Angela’s Ashes is a novel filled with sad events, yet the author’s style always adds a touch of humor. In the scene we read, the nurse from Kerry asks, “What is there to laugh about?” What is there to laugh about in this story? What role can humor play in a sad story? Look up the word “catharsis” and see if you can use it in your explanation.
The Lord created us with a wide array of emotions. Fear, unhappiness, and humor are just three of the many emotions we are designed to feel and carry during the correct circumstances. It seems pretty incongruous to place tragedy and humor together on the same page, and it is pretty obvious as to why this is. Humor is, however, used to express a number of tragic events both fiction and nonfiction. Shakespeare incorporated humorous characters in his tragedies, such as the opening scene of Romeo and Juliet and the "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern incident" in Hamlet (it's pretty dark humor, but humor nonetheless), and in Frank McCourt's memoir Angela's Ashes, subtle humor is also utilized.
A person may look back at a past hardship and tragedy with feelings of sorrow and depression, but may be able to notice some ironic or subtle humor that occurred during these events. In any
tragedy, whether it’s a national crisis or a broken heart, humor plays a vital
role in helping us keep our sanity and regain our perspective. Humor helps us
process painful events. It is important for us to process emotions of sadness and depression, and we need to psychologically resolve the tragedy and move beyond it. Humor allows us to overcome the stress that is associated with the event.
Catharsis is the purging of emotions. The act is a way of experiencing a strong emotion, then renewing the mind of the individual. The action of indulging in negative emotions can be a form of this, and humor (it could even be morbid humor) finishes off this process as the individual learns acceptance and is able to renew his or her mind.
The story contains some humor in juxtaposition with the tragedy that would have served as a form of escape or relief for Frank. The subtle remarks about the nuns, the characters' style of speech and the small humorous remarks the characters make all contribute to this. Examples include the imitation of the nuns' conservative habits and the mini-argument over poetry styles. As Mark Twain (I think it was Mark Twain) once said, "Humor is tragedy plus time." It helps us pass time, it helps us think past our states of misery, and it helps us anticipate a future with hope.
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Thursday, April 28, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Sick
Have you or anyone you have known ever been very sick? Have you ever been hospitalized or visited anyone in the hospital? If so, try describing the experience. Use your five senses, as well as your emotional response to the experience. If you have never had any such experience, try to imagine what it is like and describe it. Try to create a mood using your own personal style.
I've never been sick to the point of being on the brink of death. I have been hospitalized before, however, due to a severe asthma attack in the fifth grade, though I view this as a relatively insignificant event in my life as a whole.
My grandfather was diagnosed with colon cancer three or so years ago. He underwent chemotherapy and was in and out of the hospital depending on the time of the year and his health state.
A year or so after his diagnosis, he was hospitalized and my father raced our family to the Chiayi hospital as fast as he could. When we arrived, my grandfather was laying in bed, awake but weak. He had no tubes (my father later told me that he had specially requested for this. I assume that my grandfather did this because thought if he were to pass, he should be allowed to do so with dignity. Or it could simply be he doesn't like tubes running into his body - I know I don't) and had difficulties breathing. Within the hour, he passed into a coma.
The experience was emotionally devastating for me. I spent the days in Chiayi in quiet remorse, regretting the lack of time I had spent with him, fearing the the moment when the ECG would emit a slow beeping. The second afternoon of his hospitalization, I staggered over to his bedside. I softly whispered in his ear who I was, telling him that he had been important to me in my life, and that from then on a part of me would be playing sports and committing to my work in his honor. The teary-faced relatives watched on. My grandmother looked close to having a nervous breakdown (which she would, later at the funeral processions).
He passed away two hours later.
I've never been sick to the point of being on the brink of death. I have been hospitalized before, however, due to a severe asthma attack in the fifth grade, though I view this as a relatively insignificant event in my life as a whole.
My grandfather was diagnosed with colon cancer three or so years ago. He underwent chemotherapy and was in and out of the hospital depending on the time of the year and his health state.
A year or so after his diagnosis, he was hospitalized and my father raced our family to the Chiayi hospital as fast as he could. When we arrived, my grandfather was laying in bed, awake but weak. He had no tubes (my father later told me that he had specially requested for this. I assume that my grandfather did this because thought if he were to pass, he should be allowed to do so with dignity. Or it could simply be he doesn't like tubes running into his body - I know I don't) and had difficulties breathing. Within the hour, he passed into a coma.
The experience was emotionally devastating for me. I spent the days in Chiayi in quiet remorse, regretting the lack of time I had spent with him, fearing the the moment when the ECG would emit a slow beeping. The second afternoon of his hospitalization, I staggered over to his bedside. I softly whispered in his ear who I was, telling him that he had been important to me in my life, and that from then on a part of me would be playing sports and committing to my work in his honor. The teary-faced relatives watched on. My grandmother looked close to having a nervous breakdown (which she would, later at the funeral processions).
He passed away two hours later.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Perspective
How can our perspective contribute to the meaning of an event? In what way does a writer’s relationship to the people, places, and events she describes influence her writing? How might a memoir differ from a biography or a historical account? Why do you think perspective has the effect it does?
Our perspective of an event determines its significance in our life and what kind of an impact the event will imprint on us. For instance, we may perceive a school transfer as either a positive opportunity for change and building new experiences, or we can view it as something dreadful and unappealing. Perspective also plays a part when observing specific people and places, determining the feelings and emotions that are associated with such.
The writer's relationship to the people, places, and events described may influence the writing greatly. This may result from past experiences the author has underwent with these people or in these places or events. Depending whether the experiences are positive or negative, the author may portray the people, places, or events in the light or with prejudice. These feelings associated with such people, places, or events may be revealed through the author's tone.
A memoir differs from a biography or a historical account because it reveals the author's feelings regarding the events, people, and places in their lives. A biography or a historical account can't take on the perspective of the subject they are writing about. This is why memoirs have a huge advantage over biographies or historical accounts.
Our perspective of an event determines its significance in our life and what kind of an impact the event will imprint on us. For instance, we may perceive a school transfer as either a positive opportunity for change and building new experiences, or we can view it as something dreadful and unappealing. Perspective also plays a part when observing specific people and places, determining the feelings and emotions that are associated with such.
The writer's relationship to the people, places, and events described may influence the writing greatly. This may result from past experiences the author has underwent with these people or in these places or events. Depending whether the experiences are positive or negative, the author may portray the people, places, or events in the light or with prejudice. These feelings associated with such people, places, or events may be revealed through the author's tone.
A memoir differs from a biography or a historical account because it reveals the author's feelings regarding the events, people, and places in their lives. A biography or a historical account can't take on the perspective of the subject they are writing about. This is why memoirs have a huge advantage over biographies or historical accounts.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Writing in a Style
You arrive at school and find that there is a big mess in the sofa area. Someone has left garbage from take out food, some clothing, textbooks, half-empty cups, and various papers scattered all over the area. Right away emails start to fly around in the discussion of the mess. For this journal, create three short email messages that might be sent by different people at school to discuss the mess. You can choose any three people from school that you want: teacher, student, parent, staff, or administrator. Write the “email” in a style that reveals the personal qualities of the person sending it. Try to imitate their speech patterns, tone, and diction.
Sub: Mess in the Sofa Area
PAS students:
This morning I arrived at the school to see a lobby in a complete mess. The amount of filth and trash in the room is totally unacceptable, and I will expect that those who were involved in creating the mess, or those who know who was involved in the event will step forward and admit their knowledge or fault. Those who are involved will be punished severely. In PAS, we do not commit such indecent acts that lack dignity and moral standards. To ensure that this problem will not happen again, I repeat: there will be no food and drink anywhere on the school except for the cafeteria. Anyone who is caught doing so will be subject to detention. No one will be allowed to stay after 3:30 unless they have special permission from the office. If you cannot take care of the campus, then you should not be allowed to lounge around whenever you feel like it. You all should know better than to make a mess out of ourselves, and neither should you have the time to spend doing nothing and making messes in the hallways. There will be a punishment until the people responsible are held accountable.
Sub: lobby looks like sht
dude did you hear about the lobby? terhe's like trash everywhere, totally looks messed up man. pamela's gonna be pissed.
----
Re: lobby looks like sht
you serious? how bad is it and who did it, do you know? 500 says that Pamela's gonna hold another assembly in the morning...
----
Re: re: lobby looks like sht
pretty bad. There was like garbage everywhere, like the bien dang boxes and the drink bottles n stuff. Papers everywhere, and even saw some jen joos on the ground along with some tea. The magazine stack is overturned too. and it's not one part of the lobby, its the entire thing. no idea man, i asked smeone and he said liek some of the juniors and some seniors did it. LOL YEAH... that's bs dude well we weren't involved in it nyways so she cant blame us...
----
Re: re: re: lobby looks like sht
Yeah but you know how well she takes this kind of stuff. Everyone's responsible. Goddamn it. So wtv happens later is their fault.
----
Re: re: re: re: lobby looks like sht
yeah man. there's gonna be a show 2mrw.
Sub: Keeping Clean in PAS
Dear PAS High School:
It is essential to keep a school clean and tidy in order to promote efficiency and keep a good profile. So far in PAS we have not had such an incident taking place. I need to remind you that PAS is a decent school, and I entered this school believing that this is true. Remember that we at PAS present ourselves as a school that is clean and has dignity. We set ourselves apart from other schools and aim to be the best. This morning, we entered the school campus to see a completely untidy sofa area. We do not do this at PAS. Now Ms. Pamela has set a few rules in order to promote an orderly learning environment that can be kept clean. Let me stress to you that these rules will be enforced and that I will be doing my best to guide you in creating a clean and orderly environment.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Two Lives?
Most of you have a combination of cultural backgrounds. For example, you are ethnically Chinese, but you live in Taiwan and you go to an American school. Some of you have lived in other countries. Each of these backgrounds has an effect on you, and the synergy created by two or more creates yet an additional influence. Try to describe the different cultures which influence you, and how they influence you. Which of your backgrounds do you think has the most influence on you? If you were a writer, how do you think this might affect your style?
I am Chinese by heritage; sometime or another, whether it was during or before the Chinese Civil War, my past family came from China to settle in Taiwan. Despite my heritage, my parents decided to place my sister and me under the American educational system. They did not want my sister and me to be consumed by the unilateral, uncreative, and stressful system of education most of Asia has, and as a result generally encourage Western ideals and cultures. What results is a juxtaposition of two different cultures and a lifestyle that may seem paradoxical at first glance.
Due to this American/Taiwanese cultural background, I live in a fairly moderate state between the two cultures. For example, my parents never pushed me to excel in school (they trusted that I would have the innate motive to do so), but they still expect me to succeed. However, sometimes I tend to side with one belief or another; for example, I strongly disagree with Taiwan's competitive and fanatically stressful educational agenda. I believe that while studying is crucial, a student's life should also be balanced out with extracurricular activities and fun and engaging events. This is probably the belief that decreases my popularity in this school, since PAS doesn't seem to share my point-of-view.
A third cultural influence is that of religion. I have personally accepted Christian doctrines, but I still hold incense sticks, burn paper money, and join in pray to Buddhist gods alongside my family, out of respect for them and for my culture.
Because I mainly affiliate with so called "American culture," some of my family members whisper and grumble behind my back (something I am more than aware of). Some, mostly the older folk, dislike the fact that I am "throwing my heritage away" while others disagree about sending me to college overseas.
I'm not entirely sure how this would affect my style. Perhaps after years of mental stimulation and intrapersonal learning practice, I am forced to think in more empathetic, yet rational means before I write.
I am Chinese by heritage; sometime or another, whether it was during or before the Chinese Civil War, my past family came from China to settle in Taiwan. Despite my heritage, my parents decided to place my sister and me under the American educational system. They did not want my sister and me to be consumed by the unilateral, uncreative, and stressful system of education most of Asia has, and as a result generally encourage Western ideals and cultures. What results is a juxtaposition of two different cultures and a lifestyle that may seem paradoxical at first glance.
Due to this American/Taiwanese cultural background, I live in a fairly moderate state between the two cultures. For example, my parents never pushed me to excel in school (they trusted that I would have the innate motive to do so), but they still expect me to succeed. However, sometimes I tend to side with one belief or another; for example, I strongly disagree with Taiwan's competitive and fanatically stressful educational agenda. I believe that while studying is crucial, a student's life should also be balanced out with extracurricular activities and fun and engaging events. This is probably the belief that decreases my popularity in this school, since PAS doesn't seem to share my point-of-view.
A third cultural influence is that of religion. I have personally accepted Christian doctrines, but I still hold incense sticks, burn paper money, and join in pray to Buddhist gods alongside my family, out of respect for them and for my culture.
Because I mainly affiliate with so called "American culture," some of my family members whisper and grumble behind my back (something I am more than aware of). Some, mostly the older folk, dislike the fact that I am "throwing my heritage away" while others disagree about sending me to college overseas.
I'm not entirely sure how this would affect my style. Perhaps after years of mental stimulation and intrapersonal learning practice, I am forced to think in more empathetic, yet rational means before I write.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Nature's Role
Think of an experience you had with nature or something you observed in nature. Maybe you were camping, or hiking, or maybe just going for a walk. Did anything surprise you? What role does nature play in our lives? How can nature surprise us? Can you think of how a writer might approach the subject of nature, and how it might be approached stylistically? How could different styles depict nature differently?
In modern times most young people aren't spending as much time in nature (possibly due to the rise of consumer electronics and indoor entertainment systems), and when they do go out they are bored by what they observe. This is most unfortunate, considering the physical and spiritual pleasures that nature can bring. Nature has its surprises; from a tree that is over a millennium old to observing the diversity of animal life and their unique characteristics, nature is widely diverse and extremely intricate.
Nature holds a spiritual role in some people's lives. Some feel that through observing nature, one can find inner peace and balance in life. Others use nature as a means to get closer with God, feel his presence, and observe his creations. Nature also holds a physical role in life. Because of its value and its importance to the Earth, many promote the protection of nature for the enjoyment of future generations. The great diversity and the puzzling mysteries within nature also prompts humans to attempt to study and understand such aspects of nature. All of the physical and natural sciences are based on the idea of understanding the natural world around us.
Authors can approach the topic of nature with different styles. For instance, a religious or more spiritual writer will want to embody powerful and emotional words and descriptions that describes his view of nature. A more emotional writer can describe how nature possesses deep metaphors and symbols and wondrous life processes that deserve contemplation and a great deal of admiration. A more down-to-earth writer can write about nature by simply describing the physical observations. This point of view would not deliver the more emotional and "deep" style of the previous author.
In modern times most young people aren't spending as much time in nature (possibly due to the rise of consumer electronics and indoor entertainment systems), and when they do go out they are bored by what they observe. This is most unfortunate, considering the physical and spiritual pleasures that nature can bring. Nature has its surprises; from a tree that is over a millennium old to observing the diversity of animal life and their unique characteristics, nature is widely diverse and extremely intricate.
Nature holds a spiritual role in some people's lives. Some feel that through observing nature, one can find inner peace and balance in life. Others use nature as a means to get closer with God, feel his presence, and observe his creations. Nature also holds a physical role in life. Because of its value and its importance to the Earth, many promote the protection of nature for the enjoyment of future generations. The great diversity and the puzzling mysteries within nature also prompts humans to attempt to study and understand such aspects of nature. All of the physical and natural sciences are based on the idea of understanding the natural world around us.
Authors can approach the topic of nature with different styles. For instance, a religious or more spiritual writer will want to embody powerful and emotional words and descriptions that describes his view of nature. A more emotional writer can describe how nature possesses deep metaphors and symbols and wondrous life processes that deserve contemplation and a great deal of admiration. A more down-to-earth writer can write about nature by simply describing the physical observations. This point of view would not deliver the more emotional and "deep" style of the previous author.
Monday, April 11, 2011
How Do Artists Convey Style?
Look at the painting on p. 445 of your textbook and answer the questions 1-5 on p. 444 and 1-4 on p. 445 (some are duplicates--you don't have to answer twice). In your own words describe the style the artist used in creating this picture.
1) What is the painting about? Is it a still scene or is there action? The painting is a depiction of the interior furnishings of an American domestic home. It is a still life painting; it is a work of art that depicts inanimate subject matter (furniture and a few dishware).
2) Consider the manner in which the painting's subject is presented. Is the subject depicted in a realistic or nonrealistic way? There are no abstract or obscured objects that are out of proportion, shadows are drawn accurately, and fine details are added. The painting's subject is presented in a realistic way. After doing some light research, I found out that Charles Sheeler was known for his realistic style of painting, which further reinforces that the painting is realistic.
3) Identify the author's technique. How does the artist use color, texture and shapes to show the subject matter?
The artist includes certain details and designs in his painting of the carpets, the dishware, and uses precision in representing lighting and shadows. He also predominantly utilizes the color brown and similarly darker colors (with the exception of the plates on the night-table). The shapes are well defined, and everything possesses a rather smooth or soft texture. This overall design allows the painting to have a feeling of warmth, comfort, and oddly a sense of reliability.
4) What mood is created by the artist's use of light and shadow?
The cast shadows formed by the furniture blocking the light source off-image (which is relatively dim, as with a setting or rising sun) gives the painting a well-defined feeling and contributes to a mood of security, comfort, and sophistication.
5) How is the painting different from other paintings of similar subjects? Other paintings tend to have softer edges, blurred details, lighter colors, lighter, and less-defined shadows. While some paintings also use similar color schemes, they do not convey the mood of being sophisticated, yet not overtly contemporary or conservative, as many other paintings make me feel.
1) What is the painting about? Is it a still scene or is there action? The painting is a depiction of the interior furnishings of an American domestic home. It is a still life painting; it is a work of art that depicts inanimate subject matter (furniture and a few dishware).
2) Consider the manner in which the painting's subject is presented. Is the subject depicted in a realistic or nonrealistic way? There are no abstract or obscured objects that are out of proportion, shadows are drawn accurately, and fine details are added. The painting's subject is presented in a realistic way. After doing some light research, I found out that Charles Sheeler was known for his realistic style of painting, which further reinforces that the painting is realistic.
3) Identify the author's technique. How does the artist use color, texture and shapes to show the subject matter?
The artist includes certain details and designs in his painting of the carpets, the dishware, and uses precision in representing lighting and shadows. He also predominantly utilizes the color brown and similarly darker colors (with the exception of the plates on the night-table). The shapes are well defined, and everything possesses a rather smooth or soft texture. This overall design allows the painting to have a feeling of warmth, comfort, and oddly a sense of reliability.
4) What mood is created by the artist's use of light and shadow?
The cast shadows formed by the furniture blocking the light source off-image (which is relatively dim, as with a setting or rising sun) gives the painting a well-defined feeling and contributes to a mood of security, comfort, and sophistication.
5) How is the painting different from other paintings of similar subjects? Other paintings tend to have softer edges, blurred details, lighter colors, lighter, and less-defined shadows. While some paintings also use similar color schemes, they do not convey the mood of being sophisticated, yet not overtly contemporary or conservative, as many other paintings make me feel.
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