On Writing, Post 5: Overall Thoughts on the Novel

I absolutely loved this book. An expectation I had was that it would be boring (considering it is basically writing lessons). Boy, was I wrong. Stephen King has a wonderful personality, and quite the sense of humor. (I disrupted my whole house, laughing, when he says "That makes two of us, Mom." on page 25.) Moreover, I rather expected a scarier man than King turned out to be due to his genre of choice: horror. But, his lightness in describing his encounters with evil babysitters, rejections, teachers, and, most of all, writing turned this book into a page turner. I'm so happy this was an assigned book, because I doubt I'd have found it otherwise. I'm glad to have read it and have no doubt I'll remember much of what he said the next time I'm writing a story (or essay!).

On Writing, Post 4: How I Can Learn From King's Novel

Stephen King has been writing for years. He's much older than I and has been writing since he was much younger than I. I love the fact that he wrote this book because he's passing on his tricks of the trade to this generation of writers and we probably need it. Having been the first generation to grow up on the internet and TV, our experiences are way different than King's--including that most of us probably chose to waste our Saturdays watching cartoons for as much time as King spent writing a series for his brother's magazine. Having read experiences of King when he was younger than I, I certainly feel that I haven't lived up to my potential thus far. Here's hoping I can fix that.

On Writing, Post 3: A Common Trait

Throughout all of King's life, I learned, he wrote. Starting from early early childhood, he wrote. His stories may have started out childish, but they evolved into some of the most well-known works in history. The writing got him through his life, and I don't just mean as a source of income. From the time he was young, when he was bored, he wrote; when he had an idea, he wrote; when he had spare time, he wrote. He dedicated himself to a passion that ended up paying off. His writing got him through great struggles (with help from his loyal family) and easy times (through giving him something to love). I hope I can find something as truly life changing for myself as King did for himself.

On Writing, Post 2: A Dark Age

Stephen King was a smoker, drinker, and drug addict at some point in his life. But these dark days helped him become a better writer, still. Some of his best works were written during this time. I'm amazed that he was able to come out of such a dark time to become the creative and unique person I saw come alive on the page as he described his life's tales. His family support, no doubt held much of the weight of getting past his addiction. But I know that it takes a lot of willpower and fighting to get past addiction. I'm extremely impressed by his work.

On Writing, Post 1: Success

King's success came in many ways, just as mine will, and everyone's does. Starting off with his mother's smile as the only reward he got from writing, that is the happiest moment of success King says he's had. But, as he developed more of a sense for writing, he wrote in to magazines, wrote novels (and sold them at his school), and eventually wrote novels for the big time. But, success is not something to be taken lightly: it is something earned through hard work and dedication. There was a time in King's life when he had about three hours of sleep some days because he'd work before school and after school. It wasn't for frivolous reasons, either. It was for the purpose of going to college. He was working hard to further his ability to work hard in the future. I truly admire this.

The Crucible, Post 5: Overall Thoughts

I honestly really enjoyed The Crucible. It was a good read, and an even better watch (I know, it's rare to find a movie that's better than the book). There were certain characters that I disliked, but just as is the case with Cruella Deville, the hatred of the antagonist makes you love the story more. There were few times when I was confused at all (and when I was it was purely due to the language barrier), meaning the plot is rather simple--but in a good way. I can say, reading and watching The Crucible caused me to think a bit more about the time of the Puritans, the Puritans themselves, and my own values. The time of the Puritans was a time where religion tended to be greatly involved in everyday life, anyway. But, the Puritans brought it to a whole other level. Puritans' values not only frighten me, but disgust me. As a Catholic, my own values are that of a kind, forgiving God, not the god that the Puritans portrayed.

The Crucible, Post 4: A Powerful Moment

There was a moment they had in the movie, that wasn't in the book, that I found quite powerful. It makes sense to me that they couldn't include it in the original "meant-for-live-theater" script, because it could possibly kill a man. But, the moment that John Proctor died was touching to me. It wasn't so much in the death itself (although, I did find that heartbreakingly sad), but more in the moments leading up to it. He stood there, ready to be hanged, yet he did not look afraid, he looked fearless and strong. He began to recite his last prayers, in a powerful way he probably hoped would incite some sort end to the trials. The most intense part of it, though, was when his prayers got cut off half way through. I don't understand why they would do that. In a society where God is the most prominent part of their lifestyle, why would the stop someone from having their last talk to god? Though I didn't understand it, I found it intense, exciting, devastating, and powerful.

The Crucible, Post 3: A Few Good Men

Despite the terrible liars found in Abigail and her friends, I'd like to take a moment to point out the few good men and women of the play (and movie!). In the movie, there was a woman who went unnamed, and I couldn't find her in the book. She was among the first to call the girls out on their lying, worriedly asked about the children when Goody Proctor was taken into custody for witchcraft, and she was the one who, despite being hanged, herself, looked at John, disappointed when he was going to sign his name to say he was in league with the devil. I found her inspiring throughout, every time I saw her. Of course, John Proctor, despite his indiscretion with Abigail, was a good man. He tried to stop the nonsense, save innocent lives, and keep his wife safe--but he failed, and lost his life for it. The last man who I'd like to draw everyone's attention to is Hale. He came into town, honestly scared for the people's welfare. Then, he stayed and fought to keep innocent lives safe. These men and woman were the best of the best in the town. I applaud them through this post.

The Crucible, Post 2: Terrible Lying

The entire conflict in this book could have been very simply put to rest if it weren't for some lying adolescent girls. Starting with Betty and Ruth's "illness" to get out of a beating, the pattern of lies never ceased. I don't often hate characters in books but if there ever were one to hate it would be Abigail Williams. She caused confessions of being associated with the devil (which is not such a big deal now, but back then it certainly was) or death upon several innocent men and women all over a boy--a boy who happens to be a married man. Abigail and her following irritated me to no end throughout the play. They seemed to be playing some sort of game; only they didn't realize just how dangerous it was.

The Crucible, Post 1: Great Leadership

Every great society throughout history has had a great leader. The town Salem described in The Crucible is no different in that sense. The difference it does have is where its leadership exists. Its leadership exists more so in Abigail than in any of the adults in town. She able to convince the other girls that no witchcraft occurred in the woods, and then to say others were ghosts of the devil at night visiting them (great acting, I must say, to have gathered such a following). This in itself is no great feat--convincing young frightened girls to say something to stay out of trouble. But she brought her shenanigans so far that the judge, Danforth, believed her. She showed her great leadership through cunning and convinced everyone (or nearly everyone) to her side.

Unit Six: Contemporary Literature

Contemporary Literature allowed for the Civil Rights movement. It let people say what had to be said so that everyone--men, and women of each and any race--were treated equally. It also showed the American Dream--only in a more modern sense. Most of those old enough to be writers during this age lived through two world wars and the Great Depression, making their American Dream much simpler than coming to America to become rich. All they wanted was to become a home owner with a wife and kids. The Contemporary Literature also allowed people to describe their experiences with the terrible things they went through. Notably, Elie Wiesel told of his experience in the Nazi concentration camps. Contemporary Literature allowed for many different types of writing. It's flexible shaped this age.

Unit Three: From Romanticism to Realism

During this time, the civil war arose over a single question: Should slavery be legal? The North said no, but the South, who depended on it, said yes. This war brought on all sorts of new literature--accounts of the war, descriptions of the experiences of slaves, and speeches describing the wrongness of everything happening. These were all written in the idea of Realism. It means you don't sugarcoat the truth, you make bold statements that are real. Many newly freed slaves were able to get their voices heard and let people see the wrongness through Realism in stories called Slave Narratives. These not only helped banish slavery, but also helped the white supremacists understand that their "property" were human beings.

Unit Five: The Harlem Renaissance and Modernism

The women of this age were in uproar and ready to make a change. And, what better way to make a change than to write? Many women, such as Dorothy Parker, wrote about their freedoms, rights, and values (and the contrast between those and traditional values). And for a while, not only were the women happy, but so were the men--until the Great Depression. It brought forth a new type of writing that described their despair called Realism. Despite his attempts, F.D. Roosevelt could not help everyone. Modernism, Imagism, and Objectivism all came from the age--and so did the popularization of the Short Story. In such a rushed society, many didn't want to waste their time reading long novels--or writing them. Ernest Hemingway and John Steinbeck among them, many authors instead turned to short stories.

Unit Four: Regionalism and Naturalism

Two types of literature came into popularity in the "Gilded Ages," during which some were quite wealthy (and loved to show it off!) and other, not so lucky people were poor--and homeless. Many Native Americans got kicked out of their homes, so their land could settle Americans. Regionalism emphasized the self and daily activities, whereas Naturalism emphasized nature. Each made important contributions to American Literature. Regionalism, and Regionalist writers, such as Willa Cather described their daily lives.  They transformed their life into artworks. Naturalist writers, I believe, were often inspired by the industry. The industry caused them to realize how beautiful nature was and not to take it for granted. Naturalism and Regionalism left America in awe of everyday things that normally wouldn't be considered twice. That is a truly magnificent feat.

Unit Two: American Romanticism

This era held great change for America--and American Literature. Jefferson doubled the size of the country with the Louisiana Purchase, and The Indian Removal Act passed. This meant that not only did the American settlers have more land to settle on, but they'd no longer be bothered for competition from Indians. While it was unfair to the Indians, the Americans thrived off of it. It brought them to a new age of literature called Romanticism. The difference between Neoclassicism and Romanticism was the difference of night and day, the first being based on logic where the latter was based on emotion. Romantic literature gave certain focus to beauty. It brought forth works of art like William Cullen Bryant's 1817 poem "Thanatopsis." This poem, and works like it, helped move America into a much happier place in literature.

Unit One: Early American Writing

In the years of Europeans first visiting the Americas, there were already natives. Native Americans were full of culture that I'd truly love to know more about. Unfortunately for me (and everyone else), the natives of our land had no written language. This means that when they contracted European diseases and many died off, much of their literature (in oral tradition) died off with them. But there are some documentations of this time. Explorers like Christopher Columbus kept journals describing their voyages to the Americas.. There were also the Puritans, some of the first settlers of the Americas. There hard religion and little tolerance for fun was supposed to grant them access to heaven. I, personally, think this attitude toward life is ridiculous. Life is to be enjoyed in any way possible. Disagreeing with my philosophy, many puritans wrote about a god who was waiting to send them to the burning pits of Hell. Not only did He wait, He waited anxiously. He was excited to send people to Hell. I think it was this picture of God that made the Puritans so strict. And, of course, many years later, there were the writers of the American Revolution. Notably, Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. He borrowed some ideas from other thinkers of the time, but described natural law exquisitely. Of course, another important document written during the times was the United States Constitution. It's probably the most important piece of literature our country has.

Catcher in the Rye, Post 6: A Reflection on Holden's Relationship with His Sister

As much as I disliked the majority of the book, (and trust me, I did) the last thirty or so pages redeemed much of the novel for me. I loved Holden's relationship with his sister, Phoebe. I made a few notes earlier on, about how sweet he was to think of his sister from time to time, notably when he went out of his way to find the record for her. But, the last thirty pages did me in. He was drunk, of course, when he went to see her at night and they squabbled in the ways siblings do, but he was excited for her play, and just to be there, talking to her. Then, he came up with the ridiculous plan to hitchhike out west, but he had to tell his sister first, which I find incredibly adorable. He was concerned when he saw a "Fuck you" sign at her elementary school But, these are minor things in comparison to his fight and makeup with his sister. This fight allowed me to connect Holden to my own older brother, Jeffrey, and Phoebe to myself. I connected with the fact that though, your sibling has hurt you, it's hard to stay mad at them, which was exactly what happened to Phoebe. As Phoebe got over the hurt he'd caused her, Holden was a good big brother and put his little sister over his own wants, the first sign of maturity I saw from him in the entire novel. But, the association I made between his and his sister's relationship with my brother's and mine really left an impact in the way I see this book. I'm choosing to leave the book on a good note with this: Salinger's choice to include his sister's relationship not only made me like Holden better as a character, but also improved the entire reading experience for me.

Catcher in the Rye, Post 5: A Realization of Time Passed

I know there's a lot of changes I could focus on--like the transition from records to CD's to downloads, the amount of time, now, people tend to spend on the internet and in front of the TV, or the change of parenting styles. But, I want to take a moment and focus on the differences of telephone usage. It might be a strange thing to focus on, but it was bugging me throughout the novel. Maybe it's just me, but I find it strange how Holden calls a number of random people he hasn't talked to in years for no apparent reason. He called Sally, Carl Luce, and his teacher, Mr. Antolini. I find it weirder, still, because he ends up (and/or started out) hating them! No one he called seemed to be bothered by the call (despite the surprise of the situation),  except for Luce, but I tend to think that was because of his distaste for Holden, not necessarily the call, itself. It was Mr. Antolini's call that made me think it was something in the times that caused the nonchalance of being called. Despite being called in the middle of the night, when he and the Mrs. were sleeping, he was cheerful and invited Holden to come over right away. If someone called my father/mother, or me for that matter, in the middle of the night, their call would most likely be ignored. If, by chance, one of us answered it, we would most likely be told we were sleeping and to call back in the morning. Sally's call was also strange, in its way. It had been about a year since they'd talked, yet she didn't seem half as surprised as she should have been by the sudden invitation for a date. At this point, my question becomes this: Is the random calls a characteristic of Holden, as a character, J.D. Salinger's writing, or the times? I wrote this on the assumption that it was a culturally sound thing to do at the time; I hope I'm correct.

Catcher in the Rye, Post 4: A Different Perspective

I was talking to my mother about the book today. I was telling her my reasons for disliking Holden, and how it was coloring my liking for the writing and the book. She gave me the perspective of someone who read it thirty odd years ago, as a 10th grader. She said two things that I want to discuss. First, she said that the book made her feel grown up, because it was the first book she'd read that had swear words in it. To that, I just want to say I think it's amazing how different books have become in about thirty years. I rarely read a book that doesn't swear multiple times in it, aside from older books. It just goes to show you how much life can change in 30 years. And, even more so, in 60 years, from when the book was originally written. It's one of the biggest things I've noticed. Small things, like using records as opposed to downloading music, going to the museum, even the kids (Holden, and his sister) being allowed to wander the city by themselves with no one questioning them. It's just amazing how much cultures change over the years. The second thing my mother told me she thought about the book, was that it was a good example of teen angst. And, this "angst" is what annoys me so much about Holden. Maybe the change that occurs over time is just what it is, but I have not ever been in such a place of "angst" where I feel depressed  over everything for days at a time, and I happen to be very teenaged at the moment. Maybe it's just me, but I don't see the angst angle. That was just another perspective, and some of my thoughts on it.