Chapter 23

I have read plays in high school, so reading Fences was not too difficult for me. In fact, I enjoyed reading this piece of literature more than any of the ones we read so far. What chapter 23 did do for me was introduce me to some specific technical terms about plays or drama. I did not know what soliloquy was, but now I am aware that is basically a character mumbles or talks to him or herself while alone on stage. I was aware of foreshadowing, conflict, crisis, climax, resolution, and exposition. I believe this chapter is very useful even for those who are somewhat familiar with plays because it helps to refresh terms and introduce new ones. It helps one to pay attention to the minor details that may otherwise be left unnoticed. Some of these details can alter the readers view quite significantly.

Fences by August Wilson

This play is considered a tragedy. Although, I read that this is a contemplated fact, as some people don't believe it is. I can see how some believe the play not to be, because of Troy's character. He seems to be angry, and to make mistakes. When he dies, Cory feels somewhat yet free. Their is not much sadness associated with his death. I would say the most sadness lies in Troy and Rose's relationship. Much of the conflict occurs when Troy cheats on Rose with another woman, and becomes a father. This really takes a toll on their relationship, and it is never the same again. This is noted when Rose states, "And it didn't take me no eighteen years to find out the soil was hard and rocky and it wasn't never gonna bloom" (Wilson 1062).

Learning to Love America

I did not realize this until after my chat circle, but I believe "pure products" is a symbol in Shirley Geok-lin Lim's poem. "Pure products" could represent the variety of races that exist in America. The narrator states "America" has "no pure products" (Lim 1). Thus, it's people come from many, many backgrounds rather than one. This is one of the many reasons listed from the poem of why the author has come to love America. The use of diction in "no pure products" is simple, yet the true meaning is rather hidden. Like I previously stated, I did not note this the first time I read the poem. I believe the author did this in order for her readers to dig deeper to realize the true meaning of her poem.

Mending Wall

I found it interesting how Frost's poem, Mending Wall, referred to such a simple theme. The poem is literally about two neighbors discussing their opinions of putting a fence up. Both neighbor's opinion's differ. Although, if this poem is applied to real life I believe it displays a larger meaning. It says we shouldn't put up walls to those around us. We never know, we may be shutting out people who could affect our lives the most. We may miss out on opportunities if our guard is constantly up. In concern to lite.rary devises, this poem is in closed form or free verse. It does not have a rhyme scheme. Although, it may a blank verse because it has ten syllables per line. For example the first two lines consist of "Something there is that doesn't lovea  wall, That sends the frozen-ground-well under it" (Frost 1-2). Also, the use of diction is quite simple. This goes with the simple theme of the poem.

Facing It-Pathos

I could not help but notice the strong use of pathos Komunkyakaa uses in this poem to capture the true meaning and feelings of the situation for his readers. It is no doubt that this poem as an emotional appeal as it refers to the narrator visiting the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Right as the poem begins, the reader is hit with pathos. Especially in the line "I said I wouldn't, dammit: No tears. I'm stone. I'm flesh." (Komunyakaa 3-5). This reveals an inner struggle between the narrator and fighting to hide his emotions in order to display a strong character. Although, the environment around him flashes against the memorial. This proves the memorial is more to him than just a stone. It represents a fight of which he is emotionally tied to. One that even life's distractions can not pull him away from.

Komunkyakka, Yusef. "Facing It." Backpack Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Writing. Ed. X. J. Kennedy and Dana Gioia. 4th ed. New York: Longman, 2012. 552.Print

Theme of "Two Roads Diverged in Yellow Wood"

Robert Frost displays a very applicable theme in his poem "Two Roads Diverged in Yellow Wood." The narrator is struggling between which path to take. Although, this could be applied to a path of "life." The narrator is not sure which path is best for him, just as often as many of us are unsure which things are right and wrong or good and bad for us in our lives. We often do what most others do, take the easy or safe routes, or simply don't think what is best for us. The narrator is struggling through this very situation. He goes back and forth between the two roads, and wishes to leave and not make a decision. This is displayed through the line "I doubted if I should ever come back" (Frost 15). Although, the narrator is suggesting that one takes the "road less traveled by" as he did because "that has made all the difference" (Frost 18-20).

Frost, Robert. "The Road Not Taken." Backpack Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Writing. Ed. X. J. Kennedy and Dana Gioia. 4th ed. New York: Longman, 2012. 555.Print

A Route of Evanescense

I was not sure of the true meaning of this poem until I researched it on the internet. After I found out it was about a hummingbird, I worked to break it down line by line. I believe it speaks of a humming bird that is on a "route" to retrieve nectar. I depict this because it says "And every Blossom on the Bush Adjust its tumbled Head" (Dickinson 5-6). This, I think, talks of the Hummingbird bending its head down into a flower to retrieve nectar. If I would have never looked this poem up, I am not sure I would have been able to determine it's true meaning. This proves how tricky poetry often is, for me anyway.