To Build A Fire.

To Build A Fire by Jack London was a very satisfying read in my opinion. It made me appreciate the fact that the weather where I live could be harsher, but isn't. The story centers around a man in the Yukon trekking across its terrain. The only companion he has is a unnamed dog. The weather of the area isn't a character, but it does play an integral part in this story. It is the antagonist of the story and drives what the man does, most of which seems instinctual. For example, when the man has to beat on his chest to relieve the numbing sensation in his hands. London describes the man's struggle to get warm in extreme detail, it made empathize with the man even more. If I had to categorize the perspective/World View of this story I'd say it's a realist perspective. Especially in the way it end, however, the climax seemed to have some elements of naturalism. I'm not sure what else I can say about this story, hopefully I'll learn more about it when we discuss it in class.
                                                                                                        - Michael Frazier

Trifles.

This story centers around the murder of Mr. Wright, the husband of Minnie Wright. There is an investigation going on and the two female characters' husband are trying to solve the case. This story, or play, is filled with things that say a lot about how the opposite sex is perceived in during this time. On example that comes to mind is when Mr. Hale said women only spend their time caring about trifling things. It is fact the trifling things that crack the case wide open. If I had to guess which writing style this was, I'd have to say it's realistic. Everything is presented in such a way that it leaves the reader with a yearning for how the characters felt emotionally. I think everyone can relate this story to some moment in their lives. We've all been underestimated at some point and the same frustrations they experienced, we've experienced. After reading this I'd like to read more works by Susan Graspell. I like that this story made me think and I always enjoy good social commentary hidden in literature.

The Yellow Wallpaper.

This is not the first time I've read this story, but it is the first time I've fully understood what Gilman was writing about. The story deals with postpartum depression and obsession. In it the main character is on bed-rest due to hear husband's wishes. She has no say in what her treatment is and this seems typical for the time this story takes place in. Her husband even refers to her as a "little-girl", she has no ability to be an independent woman. What I enjoyed about this story was the detail. The main character goes into great detail when describing the intricacy of the wallpaper in her room. The wallpaper becomes like a living, breathing entity throughout the course of the story and it is nice to see that progression. Her obsession with the wallpaper at night reminds me of one of my own obsessions. My closest door is open at night and during this time nothing can be seen in it. It is very mysterious and frightening at the same time. I fear peering at it too long because I imagine something might come out of it. However, this is all in my imagination. Reading this story for a second time has helped me to truly understand what it means and allowed me to look into myself afterwards.
                                                                                                    -Michael Frazier

Blog Posting for 1/11/11.

This week we were required to read three short stories. "The White Heron", "The Notorious Jumping from of Caleveras County" and "Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge". I'd like to explain the third one in more detail because that one pulled me in the most. The setting of the story is at Owl Creek Bridge during the Civil War period in the United States. The main character, Peyton Fahrquhar, is being hung for interference with Union Soldier's plan to rebuild the bridge. Peyton, a Confederate Army sympathizer never did have a chance to fight in the war so he tries to help be sabotaging the Union Soldier's efforts. I don't summarize the entire story because I feel that would be too redundant, especially to the people who have already read the piece.  What I like most about this story is its whole take on the idea that one's life flashes before their eyes. Instead, Peyton's escape from his situation came to his mind. The entire story is mostly focused on this and it is very vivid. You can almost imagine being with Peyton as he is making his perilous escape down the river. The thing that surprised me most was the way Union soldiers were portrayed in this story. What they do to Peyton in something you wouldn't expect from the "good-guys" of the Civil War. It really turns the whole idea of good/evil on its head. I did enjoy the other two stories as well, but I guess I'm not experienced in reading Twain yet so it didn't have the effect on me that it should have had. I'm still getting used to his humor and use of irony in his stories, but I'll grasp the idea sooner or later.
                                                               -Michael Frazier