Journal #7

Parallel Structure

 “Tea Cake and Janie gone hunting. Tea Cake and Janie gone to Orlando to the movies. Tea Cake and Janie gone to a dance.” (110)

This parallel structure that repeats "Tea Cake and Janie" highlights the two being together. They have been seen constantly together and the repetition emphasizes that they do everything together. As seen from the community's point of view, there is also a slight cynical tone. They do not approve of Janie being with Tea Cake so often. In the same passage, sympathy is shown towards Joe Starks to further show the contempt shown towards Janie.

Personification

“the monster began to roll in his bed.” (158)

The monster, which is the hurricane, is rolling in its bed, which is a human-like action. By giving the hurricane a human-like figure, the hurricane becomes more powerful. Because humans have power and control over many things, the personification of the hurricane gives the hurricane extreme power (more power than a hurricane already has). This creature is able to bring destruction and people fear this monster.

Foil

“Have de nerve tuh say whut you mean.” (109)

This quote is said by Tea Cake who is a foil to Joe Starks. Tea Cake wants Janie to say what is on her mind and express her feelings. This is a very strong contrast to Joe, who never allowed Janie to speak. Tea Cake tells Janie to be brave and say what she wants. Knowing Janie's past relationship with Joe, the reader could think that Janie might have a difficult time doing this because of how Joe treated her. However, Janie goes ahead and tells Tea Cake what she is thinking, showing Janie's bravery and true character that was suppressed under Joe.

Journal #6

Many of my revision decisions came from the question, "Does this reflect the style of Hurston's?" Although not every element in my pastiche strongly reflects Hurston's writing, I tried to make them more obvious and include more. One major change I made was chronology. I decided to do what Hurston did and start with the present and tell the story of the past. My first rough draft did not do this. I also changed some of the actions of my character and altered the plot slightly. During the process, I also read the letter that my reader wrote to me in class and took into account some of the ideas. There were confusing things the reader found that I was able to make more clear. Overall the revision process was beneficial, but I feel like there is still much more to be done for my pastiche.

Journal #5

But Robert started to consider Curiosity. Curiosity, that peculiar creature with the long slender ears who resided deep in the thoughts. The determined being who lived in the minds of all people like a conscience with an overwhelming voice, and a mind of its own. What desire does Curiosity have to live inside, and what force can stop him? He watches from his strong fortress that forbids entrance of any being. Watches carefully and secretly day by day with his strategy planned out, waiting for the signal from the situation. Been planning out schemes before there was a man or a woman or a setting. Robert was bound to figure out his plan looking to bring regret and shame at any second. He was nervous and terrified too. Poor Jeff! He should not have to undertake the resistance alone. He sent Henry in to advise and warn, but Jeff refused. These warnings wuz able to help with the tempted, but they didn't understand a situation that had never been seen before. He'd been perfectly fine just before the devious woman had planted doubts into his mind. He was fully aware of what was going on. That was what he thought. But Henry told Robert the truth, so he knew. But if Henry had not, the following night Robert was destined to know, for he found Jeff in a confused trance, lost under the thoughts and doubts. Questions that would never have been asked now constantly emerged from the ground. Just waited above the sun and observed. Trust, that elusive worm, had burrowed under the ground.

I began the pastiche in a similar way with a sentence that starts in the middle of a thought using the word "But". I used a possibly negative abstract noun the way Hurston did, describing it as something evil and wicked. I also gave it a powerful characteristic that one cannot control. Characters were brought into the scene in a similar way and they took the roles presented in the passage. A change in dialect was only used once and a sentence with parallel structure was included. At the end, another abstract noun was brought in, using a metaphor that compares it to an animal like Hurston did with rumor.

Journal #4

"This was the first time it happened, but after a while it got so common she ceased to be surprised. It was like a drug. In a way it was good because it reconciled her to things. She got so she received all things with the stolidness of the earth which soaks up urine and perfume with the same indifference." (77)

Syntax
The sentence "It was like a drug." is a clear use of syntax. It is a simple sentence surrounded by more complex sentences. This sentence serves to describe how Janie felt and the situation she was in. The simplicity exemplifies the feeling of apathy and not wanting to go into much detail. The simplicity also shows the apathetic effects of drugs which  is almost seen in this sentence.

Word Choice
The use of "urine and perfume" really helps the reader see the apathy even more. In this example, the earth is soaking up urine and perfume like it's the same thing because it does not care. Urine and perfume being almost completely different in description and quality, this example further shows the apathy Janie is feeling. To Janie, she no longer cares whether it is urine or perfume and sees them with indifference, for she has given up.

Tone
The tone in this passage is apathetic or tired. Through word choice the author is showing the high level of apathy in Janie. The author wants the reader to feel the same apathy through this passage to gain a better understanding of how Janie is feeling. There may also be a slight tone of sympathy. Feeling bad for Janie and how overwhelmed and done she is with her situation may be a goal for Hurston in this passage.

Sound Device
I think the "sh" sound used in the beginning of the last sentence may show the quietness of Janie. The sound "sh" indicates quiet and hush, as Janie is forced to be with Joe. By using this sound, Hurston shows how quiet and insignificant Janie is becoming: a quiet, inferior wife with no say in what she does.

Journal #3

1. "Yeah, Matt, dat mule so skinny till de women is usin' his rib bones fuh uh rub-board, and hangin' things out on his hock-bones tuh dry." (52)
-Hyperbole and Imagery

2. "You'se uh stinkin' lie, Sam, and yo' feet ain't mates. Y-y-y-you!"
"Ah-ah-ah- d-d-does feed 'im! Ah g-g-gived 'im uh full cup uh cawn every feedin'." (52)
-An addition of stuttering to show a certain emotion in the character.

3. "But that never halted the mule talk. There would be more stories about how poor the brute was; his age; his evil disposition and his latest caper. Everybody indulged in mule talk. He was next to the Mayor in prominence, and made better talking." (53)
-This shows the reoccurring concept of talking in the community. It is a social event everybody participates in. It is seen in the first scene of the book with Janie walking down the road while the women were talking on the porch. People are able to freely say what they want, criticizing whoever. In chapter six, Matt is the "victim", being made fun of for the mistreatment of his mule. Also, the word prominence is important to the story. The state of being valuable or important is a part of the struggle Janie has to deal with, especially in the marriage with Joe Starks. To Joe, prominence is everything and he thinks he is giving it to Janie by being married to her. In the social context of the book, the struggle for the African Americans can be related to prominence as well.

4. "He wouldn't dig potatoes, and he wouldn't rake hay: He wouldn't take a whipping, and he wouldn't run away." (67)
-Parallel structure/Repetition: "He wouldn't"

5. "So gradually, she pressed her teeth together and learned to hush." (71)
-This is one instance that Janie tries to adapt to the situation she is in, but later ends up unable to stay suppressed. I see other examples of Janie forced to adapt and accept what she is given. As a child, she is forced to live with her grandma and forced to abide to her rules, such as having to marry Logan Killicks. Unhappy in her situation, she tries to force herself to love Logan, but it does not work out and ends up leaving him. This quote shows she is done fighting for being able to express herself. She is forced to stay quiet, wear a head rag, and work in the store. However, she later decides to let it all out in the scene where Joe is in his death bed. Throughout the story, it seems Janie is forced into many situations and she tries to adapt, but in the end, is unable to stay oppressed and ends up doing as she truly pleases.

Journal #2

Dialect Rules

1. Words like "bro, man, and dude" are constantly used

2. Phrases indicating who is saying what are not included

3. "Nah" will be used instead of "no"

4. Verbs ending in -ing will be turned into -in'

5. Incorrect verb tenses are used

6. "this" and "that" are changed to "dis" and "dat"

7. Many words are shortened. For example, "cuz" instead of "because" or "fo'" instead of "for"

Structure of P. 43

Valentine's Day was quickly approaching and Johnny was in a desperate need of money for a gift.

"Come on, man! We've been friends fo' ten years now. Just let me borrow twenty dollars and I promise to get yo' money back next week."

"Nah bro, I've been savin' up fo' a new car. I can't man."

"Dude, you know I really like dat girl. I have to get a nice gift fo' her. Dat ring we saw was only fifty dollars! I be desperate right now bro."

Still unconvinced, Johnny's friend was unwilling to give up a single penny. This year's Valentine's Day was looking quite sad for Johnny.

"Man, I be gettin' barely enough money to feed myself cuz of dat boss of mine. You may be desperate fo' dat ring, but I be desperate fo' a car."

Hopeless and done trying, Johnny left the house and walked aimlessly down the road. The thought of showing up to the special date without a gift saddened him greatly. He took a deep look into himself, asking why he was never able to successfully get a task done. At the sound of footsteps approaching him, Johnny awoke from his mind and found his friend running towards him.

"Hey man, here's twenty dollars. Go get dat ring. It's waitin' fo' you bro"

"You really givin' dis to me? I appreciate man. I knewed you understand. I promise to get yo' money back in a week. I promise."

Journal #1

I perceive Janie as a strong and bold character, yet with loyal characteristics. As she walks down the road, she walks to her home confidently, not affected by the staring eyes. She quickly acknowledges her "audience" and proceeds to walk. "Her speech was pleasant enough, but she kept walking straight on to her gate." (2) She knows what they are thinking and knows they are hungry for answers regarding what happened to her and Tea Cake. However, she does not even think about answering the questions. She boldly tells Phoebe, "Ah don't mean to bother wid tellin' 'em nothin', Phoebe. 'Tain't worth de trouble." (6) Also, she is not afraid to criticize those that were on the porch gossiping. She tells Phoebe that "people like dem wastes up too much time puttin' they mouf on things they don't know nothin' about." (6) Her loyalty is seen through her relationship with Phoebe. She is able to converse easily with her best friend upon being gone for a while, and able to share jokes. She also seems loyal to Tea Cake. She clearly explains what happened, making sure Phoebe does not see Tea Cake as a villain. She is defiant in her words when she says, "Tea Cake ain't wasted up no money of mine, and he ain't left me for no young gal, neither. He give me every consolation in de world. He'd tell 'em so too, if he was here." (7) Her confidence shows her loyalty to Tea Cake.

The narrator seems to know all about the characters. The thoughts of the main character and less important characters are revealed. The narrator knows exactly what the women on the porch are thinking and how they are looking at Janie. The narrator explains that the women, "chewed up the back parts of their minds and swallowed with relish. They made burning statements with questions, and killing tools out of laughs." and "took the faded shirt and muddy overalls and laid them away for remembrance. It was a weapon against her strength if it turned out of no significance, still it was a hope that she might fall to their level some day." (2) This explanation that the women on the porch are judging Janie as she walks by is confirmed through the dialogue that follows. By including a narrator that knows a lot, the reader is able to gain a full understanding of what is going on. The narrator also depicts very clear images through the use of figurative language. The opening paragraph of the book is one example.

Post #4 - Sample Test

1. "He kept hacking into a large checkered handkerchief, and every cough was like a convulsion." - The Stranger. There is an example of _______ in this quote.

2. The confrontation between Janie and the crazy, rabies affected Tea Cake is seen as the ________ of the story.

3. Desdemona's white handkerchief in Othello is one ________ in the play.

4. The dialect of the characters in Their Eyes Were Watching God is seen through ___________.

5. Big Brother and the totalitarian government are the ___________ in 1984.

Post #3 - Euphemism

Euphemism
The substitution of a mild, indirect, or vague expression for one thought to be offensive, harsh, or blunt.

Euphemism is used almost like a mask. It covers up a possibly harsh or offensive term by using a different term that is less offensive and more humble. By applying euphemism, the tone of a passage is altered. A well-known example of euphemism is "passed away" versus "died". While saying the villain "died", the author might choose to say the brave warrior "passed away". The two words, "died" and "passed away" both mean the same thing, but when used in context, tone is changed. In this example the author would want you to look at the death of the villain as a triumph and victory and have a bright attitude towards the death of an evil character. However, if the brave warrior were to die, the author would want you to look at the death with great respect and honor while having a mournful attitude. An example of euphemism can be found in The Stranger. The opening line of the book is "Maman died today." The next sentence includes a telegram reading, "Mother deceased." While in the words Meursault, his mother died, but in the words of a telegram he received, his mother was deceased. This is a great example of how authors can use euphemism to portray a character a certain way. Right away, you can see what kind of person Meursault is through the choice of words.

Other examples of Euphemism:

• Visit the Ladies Room
• Big Boned
• Be Excused
• Gone South
• Kick the Bucket
• No Longer With Us

Post #2

Dialogue
The words spoken in the text usually between two or more characters.

Dialogue is a way of characterization. The contents of a character's speech can give the reader more information about the character. For example, in "Their Eyes Were Watching God", without the dialogue, we as the readers would never have known that the characters spoke in a different dialect than what we are used to hearing and reading. The way the author uses the dialogue is important. The characters may be speaking short sentences rapidly or they can have a long speech that they give. Dialogue can also set the atmosphere or mood of a certain passage. If the dialogue of two characters show they are fighting and using harsh words, we know the mood is tense or angry and that something bad may be on the verge rather than something happy and cheerful. Dialogue can be used to insert a certain emotion inside the reader such as anxiety or excitement. The author may also use dialogue to convey important information.

Post #1

1. I enjoyed reading "1984" the most. The amount of tension and risk the characters were involved in throughout the book kept me engaged and wanting to read on. A simple thought against the government or even a slight suspicion of rebellious thoughts and actions could get you in prison and possibly killed. As Winston takes many risks such as keeping a diary and purchasing a paperweight, you can't help but feel the same anxiety of possibly being caught at any moment. Seeing an image of what the future would look like to someone of the past was interesting as well. I don't know the social context of when this book was written, but I think it might help me understand why this image of a dystopian society was formed by the author. Thinking about how much control the government has in this book is intimidating. Children are brain-washed to the point where they would suspect rebellion in their parents and report them in, the poor people are completely ignored, and everywhere you go, there is a telescreen monitoring your every action and a poster claiming Big Brother is watching you. The amount of privacy available in today's world is a huge contrast to what I read in the book. The people are even convinced to believe that 2 + 2 = 5.

2. I least enjoyed reading "The Stranger". The book wasn't able to grasp me in as much as the other books we read. Meursault appeared to be a boring guy, uninterested in life, and that may have affected why I did not enjoy this book as much. However, I'm sure the author did this on purpose and characterized Meursault this way to convey an important message. I found the contents of the book interesting though. I thought opening up the book with an announcement of death was an interesting way to start a book. I feel like I did not get as much as I could have while reading this book. I understood the plot and what was going on, but I wasn't quite able to see a deeper meaning.

3. If I were to write an essay on "Their Eyes Were Watching God", I would focus on the element of marriage in the book. As Janie is married to three different men throughout the book, I see an importance of marriage and love in Janie's life. Even after many struggles in her previous marriage, Janie looks to try one more time and finds herself in a new kind of struggle. Along with the marriage comes the man who she is with. These men are each distinct in their appearances, views, and treatment of Janie. As possible foils to each other, the three men from Janie's marriage are the sources to Janie's suffering. I think these elements are important because they further show the struggles women went through in that time period. To make the struggles worse, the community the story takes place in consists of African Americans in a time of racism and discrimination.