In this section, the standout for me was the start of Tayo's recovery. This begins immediately after his visit to Betonie. Nowhere is this more obvious than during his truck ride with Harley and Leroy. Previously in the novel, Tayo had clearly shown himself to be at unease around his erstwhile friends; he refused to join in their laughter, and was especially peturbed by the fact that this merriment is alcohol-induced.
However, though initially reluctant to get and subsequently stay in(to) Leroy's truck, Tayo begins to show signs of being better throughout the journey. He remains in the truck because he realizes that 'they had been friends a long time; they were the only ones left now'- ie, he feels a cameraderie that had long been missing. Whereas in the bars previously, Tayo clearly felt removed from his friends, on this occasion 'he wished the truck would never stop moving, that they could ride like that forever.'
Inevitably, the ride doesn't last forever; and when it ends, Tayo is confronted by more unpleasantness- but this time, the catalyst for his misery comes from outsiders, rather than his friends.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Ceremony, to p.120
What struck me most about the reading so far for Ceremony is the imagery of flies. I found it especially interesting because in my culture, the fly is presented is wholly unsavory, unhygenic, and even horrifying. Personally, I feel that I have a live and let live attitude towards every creature except the fly; upon reflection, that's probably a terrible way to feel, but still.
In the Native American culture of the novel, however, the fly is presented as one of the most important and admirable of the Earth's creatures. It is the fly who went to 'the mother of the people... asking forgiveness.' This is explained by Josiah to Tayo when the latter is found swatting merrily. Tayo had thought that flies 'are bad and carry sickness' because '[his] teacher said so.' This demonstrates nicely the disjunction between Native American and White (and, in all fairness, Black and Mexican) culture that Silko seems very keen to emphasize throughout the novel.
There are, of course, many other images of flies, and most are negative. The drunks in Gallup are 'like cold flies stuck to the wall,' and Rocky's corpse is festooned with them during the war.
In the Native American culture of the novel, however, the fly is presented as one of the most important and admirable of the Earth's creatures. It is the fly who went to 'the mother of the people... asking forgiveness.' This is explained by Josiah to Tayo when the latter is found swatting merrily. Tayo had thought that flies 'are bad and carry sickness' because '[his] teacher said so.' This demonstrates nicely the disjunction between Native American and White (and, in all fairness, Black and Mexican) culture that Silko seems very keen to emphasize throughout the novel.
There are, of course, many other images of flies, and most are negative. The drunks in Gallup are 'like cold flies stuck to the wall,' and Rocky's corpse is festooned with them during the war.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Iranian Short Stories
The first of the stories that we read, , I really enjoyed. On a first read, it's easy to just appreciate the aesthetic quality of the piece without particularly focusing on the plot so much. It's only when you step back and try to work out what is happening that the story becomes slightly puzzling; but not in a bad way.
Additionally, there is a significant degree of satisfaction when the 'a-ha!' (not the band) moment hits, and we feel that we understand what is happening. For what it's worth, here's my interpretation (which I think I also offered in class, which is when it occurred to me.):
Additionally, there is a significant degree of satisfaction when the 'a-ha!' (not the band) moment hits, and we feel that we understand what is happening. For what it's worth, here's my interpretation (which I think I also offered in class, which is when it occurred to me.):
Zenzele
There is no doubt that Zenzele's conclusion is something of a tear-jerker; however, what I found most poignant was not the revelation of the narrator's impending death, but rather her reflections of her life. This is especially relevant for the 'coming of age' theme.
The death of the un-named lover of our narrator is a moving moment in the book (as death scenes usually are). However, its full impact, though slightly foreshadowed at the time, is not fully realised until the conclusion of the narrative.
Also of interest is that, although the novel is presented as a letter from mother to daughter, it is the former's coming of age that we are privy to, rather than the latter's. In fact, we learn the bare minimum about the younger woman; simply her characteristics, which are idealized by her doting mother, rather than her development.
The death of the un-named lover of our narrator is a moving moment in the book (as death scenes usually are). However, its full impact, though slightly foreshadowed at the time, is not fully realised until the conclusion of the narrative.
Also of interest is that, although the novel is presented as a letter from mother to daughter, it is the former's coming of age that we are privy to, rather than the latter's. In fact, we learn the bare minimum about the younger woman; simply her characteristics, which are idealized by her doting mother, rather than her development.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Persepolis
Though I enjoyed the film version of Persepolis, I did feel slightly as though the very monochromatic nature of the comic hindered the movie a little. Simply from an aesthetic viewpoint, I found the film a little heavy-going.
I feel as though Marjane's coming of age here begins as a disillusioning event. She has moved to Europe, alone, excited, and nervous but eager. However, the stark truth is that, adrift of her very supportive family, Marjane lacks stability and is simply not prepared for the reality that faces her. The subsequent decision to return home can be viewed as a cowardly retreat, signaling immaturity- on the other hand, it can be seen as a rational decision, unclouded by pride; a simple acceptance that Marjane does not belong in Europe yet.
Once home, her isolation initially continues, but her attempt at suicide fails. This, as it can be for many, is a major turning point for her; waking up after three days asleep, she enrolls at University, becoming a major force there, and meets the man she decides to marry- although that, too, is to prove a disappointment.
I feel as though Marjane's coming of age here begins as a disillusioning event. She has moved to Europe, alone, excited, and nervous but eager. However, the stark truth is that, adrift of her very supportive family, Marjane lacks stability and is simply not prepared for the reality that faces her. The subsequent decision to return home can be viewed as a cowardly retreat, signaling immaturity- on the other hand, it can be seen as a rational decision, unclouded by pride; a simple acceptance that Marjane does not belong in Europe yet.
Once home, her isolation initially continues, but her attempt at suicide fails. This, as it can be for many, is a major turning point for her; waking up after three days asleep, she enrolls at University, becoming a major force there, and meets the man she decides to marry- although that, too, is to prove a disappointment.
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