Thesis # 2

Thesis # 2: By contrasting images of life with those of death throughout “The Story of an Hour,” Kate Chopin highlights the struggle of a person imprisoned by societal pressures and thereby kept from fully being alive.

“There would be no one to live for her during those coming years; she would live for herself”. Chopin is expressing how men during the 1900s were more dominate and controlled their spouse’s life. Women during those times married at a young age and it was there only duty to take care of the home. Also, if women did seek a life without a want or need for a husband during those times it was frowned upon.

SSRJ#2 Alice Walker

Initial Personal Reaction: The Protagonist in the story “Roselily” had me conflicted between feeling sorry and happy for her at the same time. The element that was particularly interesting was the atmosphere. Roselily was getting married outside her front porch next to a busy highway; not very romantic I must say. This single mother was standing before God and felt somewhat ashamed of her past, but knew this marriage could somehow wipe away her transgressions. The story made me think about a time in my life when a boyfriend and I were planning to be married, but I guess you can say things never go as planned. I truly believe things happen for a reason and those reasons are eventually discovered.

Literary Element/Thematic Analysis: Trying to find happiness in a loveless marriage can be a very high mountain to climb. The author “Alice Walker” suggests in my opinion that marriage can evolve into a new life with more opportunities. “In the city. He sees her in a new way. This she knows, and is grateful” (Walker 255). Even with having three children by other men Roselily is thankful to be marring a man that accepts her regardless of her past. Walker is trying to express how Roselily is willing to marry this Muslim man and give up on her beliefs to start a new life in Chicago with her children. “She thinks of ropes, chains, handcuffs, his religion” (Walker 254). I believe she is conflicted with not knowing if she will be happy or not starting a new life with her husband. Roselily grew up in the South as a Christian and is now moving to Chicago where the community they will be living in is predominantly Muslim (Nation of Islam). This new life, new marriage can possible take away all the financial hardship she experienced as a single mother. She will no longer need to work anymore, but will become a housewife. Roselily may have lots of doubt, but she will experience a better life not just for her, but the children as well.

Questions/Comments: Do you think marring someone of a different religion than you is a bad idea? Please explain your reasoning…

SSRJ#1 Faulkner

Initial Personal Reaction: A Rose for Emily made me feel very deep compassion and pity for Emily. She was stuck in the past and was in love with a gay man. Emily loved and wanted to be with Homer even though it was heard around town that he only liked men and was not a marring man. This story made me think about days of being a young high school student trying to get attention from a guy I had the biggest crush on, but he just wanted to be nothing more than just my friend.

Literary Element/Thematic Analysis: The story is set in a southern town around a time that being African American and gay would get you killed! I believe that Faulkner illustrates how the town feels about Emily, which is fragile hopeless lady. However, they fail to realize how she lives in the past and would kill for love! Emily purchased Arsenic and the town assumed she would kill herself, but in fact she was using it for Homer so she could have him forever. Homer was most likely just using Emily so people in town wouldn't catch on that he was actually gay. In my point of view I think the “Rose” represents love, passion, and vulnerability and Emily was conflicted with all three.

Questions/Comments: Do you think Emily killed Homer because he was gay and wouldn’t marry her?

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