Final Blog -

Wow, the last blog. I will miss this class for that I am sure. Every day was entertaining in some way, whether it was reading some random stories to writing our own. Even reading poems and plays! I feel that from this class I really did experience, experiment, and expand. Literature is everywhere, and there are many types of it out there. Using these three reasons to learn that literature really makes me understand, what Literature is. It's for communication and insight into other peoples lives and styles.

            Within this class we had a lot of experiences that were not usually found in boring old lecture classes. This really showed me how many different things are out there to help me understand different time periods, and styles of writing.
The one experience from this class that really helped me was the trip to see Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. Doing something like this for class really helped me experience a different lifestyle, or a different time period.  It was also something I don’t believe I would have gotten around to doing if it wasn’t for this fantastic class, and I am so glad I got the chance to experience it.

            Experimenting was a big factor in class. We had many experiments that were, actually, quite fun! From creating our own short stories, something I always wanted to try and do, to learning how to write our own poems! When Stephanie said we were writing our own short stories, I automatically was terrified. What will I write about? Will the words even come out right? Can I make it long enough? All these thoughts were running through my head, and yet once we all got to sit down and Stephanie showed us the steps to take, things started to fall into place and I started experimenting with words. This was also the case with the poem writing. I am not a writer, and I always believed poems were supposed to rhyme…that’s it. Experimenting with Stephanie’s teachings helped me understand that that isn’t the case!

            The last thing I learned in this class was expanding. I have to say I definitely expanding my limits on what I can do with writing and learning! I expanded from my typical books I read, to stories I would never have thought to lay my eyes on. Some examples are, basically, all the short stories that were chosen for our book clubs. Another would be reading the poems. I always thought poems would be the same, hard to understand, always rhyming, and long. With expanding on my reading it turns out to be completely false. Some fantastic poems were written in about 4 lines or something’s less, and sometimes they had not one rhyme within it. Another thing I learned was step out of the box. Not everyone has the same thought on a certain piece of writing, so discuss it. The other person/people may have a different insight than you do, and may turn out helping you understand the writing even more. The last thing I got from expanding is confidence. I actually got up in front of a group of people, and did a 10-minute play. I was even lead! Not to mention I even wrote my OWN poem and stood up in front of those same people and SLAMMED it. Now that is expanding to me!

            I am so glad I got to take this class with Stephanie. I knew from the start how great of a teacher she is, due to the fact I was also lucky enough to have her for a high school English class. I feel she has taught me even more this time around. I have done things I never though I would ever do. It was all fun and I will miss you greatly Mrs. Scott. I think you will and have helped many others out there with your fantastic ways of teaching.

Cultural Opportunity- "Songs for the novel Wizards First Rule"

1: Dirty Vagas - Days Go By
(Song From Kahlan to her sister who was murdered by Darken Rahl)
2: Saliva - Hunt You Down
(song from Darken Rahl to Richard on how he will "win")
3: Simple Plan- Thank You
(song from Richard to his brother Michael for betraying him)
4: Tom Petty- Wont Back Down
(Song from Richard on his task to defeat Darken Rahl)
5: Joy Enriquez- How Can I not Love You
(Song from Kahlan on her love for Richard which can not happen due to her situation)
6: In This Moment- The Great Divide
(Song about what the effects of the fighting is having on the world between the Midlands and Westlands)
7: Trapt- Headstrong
(Song from Zedd to Darken Rahl)

Cultural Opportunity: "Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle"

"I'll wear my heart on my sleeve like a wet, red stain." ~Dorothy Parker.

            For my third cultural opportunity, I chose to watch the film Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle. I mainly chose this because of doing research on the Algonquin Roundtable Movement. This film really did fill me in quite a lot about her life. Surprisingly the movie had many memorable actors and actresses play the parts of all the people from the table.

            First off the film definitely has the 20’s feel to it. The director (Alan Rudolph) I feel really succeeded on bringing that forward. Throughout the film there is an occasional switch in tone to get the feel of “present” and "past" experiences of Mrs. Parker. The more “present” portrayal of Dorothy was shot in Black and White… it was very dull and dreary. Where as when the film was going through her "past" life with the table, it was shot in color and felt livelier. Also with the black and white scenes, it always shows Dorothy saying her poems. In a way I felt like I really got to understand her writings much more than just reading them. I also have a larger perspective on the 20’s in general. How tough it had to be a woman trying to get a job with writing. Many men would not have that, but the Algonquin Roundtable certainly did not mind. They loved her, and I feel this film really portrayed that.

            I have a larger respect for Dorothy Parker. Her life really was full of more downs than ups. Overall this movie for me was pretty slow and seemed to drag on, but I actually quite enjoyed it. If I hadn’t researched information on the table before watching this I don’t think I would appreciate it as much. While watching it I was quite surprised at a couple of actors within the film. Matthew Broderwick plays a love affair of Dorothy’s and Gwenith Paltrow plays a small part of a woman named Paula Hunt. All the other actors also did a FANTASTIC job. The lead lady who played Dorothy (Jennifer Jason Leigh) really drew me into the character, the man who played Robert Benchley (Campbell Scott) was another that I really enjoyed watching. The one man that I even loved before watching the film was Alexander Woollcott (Tom McGowan). I believe I just really enjoyed this movie because it tells the lives, of all the different people that I had learned about.

Textual Reading "Anais Nin: Henry and June"

           This week for my textual reading I will be doing it on Henry and June by Anais Nin. Since I had just heard about this book the other day, I haven’t read the entire thing, but of what I did read, it quite amazed me.

            Yesterday (right after class) I went to borders with my friend to relax and spend time with her. Once I got there I right away looked up where the book was to begin reading it. I read a good half of it, well with skipping around a bit that is. What I did read, I LOVED! When I find the time (and money) I am going to buy some of her stuff. Anais’s use of words really drew me in. She is quite sensual and I can tell when she was writing, she was putting her true self within the words. It was really interesting to read about her relations between Hugo, June, and Henry, and the way she wrote it made me feel like I was right there talking with her in person. When I told my friend about what the book was about, she sort of looked at me like I was crazy.  Not to mention when I asked an employee about where Anais Nin books were he asked me what they were about… I sort of just said “uhm” and stopped at that.

            I just would like to say thanks to Deb. Your presentation was very insightful and fantastic; I mean it made me want to pick up her books right after class! I think I will also look into some of Henry’s stuff as well. 

Non-Textual Reading "Lit. Salons"

            The Literary Salons that we have been having in class have been quite insightful! Everyone has been working hard on his or her movements. So far everyone has kept me interested and have made me want to look into them more!

            What bothers me is I was all pumped and ready to go… but once I got up there I know I should have said things different and gotten more into my presentation. Once I was done and sat down, the whole time things were running through my mind on what I SHOULD have done. It wasn’t that I was nervous, just that I felt I could have done lots better. The Algonquin period was actually quite fascinating and I should have put more effort into it.  I feel if I had more time to work on my project, rather that trying to get all the readings done, I would have felt better about it. I would say that had to be the biggest downfall of the Salon.

            I am excited to hear the rest of the Salons. I know they are going to be fun, just as everyone else’s has been. I never knew there is so many different movements out there… or at least never really cared to look into them.  Another thing I have noticed… is how writers collaborate together. Most of the time they are never alone, they always have groups, like with the Algonquin Round Table, or The Black Arts Movement.

Cultural Opportunity "Midsummer Night's Dream"

            When Stephanie mentioned the Shakespeare Festival in Bloomington, to see “Midsummer Night’s Dream” I was beyond excited and told myself then and there “I am going.” No doubts about it I was going. I have always wanted to go! At the same time I was thinking, is it really going to be all that great, will I even like it? OH yes I did.

            The building first of all was gorgeous. If I could I would live there in a heartbeat. The yard was also up there in the gorgeous category. I just had a blast mingling with the classmates (though I wish our group wasn’t separated on opposite sides of the theater… that bummed me out) the food was delicious (Deb, I am going to get your number so I can call you up to make me BBQ randomly!) and the entertainment was fantastic! Whenever there is theater involved I become a giddy little girl. I love costumes on people, and acting. I could never get up and do it myself, but being around people who can pull it off just gets me happy enough. Now one random story of how fascinating people at these events can be, while I was watching the adorable little “Greenshow” being put on, I was standing next to a woman and her baby. No big deal, the baby was quiet and content. Suddenly in the corner of my eye, the woman sits and I THOUGHT I saw her start to breast feed the baby. Oh boy was I right, she whipped out her boob right there and started feeding. Now don’t get me wrong, the baby is hungry, ok I understand. These days I am just so used to seeing people feed their child a bottle in public not there boob… ANYWAY back to “Midsummer Night’s Dream”. At first when Stephanie mentioned the accent I was really iffy about it. I mean for me Shakespeare is hard enough to understand but on top of that some weird southern accent? REALLY? Once the play got started though and I got used to it, for me it was easier to understand parts. The acting overall was great, all the characters definitely kept me entertained (I particularly enjoyed Puck… he was my favorite) as well as the man with the unforgettable laugh behind me.

            As I mentioned before theater never fails to perk me up. Every actor amazes me with their talents and creativity in their parts. I will go to another one of these for sure. It will also help that my roommate for Chicago is going to major in theater, and with the school I will be attending, the theater is always open for helpers… plays in Chicago… HERE I COME! 

Non-Textual Reading "The Fifth Element"

“LeeLoo Dallas Multi-pass… Multi-pass” (Milla Jovovich as LeeLoo.)

I am finding it harder and harder for me to come up with non-textual readings, though I know there are TONS out there I could do! I just keep running out of time to think! SO I have decided to do another movie. This time I will be doing a reading on the film “The Fifth Element.” This is one of many films I absolutely LOVE. There are many reasons why but I will mainly focus on the story line, the actors, and the beautiful scenes.

            Now when I said scenes I specifically meant the graphics used to create the environment.  Now it is a 1997 film so the graphics are not as spectacular as today’s Batman’s, or Transfomer films, but the way the futuristic scenes were made for that time, to me, is amazing. The flying vehicles, the attires worn, even to the creepy aliens, was all done very fantastically! If you have not seen this movie I highly recommend it. It has Bruce Willis in it, Milla Jovovich, Gary Oldman, as well as Chris Tucker! A quick piece of summary from IMDB.Com (fantastic movie sight) Two hundred and fifty years in the future, life as we know it is threatened by the arrival of Evil. Only the fifth element can stop the Evil from extinguishing life, as it tries to do every five thousand years. The Fifth Element LeeLoo (Milla Jovovich) turns out to be a woman and with the aid of Korben Dallas (Bruce Willis) and a Monk named Father Cornelius, the fight the EVIL which is aided by Mr. Zorg (Gary Oldman) and Alien mercenaries.

            I just love the ideas of the elements being used for good and to save mankind from evil. A little romance in there isn’t too bad either. With the quick and quirky humor this film ALWAYS keeps me entertained… I could watch it over and over and over… and over again.   

Textual Reading "Legends of the Seeker"

            This will be a long blog. I can feel it… SO after finishing my first novel, Interview with a Vampire, I realized that the book was only 300 something pages. I still had a TON to read! While I was contemplating on what book to pick up and HOPEFULLY be really into, a friend of mine was carrying around a gigantic book himself. I kindly asked what it was about and he told me. I am now reading a series by Terry Goodkind called The Sword of Truth, which consists of 12 books to the series.

            The first book of the series is called Wizards First Rule. Now as you can see with the title there is magic involved with the series. Even so, it really is not overwhelming with magic. The book involves a woods guide named Richard Chyper, and after the murder of his father a sudden turn of events starts happening. When Richard runs into a mysterious woman named Kahlan, being stalked by a group of 4 men, he begins to realize a course of weird things beginning to happen. With some power in himself he didn’t know existed, Richard then becomes the “seeker of truth”. He begins a crazy journey with his new friend and a few old ones, including an old Wizard name Zedd, and a Boundary guard named Chase, to fight against an evil man named Darken Rahl. Along the way meeting new and dangerous creatures, and people.

            This book is really hard to sum up in just few little words. There is just so much to it. I finished this book in a week and it is 820 words. The main theme of the book would have to be revenge, because the overall set of the book is Richard getting revenge for the death of his father. Side themes would be relationships, and good vs. evil. The only problem with the author that I have is how much he describes things, I mean even down to the blades of grass or to how the air feels on a persons skin. I find myself skimming all that most of the time. This series is also a TV series called Legend of the Seeker, and I will be watching it right after class is out for sure!!! 

Big City Time! (Poem for the Poetry Slam)

Countryside...

whipping by in a blur!

I am done with this scene,

for that... I am sure.

Driving...

Top down, 

It's time for a BIG town!

Chicago...

That's where I'm going.

Pick up speed...

Wind blown hair,

but I don't care!

Almost there...

Making good time,

It's my time to shine!

There! The Sears Tower, I see it

but wait!

SLOWDOWN! It's time to STOP!

Traffic...

Rushour...

Big city life, there goes my power...

July 9th- Textual Reading - Interview with a Vampire

            I am finished with Interview with a Vampire. I have now found two obvious themes within the book, religion and relationship struggles. I have also watched the movie now, and I have a lot to say on that one.

            Throughout the book Rice writes a lot about God, and the vampires relationships to him. Are they the children of god, or are they the children of the devil? Are they completely damned? She also has a point in the book where Louis goes into a church, and ends up having a vision of terror and corruption. This is where he figures out that he is damned. Another big theme in the book would be relationships and struggles. Louis and Lestat have a very complicated relationship. Lestat created Louis into a vampire and so Louis basically follows Lestat around like a puppy most the time, and he cannot leave him even though he desperately wants to. He must stick around with him because Lestat claims to know "things" that Louis needs to know about being a vampire. On the other hand Lestat claims Louis as his “lover”, but in actuality it’s said that Lestat wants Louis mainly for his finacial experiences.  Eventually comes Claudia. Louis means to kill the little girl but Lestat found him doing so, which causes pain to Louis. Instead of killing the girl, Louis runs off. Lestat ends up changing Claudia into a vampire to keep Louis around and to have a “daughter” for them. Now Louis LOVES Claudia, and does everything for her. Lestat on the other hand has many problems with her. Especially towards the end.

            I enjoyed the book. I wouldn’t say it’s a favorite though. As I said in the post before I really love how Anne Rice wrote it. Now the movie is a different story. I picked out all the problems; the acting was terrible and just made me laugh most the time. It was neat seeing Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Kristen Dunst, and Anotinio Banderaz all play the characters, but they just did NOT suit them. My favorite saying from the book wasn’t in the movie as well as some of my favorite concepts. Not to mention the ending of the book was FAR better than the movies ending!

July 9th- Frisbee Golfing (or "Disc Golfing")

            I was prying my brain trying to think of what I can write for my non-textual reading. Then one day I figured it out. Frisbee golfing! Or Disc golfing whichever way you would like to call it. I prefer Frisbee golfing because it’s a Frisbee. Anyway back on my reading of the game, I realized before I decide to throw my Frisbee, I must first “read” my surroundings! For example when I walk up to the patch of cement to get ready to throw, first I glance around to see the obstacles that I must get by. Whether it be a tree, a creek, or even a person I must carefully read what could possibly affect my throw. Once I figure the obstacles out I then prepare my stance and my hold on the Frisbee. Most of the time I throw it underhand because I get better distance throwing it that way, but then again depending on what my reading on the surrounding obstacles were, I may need to throw it over-hand. Now even though I say all this I am not a pro Frisbee golfer, at all. Even if I read my surroundings, I will more than likely still hit that darn obstacle. It never really occurred to me that I was reading surroundings when I went out to play. Once I realized this it’s actually surprising to me how much things can be “read” that’s non-textual. If I weren’t in this class it would have never occurred to me that’s what I was doing!

"Siren Song" Extra Poetry Blog

            The poem I chose was the one I also read in class, Siren Song by Margaret Atwood. I believe this poem would be considered dramatic poetry, due to the fact the persona never truly specifies who he/she is, and it could be presented as a form of speech or scene of a play. I also noticed through the poem I realized that the auditor is the reader. The narrator refers to “you” many times. The poem also has imagery. When the poem mentions men leaping overboard in squadrons, the beached skulls, to squatting on an island looking picturesque and mythical you really get these images in your head while reading. After reading the full poem and getting a better understanding of it, I would say the tone of voice would be more verbal irony. This is mainly because you find out at the end that the narrator is actually the “Siren” singing its song to lure you in, and to learn the irresistible song you had to “help” him/her. My favorite part of the poem would have to be the end, where the Siren once again lures a victim in and even though it’s boring it works like a charm. Usually I dread reading poems, most of the time they are just confusing, but this on I really did enjoy. I have never really heard of Margaret Atwood before, but I want to look into more about her now!

Interview with a Vampire - Textual Reading 7/2

My first novel I chose to read for class was Interview With A Vampire. I decided to read this because I LOVE books involving vampires, faeries, witches, and any other mystical creature. Of course the books also need a little romance within it. When I mentioned this to a classmate they had asked me if I ever read a Anne Rice book. Surprisingly no I have not. Which is surprising because she is a popular author of vampires.

            Right now I am about half way through it possibly a little more. So far I am REALLY enjoying it. Its not a typical vampire novel that I would read but it is quite entertaining. I love the difference in style Anne Rice uses to tell the story. It is written in first person. It is a story of a vampire’s life, named Louis and he is telling his life story to a boy who is interviewing him. This to me is a very interesting and creative way of writing a story. What I have read so far, I haven’t came to a concluding theme overall yet. One would be along the lines of the theme religion. Rice ties in religion, throughout the book, with Vampirism.

            So far I am not completely in love with the book, but I am enjoying many concepts and quotes within it. It is quite poetic and creative and I really appreciate Rice as an author for the style she wrote this book in. Things are still a little unclear and up in the air on where the interview is heading. Once the end of the book I am sure I will have a higher appreciation of it. I may even pick up the next book in her series about another main vampire in Interview, named Lestat! 

Star Wars - Outside Reading 7/2

In class we had watched Star Wars Episode 4. I was so excited because I remember watching the Star Wars movies way back when. I LOVE Star Wars, and finally watching the oldest one again surprises me on how far special effects has come. I believe the main theme of Episode 4 would have to be rescuing Princess Leia.  The whole film was the adventure Luke, Obi Won, and Han Solo went through to find and save the Princess. Another theme within the whole Star Wars series would be good vs evil. Every time the empire was on screen they were talking about attacking the Republic or hurting someone in some way. Comparing Star Wars with a Western is quite funny. Before I never really thought about it, but now I do see many similarities. One example is when they went into the “bar”. There was arguing, fighting, music, drinking, many things that would also be happening in a Western film. I believe this film reached a very high level of popularity due to its originality, the main concept of the whole series, and its very entertaining and likable characters. Even the bad characters were likable in a way, and very memorable. Darth Vader is a major example of this. His loud breathing, and theme song are very recognizable. Involving the sort of “relationship” factor really helped girls relate and I believe was a key for women to enjoy the movie as well. Obi Won Kenobi was a big character with the development of this film. He was the mentor and the one who really explained a lot of what was happening. He was the one who I am sure many viewers looked up to through the whole film; there was a sense of loss to the movie. To this day Star Wars is one of my all time favorite series. The story and the graphics, especially the special effects in the newer films, really entertain me. After watching the film in class the other day… I am now in the process of watching all the Star Wars films in a row!