The Snows of Kilimanjaro.

Ernest Hemingway wasn't afraid to write what he wanted to. In this story he uses language that some may find offensive, most notably the word "bitch". His description of a young woman also can be seen as suggestive, but I thought it added to the story. The story takes place in Africa. The main character is a male writer with female companion. He seems to resent her because he has not been able to write due to living in the moment. He is also afflicted by a leg wound and has gangrene. Knowing the end is near, he decides he needs to write, but never get around to it. This story made me think about my life and how much time I waste doing paltry things. Sleeping when not needing to for one. Hopefully, we can explain this in class, but I doubt it due to the presentations next week and other things we must do.

Babylon Revisited.

Like many of the stories we have read during this quarter, this one made more sense after a discussion of it in class. I guess I just do not understand the deeper meanings in some things, so the discussion are a great boon to me. This story deals with a man who is finally realizing his past "sins" and is now atoning for them. It takes place in Paris during the 1920s. The man is returning to deal with his family problems. He seemed to be an alcoholic and it is apparent. He is a somewhat likable character, he cares about his daughter and doesn't want to lose her. However, he is having trouble dealing with his deceased wife's sister. Both are flawed and probably shouldn't be caring for a child in their state. She is mentally unhinged. The title is also suitable for the story that proceeds it. Babylon being an ancient city of decadence and Paris being a city with similar characteristics is a perfect match. We did not get to explain this story that much, but what I learned from it was insightful and interesting.

In Just.

E.E. Cummings is a poet I have heard of, but never really understood until I read his poetry. The only thing I knew of him before this was his quote "Listen; there's a hell of a good universe next door: let's go." After reading "In Just" and deciphering what it meant with my classmates, I have a greater respect for him now. He is very clever with his word and is able to slide things under people's nose without them noticing. The title is an onomatopoeia for the sound one makes during a sexual climax. The poem goes deeper into that as well, referencing a satyr and spring. The satyr symbolizing sexuality and spring symbolizing freedom. Hopefully, now I will read poems more closely to understand them and not let the vital parts of them escape me.

Harriet Beecher Stowe.

This is the poem I am doing for my Unpack a Poem project and I am glad I chose this one. It is a easy poem to understand and it makes a great deal of sense to me. Paul Laurence Dunbar concisely and eloquently described Stowe's rise to prominence and how she aided in the abolishment of slavery. This poem is a sonnet and the structure of it look very organized. It's written with one line then three lines proceeding under. This occurs throughout the entire poem, with the exception of a few lines near the end. It amazes me how powerful poetry can be if done in such a concise way. I hope to learn more about this poem when I unpack it and hear my classmates insights on it after I recite it.