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".