Life Class 5 and 6

As the plot of the book keeps progressing there are many tenentions in the relationship of the characters. Teresa and Paul are now fully committed to each other as a couple and a few months wiz by with they are emaculated in love for one another. However, Paul continuasly begins to get sick of Terea talking about her abusive exhusband. He also begins to secretly fall for Terea's friend Elinor, but with mixed emotions decides that Tereasa is the right girl for him. One night Treasa's exhussband, Haliday, shows up drunk and raging at a spot where Paul his. Also quite tipsy himself the two begin to fight. Haliday is much stronger and physically tougher then Paul and Paul is severaly injured. The author states, "Huddled against the call he felt Haliday's boot smash into his ribs" (86). Paul ends up with severe cuts and broken ribs. This quote reveals how tough and menecing Haliday is, that he can beat up Paul who is a very strong and albe man. Not only does this fight injur Paul phyiscally but it also tears him and Tersea appart. She decides suddenly to leave town. She will not have him come with her, or let Paul have any say in the matter. Tereasa is to frightened for herself to be with Paul anymore. She also belives that Paul is truely in love with Elinor and when he states that he loves her she simlpy replies, "You don't love me, if you love anybody, you love Elinor, and you only love her because she won't have you" (96). Tereas's observant and truthful observation leads to major distance between the two. Even after long months of being together they don't even end up corresponding ever again.

The book moves ahead and show the deep love that Paul has been hiding for Elinor. Infact Elinor has been feeling that exact same way as well. They fall deeply into love and spend many months together in happiness. However, the war is approaching and Paul feels as though he is letting down, his family, and his country if he does not help. He inlistes in medical school and becomes a doctor. Eventually during the war he is moved to a hospital to help treat all the wounded and dieing soilders. The relationship between Paul and Elinor only seem to grow from this however. They frequently write letters to eachother. Paul rights about the war, and the vitiems he treats, and Elinor rights about Slade, the school they both use to attend and her troube with her family. The war continues to rage and there are many gory and unwanted things that our character's are exposed to. Twards the end of the book Elinor and Paul are writing less and less because of the tragities that have been occuring. Elinor writes to Paul saying, "Write soon, This war destroys so much, don't let it destroy us as well" (283). Elinor's ever lasting love for Paul gives us hope there can still happiness in the midst of sad times. It's seems as though she is willng to endure anything for thier love. A theme that seems ever persistant in the book. He comes back from the war and Elinor shows this love by asking him to marry her. She say's, "Darlin Paul, please say you'll be mine"(307). He reply's "I'm your's forever" (307). This yet again reveals the true love they have for eachother, and the many obsatcules they have endured to get to this love. The book ends vaugly with the un assurance that both will live together happily but it truley fallows the theme of true love can over come any obstacles.

Life Class Post 4

As the book progresses Tereasa and Neville's relationship becomes stronger. They begin dating but there is still always the fear of her husband coming back and hurting the both of them. Tereasa begins to recieve letters. She tells Neville of this and tells him that the letter's say, "He wants to kill me"(61). This is a very scary thought. A person who is suffering from an abusive relationship, is largely in danger and I fear for Tereasa's life. This quote reveals how Treseasa is not only a victem but also how she is, in a certain way, unattainable, because she will never fully be unattached by her old husband. This abusive husband is not only a danger to Tereasa and Neville but also seems to be an obstical in the way of furthing thier relationship. The narrorator states, "For the first time, she rebelled him"(67).  This reveal that the relationship between Tereasa and Neville is becoming strianed. Tereasa will never be fully reachable because of her dangerous attachment to her abusive husband. I hope that Teresea is able to get out of the realationship because I believe that Neville is a much kinder, and better fit. He will also not be an abusive pig!

Life Class Post 3

The book is progressing along nicley and our charactor's Paul and Tereasa seem to be devopling at a rapid rate. Paul and Tereasa are left along by Elinor and Neville and decide to head to a cafe for dinner. They talk the night away and we learn about Terea's unfortunate past and abusive husband. She states, "You get cowed. You can't do anything. Always being told what an ugly, useless, slut you are"(30). Tereasa's past is filled with many bad memories, abuse, and torment. I like how with chapter really gives insight to her past because we are able to better understand what her actions are in the future and what kind of things might have motiviated these actions. Not only are we seeing a whole new side of Tereasa in this chapter but also the feelings between Tereasa and and paul seems to get more personal. Paul is very attracticted to Tereasa and she seems to be harboring simialr feelings for him as well. Thier relationpship is progressing and Pauls affection is demostrated whe he says, "It was exciting just to be walking down the street with her, to match his stride to hers, to feel her hand nesling in the crook of his elbow" (30).  This passage reveals how Paul is becoming enamored with Tereasa. I hope that thier relationship continues to blossum. She could really use a stable and loving man such as Paul seems to be.

Life Class Post 2

The post this week is going to focus on the character development of not only Paul but also of the new characters we are beginning to meet. Not only do we see how Paul is reavling his true colors but we are also introduced to some main, interesting characters. One of these character's is Elinor Brooke. She is an aulluring female student who Paul seems very interested in. He describes her ways as ""the treatment"-by which he meant the air of intamacy Elinor created between her self and any man she talked to"(Barker 15). This description of Elinor demonstrates the kind of person she is, and how Paul is infatuated with her. I'm really hoping that they get together because Paul seems very lonley and even though Elinor may seem like a very flirtatious woman there are signs that show she has a little something extra for Paul.

The develpement of Elinor will become more apperent as I continue reading however, we are not only introduced to Elinor but also to her friend Teresa Halliday. Barker describes her as, " She was dark, with short shiny hair, high cheekbones, and red, painted, pouting lips." (18). We can see that Paul is obviously attracted to her as well and it makes us wonder who he is more attracted to. Teresa is a very intersting charater who alsmost immediatly describes her life, how she is a modle for the arts school, and her crazy drunk of a husband who she plans to seperate from is stalking her. Furthermore, we are also introduced to Kit Neville who was kicked out of the art school but still hangs around and is begining to become famous. He has an intersting relationship with Tereasa and it makes me wonder if the two have past history. Hopefully as these charactor develop we are able to better understand thier actions and grow attatched to them as characters.

Life Class Post 1

So far in the book, Life Class, by Pat Barker we have met the interesting character of Paul. He is a young student at the art school of Slade during 1914. He seems to be a very opinionated and honest character, yet with a bit of temper. We see this temper when he storms out of his "Life Class" at Slade because he is frustrated with his work. Barker states, "He shouted, though he hadn't meant to. All around people were turning to stare at him. Without giving Tonks a chance to reply, he through down his pencil and walked out"(6). It is evident here that the character of Paul is one with a short fuse. This quote also gives further insight to how Paul is passionate because he cares so much for his work, and improving on what he has done, that when he feels it is insufficient it distresses him very much.  However, although our first impression of Paul is one of a tempered, perfectionist it is later revealed throughout the chapter that he is also kind an honest. When Paul sees a young girl, drunk, being persuaded by a strange man he stands up for her although he does not know her. Paul tells the man to back of and throws the man's silver headed cane into the lake. Barker describes this as, " In a final burst of exhileration, he sent the cane whirling in a broad arc over the lake, it's silver knob flashing in the sun"(11). This random act of kindness twards a unknown girl demonstrates to the reader that Paul is one of honesty and ingerity, not only anger. 

Chapter 6 Outside Post

Finally as the book comes to a conclusion we can see the transformation Jen makes. I honestly thought that Jen was NEVER going to rid herself caring about materialistic possessions. Although the wedding she has starts off as a way to scuffle in money Jen realizes that she really does love her boyfriend Fletch. She begins taking tempertary jobs and starting a blogging site. We are able to clearly see Jen's transformation from a snob to an every day person when she says in her blog post, " Did you--- heh, heh,heh, he, take the BUS? Yes. yes I did" (358). This clearly demonstrates how Jen is giving up her old life and turing into a person with scincre values. The whole reason she even took the bus was to go see her mother who suddleny became ill. The old Jen would have NEVER done this in a million years even for her mothers sake.

Jen yet again demonstrates this switch from an egotistiacal, hauty, mean, women to a empathetic, and understanding friend when she talks about a reaction to a nasty e-mail she got from a friend about her blog. Jen states:
The seventeen year old Jen would have been crushed if she'd recived a condecending notefrom Cal-the Magnificent, even if it was just ment to tease her. But what about the thirty-five-year old Jen? The one with the big butt? Who lives in the 'hood and has a pitbull and acually LIKES polo shirts from Target? Who doesn't have a job is married to a regular guy from Indiana? She just laughed and Laughed. (367) Jen's transformation has obviously finally occured in this passage. She has begun exepting herself for what she truley is not what she has, looks like, or wears. Jen Lanchaser has finally made the change we were all hoping she would.

Outside Reading 5

As the book begins to start wrapping up we are still unable to really see the wonderful qualities in Jen. Her debt is beginging to overwhelm her and she thinks of no other options then to, "GET MARRIED" (200). Jen seems to really like her boyfriend of around five years but I'm not entirley sure it's because of his charm. He has lots of money and in her scheame to get cash Jen decides she is going to marry him. Personally I find this a very shallow and self-centered thing to do. Marry someone only becasue of thier money?? To me that is possibly one of the lowest things a person can do. By Jen deciding she is going to marry her boyfriend for his money again reveals to us how she is still stuck in that "money loving" phase that hopefully she will able to over come.

Jen time and time again gives insite to how materialisc she is. Though we are creeping closer and closer to the end of the memoir she is still showing this embarassing quality. When talking about the perfect things she wants for her wedding (which she is only having to get money, and paying for none of it) she states, "I hate stupid dresses. Hate stupid bridal shops. Hate stupid empolyees at bridal shops....Hate stupid weddings" (223). This quote reveals how although Jen has lost her money, and job, she is still materialisc which seems like a quatlity that I am hopelessly rooting for to change.

Outside Reading 4

Jen's life of luxury, money, and superficial needs are beginning to crumble around her. Just when all seems to be going right, Jen is fired from her job. A classy and respectful staff member would leave with as much dignity as possible but not Jen. When she finds out about her situation Jen rants to her boss telling her, "At some point , Corp. Com. will discover exactly how worthless you are" (91). This act of complete disrespect reveals Jen's true colors once again, also allowing the reader to understand how important Jen's job was to her (i.e how important her money was) that she would feel like she was so above her boss too go and yell like that.
Jen again show this unreal "superiority" to everyone when looking for a new job. She believes she will be hired in a blink of an eye, and that she is so great that the new salary must be up to her standereds. When at an interview with a new boss they discuss salary, and Jen turns down a much needed job, "I wasn't trying to be argumentative. I honestly didn't understand becasue surly in America you can't pay an experienced professional with a college degree $16,000. I figured I was missing something"(102). Jen reveals her true love of self and desire for money through this confrontation. I hope that through losing her job she will really be able to find out that money and things are not so important.

Outside Reading 3

In this weeks reading Jen's undeniable, selfish, egotistical, character continues to not only bring down others but also rely on materialistic possessions. When Jen finds a couch that is, "A magnificent piece of craftsmanship covered in creamy taupe leather and shaped like twin mattresses standing on glossy cherry wood legs"(70). She HAS to have it although she can not afford it ($7000). The argument that follow with her boyfriend ( about buying the couch) shows how superficial and immature she really is. If someone basis their life around what others think about them and their money they can never be truly happy. Jen again shows this view when she decides to enact, "Operation Make More Money"(79). Her shallow view on the world pulls through time and time again as she bullies people and only focuses on the amount of money she makes. Personally I believe that when someone is so materialistic they will end up getting nothing out of life in the end.

On the Water Front

In the movie, On the Waterfront the difference between a "stool pigeon" and someone who is an "informant on criminal activity" is very defined. Our main character, Terry, struggles on whether to tell information about the mob or to keep quite. He knows that he might put himself in danger if he tells but he listens to his consiance and tells anyway. Although Terry makes a decision to stand up for what he believes in, many other characters view him as a "stool pigeon". These characters include the mob, Johnny Friendly and even his brother Charlie.
In my opinion I think it is right to tell about criminal activity. If someone was put in danger, or killed I believe they should be punished, and stopped from ever repeating this kind of activity again. However, I can understand why someone would be viewed as a "rat" for giving up insider information but I still believe that it is the moral thing to do!

All My Sons

Throughout the novel, All My Sons, multiple characters must make many decisions based whether they believe that the welfare of the society is greater, or that of the family. One character who strongly believes that the welfare of the family is greater then that of society is Joe Keller. We know this about Joe, when he confesses to Chris that he did send out the faulty cylinders, he states, "It was all for you! It was for your Chris, a business for you!" (69). Joe obviously thinks that the welfare of the family is more important then that of the society, because if he was more focused on the society he would have jeopardized the business, and his family instead. On the other hand Joe's son Chris takes a very different point of view on the matter. He insists on the country being more important then the family and himself when he states, "Do you not have a country? I was dying everyday" (70). Chris's view of how society is more important then family is clearly given when he rages at his father for what has happened. In my opinion Chris's head was in the right place.
I believe that when it comes to the welfare of society or that of the family, I think society should come first. If one does something that effects the whole society it can make a huge impact not only in that person's life, but also the life of many others. I truly think that communities as a whole should help and support on another instead of seaming and harming each other. Thus if one is to make a decision that would effect the society more then that of the family, in my mind harming the family would be a less severe consequence in the future.

This week, in my book, Bitter is the New Black, we are learning more and more about Jen and her way of cutting people down guiltlessly. The only thing that seems to matter to her are her money, job, and looks. Jen loves to degrade people who are not as "Up to standereds" as she is. Ever rude to those around her, during a company trip she says. "was that... was that.. Retard-y Arty? I know thats a mean nick name, but before you judge me, I challenge you to look into Arther' s empty sales funnel"(25). Jen does not care about her coworker, though he may have some challenges, she is unable to overlook them and really except he was given an opportunity to be successful in life. All Jen cares about is her job, and making more money, and if Arty is going to get in the way she expressions the opinion that he has to go.
Jen also shows her hardheadedness, and guiltless pleasure of cutting people down comes up again when her coworker Courtney is having troubles with her boyfriend. As Courtney is bawling on the plane, and confessing to Jen about her love life, Jen replies with an uncalled for cut down, she yells, "What do you expect. Acting like a whore attracts attention. They probably think your here to go on Jerry Springer"(32). This rude remark really shows how Jen enjoys cutting people down. There is no evidence of guilt and no twinge of regret in her voice. I predict that because she is such a self centered heartless person, that some experience in the near future will really knock her down, and help her to become a more caring and excepting person.

Bitter is the New Black Post One

For my book I chose to read the memoir of a women named Jen Lancaster called Bitter is the New Black. In the book we meet the character of Jen Lancaster. Who seems to be a spoiled, self centered person who does things that are quite unimaginable. This is shown in the opening page of the story through a letter through a letter Jen's parents actually received from one of Jen's fourth grade teachers stating, " During Recess, I heard her remark to another student "I can make Stacey Coopermith do any thing I want." I wanted to tell you, as I am sure you want to keep that kind of behavior in check. Sincerely, Mrs. C--"(1) This kind of letter is placed most strategically at the beginning of the story to give background information on our character and let the audience know what kind of person she has always been. Another example of this was when Jen remarks, "I don't blame the colleagues for wanting to bask inn my reflected glory" (17). Jen's self centered remark gives more depth to her character letting the audience in on her thoughts. Instead of Jen being greatful, she is basking in her own glory something that in my prediction will surely not end well. So far, in Bitter is the New Black Jen's self centered ways have come across strongly which is something I believe she will learn to control as the book moves forward.

Photography: Rose through the Night

Fashion Photography

In the article, Matthew Rolston's Inspirations: Fashion, by Matthew Rolston, he explains to the world what emotions fashion photographers aspire to inflict on their viewers. He states that fashion photography can, "help us mitigate the pitiful rituals of modern life and celebrate the goddesses that walk among us" (Rolston). Thus allowing one to step into a different world for the moment they are immersed in the picture. When learning about what is going on inside a photographers head I think to helps one to relate and understand the photograph better. I have learned from this article that fashion photography is used to inspire the emotion of longing and the, "concept of ideal beauty". Because of this beauty, one is inspired, excited, and immersed, by the enchanting photographs in the fashion world.


http://www.popphoto.com/photographynewswire/5525/matthew-rolstons-inspirations-fashion.html

Careers Give India’s Women New Independence

In Bangalore, India women are taking a stand and becoming more independent. Just a couple of years ago these women would have been forced to live with their families then go straight to their husband's home without any say in the matter. However, many women of this area are now becoming well educated and finding jobs in the city that enable them to have their own independence. These women are able to help support themselves without a husband. Due to opportunities in education and the work place they are able to live lives of choice. However, choices about marriage are still pressured greatly by parents. This will most likely take time to change because it has a been such as lare part of Indian tradition for many years. I'm personally ecstatic for these women because they are finally able to haves some freedom in their lives! Hopefully over the next couple of years their independence will grow helping them become the individuals they want to be!

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/23/world/asia/23india.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=india%20women&st=cse&oref=slogin

If We Only Understood

Could we but draw back the curtain,
That surrounds each others lives,
See the naked heart and spirit;
Know what spur the action gives;
Often we would find it better,
Purer then we think we would.
We would love each other better,
If we only understood.

This week for my blog I decided to read a short poem called, If We Only Understood, By: Unknown. Even though this poem is short it hit right home with me. It talks about looking into each others lives and being a true friend. It is poems like this that inspire me to look deeper into people and their situations giving me reasons to want to connect with them more. It's important for everyone to learn the lessons of love and friendship and through poems like this maybe the people in the world we be able to, "understand" eachother better in the long run.


http://www.poemsonly.com/poems/onlyunderstood.php

Homer as A Feminist

I believe when it comes to Homer's epic poem, The Odyssey, his view point of women is more feminist then sexist. Athena, with her centralization in the novel, leads me to believe that Homer thought of woman as important contributions to society. This importance is expressed in many different parts of the book. During the battle between Odysseus and the suitors she appears, and the suitors call to her saying, " Mentor, never let Odysseus trick you into siding with him to fight against the suitors"(446). This shows how Athena was so valued that men were groveling at her (a women) knees for help. Homer also shows his feminist views at the very end of the epic when Athena commands Odysseus to stop all fighting. The Odyessy ends with her last commandments. This is relevant because it revels how she is so powerful that people fear her enough to stop fighting even when they are enraged.
Another example is when Calypso trapped Odysseus on her island. He was not allowed off the island until Calypso willed it so. Thus showing the reader how powerful a women can be when she is determined.
Now one may question, "Yes we know Athena was powerful, but then explain Penelope's general "house wife, pining for her husband" characterization". In my opinion Homer did not mean to characterize Penelope in a sexist manner but he just decided on giving her the characteristics to make the story, and Odysesus homecoming, seem more dramatic. Without the typical, "wife yearning for her husband" the plot would have less significance because being with his faithful wife is Odysseus's main drive. Homer shows us in more ways then one the significance of a women through the characters of Athena, Calypso, and Penelope. The women described were those of power, determination and honor making the reader perceive Homer as a writer unprejudiced to women.

Insperations for London's Fashion Week

Fashion is my main interest so for my blog this week I decided to look for articles about upcoming fashion. In the New York times I found a very interesting piece about the imminent trends for the spring/summer collections. The designers showing at Fashion Week in London had many odd but yet brilliant inspirations for their designs. The inspirations ranged from the video game Pac Man, including clothing that have, "couture glamour, bringing the techno-savvy of the modern world to high fashion." To The Flintstones with clothing including, "a cheeky mix of an animal print top and a skirt breaking in waves of scallops over the thighs." Its hard for me to imagine any of these designs on actual people. However, when I look at pictures of the outfits its clear that all the pieces work together in a more then creative way.
One design team that really stuck out to me was that of Graeme Fidler and Michael Herz. Thier collection titled Aquascutum showed a verity of clothing in various shades of blue. The collection also showed lots of chic rain gear tying into the Aquascutum theme even more. I feel that its important to read about things like fashion in other countries because it broadens your horizons and hopefully inspires you to dip your toes in other cultures!


article website:http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/09/17/style/reighty.php?page=2

Outside Reading

Welcome to my reading blog!! thanks for visting!