in lines 19-22 she explains how as a child, one is not in control of their environment and that it is controlled by the so called "The Big People". In lines 40-41 she says "Where are the big people, when will i get there" It shows that she still feels like a child, and that being like a child, she doesn't feel in control of her life. Maybe though she doesn't want to control her life, maybe its just more simple to have the Big People control everything. Maybe it could also mean that the author wanted to become a child because life is more easier if you have someone who could guide us. With the title its clear that she feels frustrated, its like when you want to do something but not being able to. You get frustrated with yourself, hence it the fury of overshoes where overshoes stands for the things you want to do.

Girl

Since ancient times, a mother has fulfilled a primary role in raising their children. They are the one guiding and molding their children according to the society that they are living with. They should be able to match up with the standards within the society, in order for them to be generally accepted.

In the story, the mother was obviously being strict to her child to the point that she called her a slut. The vulgarity of the author in using such term was to emphasize more on the strictness of the mother in bringing up her daughter. The mother in the story was telling her daughter how to do things and act appropriately.

When the mother is explaining to her daughter the duties of being a good woman, she is focusing on the aspects of the older, more oppressive ways that a woman pleased a man. Making sure that she washed the clothes properly. The girl is also told how to prepare fish, choose bread, and handle food. All women's domestic domains. At the end she is taught how to keep a home. So we have all three major parts of a woman's work covered: cooking, cleaning, and humility so that the men of the time would not be left uncomfortable and be provided for.

Colonization was one of the leading factor why the mother is acting that way. The common notion that women was inferior to men was socially accepted in that time. So, it is very important for women to act decently to prove to themselves and to the society that they are equal to men and not inferior. The repetition of the term slut was to add effect to the mother's greatest desire which is to raise her daughter as their society dictates so.

The Hunger Artist

People not only make art, but we also choose which objects should be called art. Each of us is an artist in our very own ways. It's just that we had different levels of understanding and appreciation on what art really is. An artist usually makes an art piece for the sheer pleasure of doing it, maybe for self-fulfillment and satisfaction, or maybe for the sake of expressing oneself.

In the story, the hunger artist was trying his best in order for the public to appreciate what he was doing. Despite the people's criticisms, he still continues to show his determination. He publicly showed people what his art was, up to the point where he performed his art in a carnival.

The story showed that an artist in nature wanted people to appreciate his art. But because we had unique definition on what art is, people tend to find it hard to understand some things. And if people do not understand what the art means, how can they appreciate it.He had his fame for a little while. People are always looking for more interesting and new works of art, one could not exist forever. As what I had learned from our Hum I class, in order to find meaning to a certain piece of art, one has to know and understand the language of the artist.

Envy : Writer's Imagination

Ever since I was a kid, I had these dream, I dreamed of becoming a famous writer. I had already mapped out a plan to achieve my goal. These plan must be carried out perfectly to eliminate every hindrance within my way. The sun was scorching hot at that time of the day. The sea was very calm while hot winds blew behind my back. The five minute ride into the marina felt like eternity. Maybe it is nature's way of making me savor the serenity of the moment. I had reached the top. I had made a move to conquer it. I wiped out every obstacle blocking my way. And I'm just a step closer to becoming a famous writer, all I need was -- a very great story.

The story began when we were in high school. My best friend Mike and I both share the same dream. Sad to say, my friend lacked passion. He was pretty occupied with his basketball and swimming club. And he seemed not to care about developing his talent. On the other hand, I spent my time reading every novel I could get my hands on. I thought of myself as the role model of those would like to become a writer.

After four years, we attended college at the same school. We met this professor who was a writer himself and likes to help young writers in molding their talent. This professor became our first critic in every piece of writing we could come up. That year, the school had a writing contest. Of course. Mike and I participated in it. We were given a week to organize and write our thoughts. I already had a story on my mind and I was very eager to put it into paper. I was not expecting to win, I just want people to recognize me. But the unexpected happened, I won the first prize and Mike won the second. This was a very great opportunity for both of us.

After another four years of hard work, we were almost there. Our professor gave us our final project which is to sell a manuscript and get a book published. So, I began to make a story out of the novels I had red so far. As I was reorganizing the plot, Mike suddenly dashed into our room.
"Hey pal, I had just sold my manuscript!" , he said in a very exciting tone.
"Good God!", I replied. I thought, how did he come up with a story with all those parties and hang-outs he had with the last couple of weeks? But then, I thought that I should cheer him a little in order not to hurt his feelings. So I said, " That's great pal!".

Due to the recent success of my friend, I thought of hanging out to the sea with the both of us. To clear my mind about thing that kept on haunting me and of course to celebrate. So, I chartered a boat for us, and then I bought a lot of foods and drinks. Mike had already started drinking since we were in the port. I was holding the wheel, so I refused his offer. And I said, "It's our day pal!, we will become great writers". When we reached a certain spot where we could stop and enjoy the scenery. We had started the feast, we drink for an hour. And then, he said that he will have a swim for a couple of minutes. Suddenly, a nasty thought crossed out my mind. I feel the adrenaline rush throughout my body. These was the right time for me to become the greatest writer. I am the one fit to become a writer. Not you, not ever. You who doesn't have what it takes to become one, you lacked the passion, you lacked determination. I am a writer, and you are just a page in my book. So I started the engine, and then I ran the boat over him. I saw blood everywhere. The sea turned red. And then I began to scribble. I wrote every detail of those feelings, every word I could think of. I was these close of selling a manuscript. I had a very good story out of vengeance.

I actually got the idea from a book by Sandra Brown entitled "Envy".

The Cathedral: Wife

A woman can say more in a sigh than a man can say in a sermon. - Arnold Haultain

In the story, the wife's character is very womanly. She is over-protective and defensive to the blind man.

The wife had to pick up Robert at the train depot. She was excited and anxious to finally meet Robert after ten years. They had kept in touch for ten years and now they will meet again. Maybe it would be more exciting if the wife and Robert had a relationship in the past, it will make the aura between the three of them blazing.

When they arrived at the house, the wife was very accommodating. Maybe it was because she felt that Robert needs to be comforted or maybe she just liked the guy for being what he is. And so, there they were. Even though her husband seemed not interested in meeting Robert, she had to introduce him to Robert and so on and so forth for the sake of formality or whatever.

Then, what makes it worse was when her husband asked Robert which side on the train was he on. It was very irritating to her and also made her feel that her husband was being disrespectful. And then when he was about to burst out, her husband suddenly invited Robert to have a drink. Maybe the wife thought that at last her husband did something good at that time.

Throughout the story, the wife was acting very peculiar to a woman. During the part where Robert and her husband was drawing the cathedral, I think it would be better if the wife realized that they are getting along pretty fine with each other, that she is the one being rude to Robert, and that here defensiveness with him seemed like an insult to him.

Literature: The Way You Wanted

A short story is a reading that could be read in just one sitting. It is the most common definition of short story that Edgar Allan Poe greatly emphasized. When a writer creates a short story s/he has several purpose. These can be to: entertain or inform a reader by telling a story, make the reader ask questions, take a position of an issue by conveying an opinion, or to make the reader feel sad or happy, angry or pleased, opposed, amused... It could have more than one purpose which becomes clear to the reader through the tone and style of writing used by the author.

William Boyd is a great writer. He captivates the reader to continue reading his essay even though the topic is not that exciting. The essay had a very good time frame wherein he talked about about how short story originated despite the vagueness of how it came to be. He also cited a lot of short story writers and some of their insights and their contributions to short story.


The Cathedral

Personally, I don't like story at first when I came to class last meeting. The story was really boring. But I do like how the writer Raymond Carver defines certain scenes of the story. The descriptions were very detailed, it gives us an actual picture of what happens in the story. Also, the way he defines the characters of the story was fantastic. He embedded the true colors of the characters within the story, which gave me a difficult time in finding what he wanted to convey.

After a closer look on the story, I finally grasped the purpose of the writer in writing the story. The story helped me understand more on how to handle disabled persons. It made me realize that they are not just persons needing our guidance and help, but also they could be our guide. There is still a mutual relationship between a normal and a disabled person. It is true that they are not capable of doing things what we normal persons could usually do, but we knew that they are trying their best in every situation they met, and that they are trying to make the most of it despite their disability. This are things that we normal people usually took for granted. We live our lives the way we like.

"Virginia Woolf [...] said of photography, 'Isn’t it odd how much more one sees in a photograph than in real life?' This gives us, I think, a clue to the enduring power and appeal of the short story—they are snapshots of the human condition and of human nature, and when they work well, and work on us, we are given the rare chance to see in them more 'than in real life.'"

People tend to live in the present moment and in the future. We had a great picture of what we would like to become, but it is not always what we will become. During our journey, we had some downfalls, struggles that we need to overcome. But if we are that passionate to achieve these goals then, why don't we give it a try. As what Helen Keller says "Never bend your head. Hold it high. Look the world straight in the eye".