I absolutely loved reading Like Water for Chocolate. I agree with the class consensus that it is, in fact, a “chick flick." I’m never a fan of the cliche, but sometimes the texts/images strike me in just the right way. However, I suppose I’ll focus mainly on what was discussed as a class: the title,the role of characters and what they symbolize.
The characters and their metaphorical significance is definitely the core of this novel. The concept of Mama Elena being a traditional, manipulative, close-minded mother denotes the presence of an authoritarian, controlling dictator, and politically she would represent the Latin-American government. It is sad to me that Rosaura, Gertrudis and Tita have to deal with such a cross to bear. A mother/daughter relationships can at times be bittersweet, but one would argue the overall bond betwixt the pair is larger than life. Fortunately, Tita has Nacha: the family cook, who portrays a spiritual, supportive, maternal character. Tita is raised by Nacha’s Mother Nature-esque ideals and is able to break free of her family’s horrid beliefs and traditions.
It is only natural in the world of literature that between Elena’s three daughters, one will discover the following: a follower/loser, an empty (yet constructive) rebel, and a hero representing love and the beauty of life. Tita’s lack of control over her life, her expressive emotions, and her overall spherical existence help to shape her tenacious, heroine self. Again, I am able to relate in the sense that I myself am one of three daughters, and as previously mencantioned, our varying identities and relationships can certainly be described as bittersweet. In the end, however, there isn’t a soul in the universe that I have a connection with that is comparable to that of the relationship with my sisters, Hannah and Audrey. The fact that Tita is lacking such a substantial connection truly saddens me.
The men in the novel are imitated as flat, though their existence is certainly not unnecessary. Pedro, in particular, represents the flavor, the heat, the passion, the "drug," if you will, of Tita’s breath. The lust between Pedro and Tita is what brings the spice to their lives (and to the novel).
The spice of Tita brings me to the title, Like Water for Chocolate. It is such a beautiful title. It is indubitably what first caused my attraction to the book. If I’m not mistaken, Tita is the "water" in the metaphor, “Like Water for Chocolate”. The recipe for the hot cocoa within the novel calls for water to be boiled a total of three times, but to never fully boil over. In reading this story, the reader will find that Tita’s lust for Pedro is brought to a boil more than once, with the first two instances resulting in Tita “being removed from the stove” to cool off. She is careful to never let herself boil over, and in the end leads a delicious life as a perfect blend of non-boiled-over water and chocolate. The underlying nucleus that Laura Esquirel is trying to convey is that one needs heat and passion in order to be a real person, and, consequently, to lead a real life.
2.19.2011
2.15.2011
Zorro
Believe it or not, I’ve had very little exposure to Zorro. I remember having seen The Princess Bride as a young teen thinking that the masked man was Zorro. I also experienced my first “oh my gosh, that man is sexy” moment while watching that film. There is just something about that mask…
...but on to the subject at hand. I really enjoyed reading this graphic novel. I was first introduced to the concept of graphic novels last year in my history class. We read Persepolis. I was so pleased to have read the story cover to cover in one sitting and also sincerely enjoyed the imagery provided by the author. I’ve always been a huge fan of comics and cartoons, and I still watch ’toons to this day- validating myself with the argument that fictional characters can do anything they please, while human actors remain their normal, mortal selves.
Another reason I am so fond of the graphics (in Zorro particularly) is the distinct connection the author is able to make with the reader via the artwork. The intensity of the colors encapsulate me. I’ve always been a fan of reading-- it's refreshing that a good author is able to describe every sense of the scene they’re depicting-- however, it is nice every once in awhile to pick up a graphic novel and to accurately comprehend what the author is trying to convey. Some of the images in this particular novel were incredibly moving and captivating.
I also enjoyed the dark moments in this novel. I’m not your typical gothic chick, but I am most certainly able to appreciate the dark arts. I found some of the images to be somewhat frightening-- with the emotions that they arise, appreciated. I will say, however, that I wasn’t particularly fond of the “good guys speak English, bad guys speak naughty Spanish” concept, in all honesty, it's racist. Overlooking the ignorant details like that drive me crazy, I did enjoy Zorro (it was much better than I had ever expected), but I must admit that I am looking forward to Like Water for Chocolate.
...but on to the subject at hand. I really enjoyed reading this graphic novel. I was first introduced to the concept of graphic novels last year in my history class. We read Persepolis. I was so pleased to have read the story cover to cover in one sitting and also sincerely enjoyed the imagery provided by the author. I’ve always been a huge fan of comics and cartoons, and I still watch ’toons to this day- validating myself with the argument that fictional characters can do anything they please, while human actors remain their normal, mortal selves.
Another reason I am so fond of the graphics (in Zorro particularly) is the distinct connection the author is able to make with the reader via the artwork. The intensity of the colors encapsulate me. I’ve always been a fan of reading-- it's refreshing that a good author is able to describe every sense of the scene they’re depicting-- however, it is nice every once in awhile to pick up a graphic novel and to accurately comprehend what the author is trying to convey. Some of the images in this particular novel were incredibly moving and captivating.
I also enjoyed the dark moments in this novel. I’m not your typical gothic chick, but I am most certainly able to appreciate the dark arts. I found some of the images to be somewhat frightening-- with the emotions that they arise, appreciated. I will say, however, that I wasn’t particularly fond of the “good guys speak English, bad guys speak naughty Spanish” concept, in all honesty, it's racist. Overlooking the ignorant details like that drive me crazy, I did enjoy Zorro (it was much better than I had ever expected), but I must admit that I am looking forward to Like Water for Chocolate.
1.30.2011
Borges
In all honesty, I was not as big of a fan of Borges as I was of Cortazar and Marquez and therefore, I will certainly not be writing my literary critique on him! I could definitely sense that he was much more of an intellectual rather than an emotional writer in comparison to the other two. I do have a few things to say on his behalf though, and I do find it interesting that he worked with concepts of meta-awareness.
I enjoyed the aspect of time being multifaceted as conveyed through his story, “The Garden of Forking Paths”. The idea of a parallel universe has always both intrigued and bemused me. An old friend of mine once introduced me to the topic of quantum mechanics, and having somewhat of a base of knowledge on the matter (which later made its resurrection in class), that much more appealing to me. I can’t help but to agree with Borges when it comes to the multiplicity of possibility, the concept of all sorts of happenings, happening simultaneously. I liked the general mirage of the story (especially after having reviewed it in class) but I must admit that after the first run-through I felt doltish.
The other concept to be touched on regarding “The Garden of Forking Paths” is the notion that ignorance can destroy greatness. Clear examples of this (in my personal life) were exhibited in my past as an inadequate student. My inexperienced, childlike behavior prevented me from succeeding in my classes. The thought of such a brilliant, innocent man being sacrificed for such a petty, useless end, is tragic.
The theme of ignorance is revisited in Borges’ story “The Gospel According to Mark,” particularly when the people of the Catholic Church are unwilling to analyze and interpret the readings literally rather than metaphorically. Also, the phrase "blind faith wins" is relevant because Borges is arguing that ignorance always wins.
I agree with Baltasar Espinosa and his belief that science and faith should be able to coexist peacefully. I’ve never understood why the evolution vs. creationism debate has always been so intense. Isn’t “God created the Earth… and then it evolved” a valid option?
Coming full circle, back to the field of a parallel universe, the final reading Borges, “Emma Zunz” surfaces. This is a brain buster, let me tell you. I read the story of Emma Zunz five times over and could not figure out the twist. The underlying theme of “humans creating their own reality” most certainly exists in this story. Emma creates a new past and therefore, everything in her conscious universe continues on as if this false past is true.
I really admire Borges’ abstraction and notion that people decide different meanings of things and travel different trails. The idea of reinventing paths to create a past reality is truly disturbing- for people have no solid base anymore. Appreciating the fact that Emma’s false story becomes her reality is arguably evidence that she is, in fact, slipping into a different universe.
I enjoyed the aspect of time being multifaceted as conveyed through his story, “The Garden of Forking Paths”. The idea of a parallel universe has always both intrigued and bemused me. An old friend of mine once introduced me to the topic of quantum mechanics, and having somewhat of a base of knowledge on the matter (which later made its resurrection in class), that much more appealing to me. I can’t help but to agree with Borges when it comes to the multiplicity of possibility, the concept of all sorts of happenings, happening simultaneously. I liked the general mirage of the story (especially after having reviewed it in class) but I must admit that after the first run-through I felt doltish.
The other concept to be touched on regarding “The Garden of Forking Paths” is the notion that ignorance can destroy greatness. Clear examples of this (in my personal life) were exhibited in my past as an inadequate student. My inexperienced, childlike behavior prevented me from succeeding in my classes. The thought of such a brilliant, innocent man being sacrificed for such a petty, useless end, is tragic.
The theme of ignorance is revisited in Borges’ story “The Gospel According to Mark,” particularly when the people of the Catholic Church are unwilling to analyze and interpret the readings literally rather than metaphorically. Also, the phrase "blind faith wins" is relevant because Borges is arguing that ignorance always wins.
I agree with Baltasar Espinosa and his belief that science and faith should be able to coexist peacefully. I’ve never understood why the evolution vs. creationism debate has always been so intense. Isn’t “God created the Earth… and then it evolved” a valid option?
Coming full circle, back to the field of a parallel universe, the final reading Borges, “Emma Zunz” surfaces. This is a brain buster, let me tell you. I read the story of Emma Zunz five times over and could not figure out the twist. The underlying theme of “humans creating their own reality” most certainly exists in this story. Emma creates a new past and therefore, everything in her conscious universe continues on as if this false past is true.
I really admire Borges’ abstraction and notion that people decide different meanings of things and travel different trails. The idea of reinventing paths to create a past reality is truly disturbing- for people have no solid base anymore. Appreciating the fact that Emma’s false story becomes her reality is arguably evidence that she is, in fact, slipping into a different universe.
1.25.2011
Marquez
Just as I enjoyed Cortazar’s stories, I thoroughly enjoyed the readings of Marquez; I love the metaphorical aspect of him. My major is Pre-Middle Childhood Education, so I was really able to appreciate that both of his stories were labeled as “A Tale for Children”. I also thought it added a nice layer of sarcasm to Marquez’s overall demeanor.
While reading “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings”, my empathy meter went sky-high. The way they treated the poor angel almost brought me to tears. However, I can relate to Pelayo and Elisenda in the sense of their believing the angel to be a hindrance rather than a miracle. At the beginning of the story they are incredibly stressed; their infant was very ill due to a deceased-crab-infested home. My particular favorite description of their life, “The world had been sad since Tuesday”(“A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings 1885). Sometimes, when I am that stressed and loved ones come to my rescue, I see them as annoyances. I mistreat them and take advantage of their help. When it comes to school, for example, my parents have always asked me how I was doing and if they could help me in anyway. I’d always brush them away and continue my nonsensical way of battling college courses. After a few quarters of futzing around, I was hit with academic probation from UC. Before I knew it, my financial aid was gone. My parents came to the rescue and worked very hard to pay off massive fines (all while I continued being a teenage brat). There I was again, a gifted, full time student at the University of Cincinnati. I didn’t take advantage of this second chance, and before I knew it, I was living my “dream” as a full-time waitress. Well, I quickly realized that being a full-time waitress isn’t my calling, and begged my parents for mercy.
Naturally, my parents weren’t so quick to help this time, so I worked and worked until I had the means to be a full-time student here at Raymond Walters. I liken my full-time waitressing gig to the unfortunate looking angel- a miracle that didn’t fit my “normative”. It was a brutal way to bring me to reality. College is great fun, especially when you stay on top of things, so the idea of “life itself being the miracle and to want more is greed” that Marquez is stressing is something I am personally living by. I was hoping a college degree would just fall into my lap, but I needed to learn that life without a degree is no fun, and it does take effort to get one. Luckily, learning is great fun and I now know the more you put in to things, the more you’ll get out of them.
As for “The Handsomest Downed Man in the World”, I thought this bash on society was hilarious. Humans can be so ridiculous when it comes to appearances. I found it funny that all of the women assumed that “…his house would have had the widest doors, the highest ceiling, and the strongest floor, his bedstead would have been made from a midship frame held together by iron bolts, and his wife would have been the happiest woman”. They assume that because he’s so handsome, everything else in his life would be perfect. I’ve found myself making that assumption before as well. I used to work with this girl named Kelly. Kelly was from a very, very wealthy family. She could have anything she wanted! She only worked as a waitress because she hadn’t currently been enrolled in school and needed a way to pass the time. She was also incredibly beautiful. She had golden highlights, perfectly manicured nails, and pearly white teeth; but despite this, natural beauty shone through her like rays of sunshine. I liked Kelly at first; she came off as smart and friendly. I imagined what it would be like to be her: living in a beautiful mansion with a closet full of clothes. A backyard with the most gorgeous swimming pool/hot tub combination I had ever seen. A brand new car where every gadget worked! Long story short, Kelly seemed have it all, but unfortunately she had some skeletons in her closet. Her life as a rich girl wasn’t perfect at all. In fact, it was far worse than my impoverished childhood. Her mother had been an alcoholic since Kelly was seven. Everyday, Kelly would get off the school bus to a dangerously intoxicated mother. Her father cheats on her mother multiple times a year, and Kelly was battling alcoholism herself at the time I knew her. I was sadly mistaken; just because you are rich and beautiful doesn’t mean you have a better life. I quickly realized how lucky I am to have such a great family and great parents.
It’s also incredibly sad that the men in the story say, “since when has there ever been such a fuss over a drifting corpse, a drowned nobody, a piece of cold Wednesday meat”, only to later realize he’s handsome and treat him like gold. So, because his face is proportioned a certain way, he is no longer regarded as a ‘piece of cold Wednesday meat’, whereas someone they behold as unattractive, is?
Which brings me to my conclusion. I loved reading Marquez because it is an interesting memo to follow the golden rule of treating others the way you want to be treated. It is also a friendly reminder not to judge a book by its cover. I think people sometimes need to read stories like this to get reacquainted with reality and their kindergarten selves.
While reading “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings”, my empathy meter went sky-high. The way they treated the poor angel almost brought me to tears. However, I can relate to Pelayo and Elisenda in the sense of their believing the angel to be a hindrance rather than a miracle. At the beginning of the story they are incredibly stressed; their infant was very ill due to a deceased-crab-infested home. My particular favorite description of their life, “The world had been sad since Tuesday”(“A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings 1885). Sometimes, when I am that stressed and loved ones come to my rescue, I see them as annoyances. I mistreat them and take advantage of their help. When it comes to school, for example, my parents have always asked me how I was doing and if they could help me in anyway. I’d always brush them away and continue my nonsensical way of battling college courses. After a few quarters of futzing around, I was hit with academic probation from UC. Before I knew it, my financial aid was gone. My parents came to the rescue and worked very hard to pay off massive fines (all while I continued being a teenage brat). There I was again, a gifted, full time student at the University of Cincinnati. I didn’t take advantage of this second chance, and before I knew it, I was living my “dream” as a full-time waitress. Well, I quickly realized that being a full-time waitress isn’t my calling, and begged my parents for mercy.
Naturally, my parents weren’t so quick to help this time, so I worked and worked until I had the means to be a full-time student here at Raymond Walters. I liken my full-time waitressing gig to the unfortunate looking angel- a miracle that didn’t fit my “normative”. It was a brutal way to bring me to reality. College is great fun, especially when you stay on top of things, so the idea of “life itself being the miracle and to want more is greed” that Marquez is stressing is something I am personally living by. I was hoping a college degree would just fall into my lap, but I needed to learn that life without a degree is no fun, and it does take effort to get one. Luckily, learning is great fun and I now know the more you put in to things, the more you’ll get out of them.
As for “The Handsomest Downed Man in the World”, I thought this bash on society was hilarious. Humans can be so ridiculous when it comes to appearances. I found it funny that all of the women assumed that “…his house would have had the widest doors, the highest ceiling, and the strongest floor, his bedstead would have been made from a midship frame held together by iron bolts, and his wife would have been the happiest woman”. They assume that because he’s so handsome, everything else in his life would be perfect. I’ve found myself making that assumption before as well. I used to work with this girl named Kelly. Kelly was from a very, very wealthy family. She could have anything she wanted! She only worked as a waitress because she hadn’t currently been enrolled in school and needed a way to pass the time. She was also incredibly beautiful. She had golden highlights, perfectly manicured nails, and pearly white teeth; but despite this, natural beauty shone through her like rays of sunshine. I liked Kelly at first; she came off as smart and friendly. I imagined what it would be like to be her: living in a beautiful mansion with a closet full of clothes. A backyard with the most gorgeous swimming pool/hot tub combination I had ever seen. A brand new car where every gadget worked! Long story short, Kelly seemed have it all, but unfortunately she had some skeletons in her closet. Her life as a rich girl wasn’t perfect at all. In fact, it was far worse than my impoverished childhood. Her mother had been an alcoholic since Kelly was seven. Everyday, Kelly would get off the school bus to a dangerously intoxicated mother. Her father cheats on her mother multiple times a year, and Kelly was battling alcoholism herself at the time I knew her. I was sadly mistaken; just because you are rich and beautiful doesn’t mean you have a better life. I quickly realized how lucky I am to have such a great family and great parents.
It’s also incredibly sad that the men in the story say, “since when has there ever been such a fuss over a drifting corpse, a drowned nobody, a piece of cold Wednesday meat”, only to later realize he’s handsome and treat him like gold. So, because his face is proportioned a certain way, he is no longer regarded as a ‘piece of cold Wednesday meat’, whereas someone they behold as unattractive, is?
Which brings me to my conclusion. I loved reading Marquez because it is an interesting memo to follow the golden rule of treating others the way you want to be treated. It is also a friendly reminder not to judge a book by its cover. I think people sometimes need to read stories like this to get reacquainted with reality and their kindergarten selves.
1.18.2011
Cortazar
I was incredibly entranced by all of Cortazar’s stories. I was glad to have read The Continuity of Parks first because it really gave me an efficient idea of what magical realism is. I felt as though I was becoming one with the book; a part of the story. It also gave me a great a sense of what Cortazar is like as an author. I really admire that he is able to fit such incredibly elaborate and magical tales into such a short read.
Reading Our Demeanor at Wakes really hit home for me. The first death I experienced was that of my best friend. He died in a freak car accident coming home from hockey practice when we were sixteen. I was very grateful that so many people showed up to his funeral, but I knew a lot of the students crowding the room were there for entertainment. I remember feeling incredibly angry at the phony cries of popular girls trying to get attention while I was experiencing absolute devastation. I had lost the person I ate lunch with everyday and talked on the phone with every night. They were hypocrites, using the funeral as a way to get the night off of work.
Despite relating the story to such a tragic time in my life, I found sincere humor in Our Demeanor at Wakes. It is so ludicrous- I couldn’t contain my giggles while reading it! The serious themes of hypocrisy, social competition and social control make it that much better; it’s such smart humor. Competition is something I’ve never agreed with and I’ve always found watching others compete to be quite silly. It was beyond obvious that people were competing at my friend’s funeral- who loved Craig more? Whose life is affected most?
After reading The Continuity of Parks and Our Demeanor at Wakes I seriously couldn’t wait to read Axolotl. I think it was my favorite of the three, but I honestly have a hard time deciding. It was so beautiful. When asked if I think the text is a work of art, I’d definitely answer yes, especially to this particular one. Cortazar is so descriptive in Axolotl; I was able to see right into the tank being described. I felt that great high you feel when you’re in an aquarium while reading this.
The idea of anyone or anything suffering makes me weak. I am an incredibly empathetic person, which is a nice thing, but sometimes I can’t bear the sadness. I felt tears come to my eyes reading about the idea of axolotls being sentient, conscious creatures that are unable to share their thoughts. I feel that way when I write (unable to share my thoughts), even writing this now. I have such a hard time putting the dazzling thoughts and ideas in my mind into words.
(A quick side note regarding Axolotl; while reviewing it and remembering that he becomes obsessed with the axolotls I chuckled to myself, because after reading this I myself became obsessed with axolotls! The moment I finished the story I ran to my laptop to Google axolotl. They’re so awkwardly adorable!)
In lump sum, I really learned a lot through Cortazar. First and foremost, I discovered him and magical realism, two topics I was completely unfamiliar with two weeks ago. I also learned a lot about written art; how it’s transformative, and how isolation can be alleviated by art. I’ve always loved reading, but my love for reading was affirmed after reading these stories. They are so full of imagination and really bring the spirit of an entertaining read back into the picture.
Reading Our Demeanor at Wakes really hit home for me. The first death I experienced was that of my best friend. He died in a freak car accident coming home from hockey practice when we were sixteen. I was very grateful that so many people showed up to his funeral, but I knew a lot of the students crowding the room were there for entertainment. I remember feeling incredibly angry at the phony cries of popular girls trying to get attention while I was experiencing absolute devastation. I had lost the person I ate lunch with everyday and talked on the phone with every night. They were hypocrites, using the funeral as a way to get the night off of work.
Despite relating the story to such a tragic time in my life, I found sincere humor in Our Demeanor at Wakes. It is so ludicrous- I couldn’t contain my giggles while reading it! The serious themes of hypocrisy, social competition and social control make it that much better; it’s such smart humor. Competition is something I’ve never agreed with and I’ve always found watching others compete to be quite silly. It was beyond obvious that people were competing at my friend’s funeral- who loved Craig more? Whose life is affected most?
After reading The Continuity of Parks and Our Demeanor at Wakes I seriously couldn’t wait to read Axolotl. I think it was my favorite of the three, but I honestly have a hard time deciding. It was so beautiful. When asked if I think the text is a work of art, I’d definitely answer yes, especially to this particular one. Cortazar is so descriptive in Axolotl; I was able to see right into the tank being described. I felt that great high you feel when you’re in an aquarium while reading this.
The idea of anyone or anything suffering makes me weak. I am an incredibly empathetic person, which is a nice thing, but sometimes I can’t bear the sadness. I felt tears come to my eyes reading about the idea of axolotls being sentient, conscious creatures that are unable to share their thoughts. I feel that way when I write (unable to share my thoughts), even writing this now. I have such a hard time putting the dazzling thoughts and ideas in my mind into words.
(A quick side note regarding Axolotl; while reviewing it and remembering that he becomes obsessed with the axolotls I chuckled to myself, because after reading this I myself became obsessed with axolotls! The moment I finished the story I ran to my laptop to Google axolotl. They’re so awkwardly adorable!)
In lump sum, I really learned a lot through Cortazar. First and foremost, I discovered him and magical realism, two topics I was completely unfamiliar with two weeks ago. I also learned a lot about written art; how it’s transformative, and how isolation can be alleviated by art. I’ve always loved reading, but my love for reading was affirmed after reading these stories. They are so full of imagination and really bring the spirit of an entertaining read back into the picture.
1.07.2011
Popol Vuh: the Dawn of Life
In response to Popol Vuh: the Dawn of Life.
This ancient Mayan mythology is centered around the creation of man, relating to me in the sense that although I am not a man, I am human.
I'd have to say that I disagree with the Mayan forefathers and their ideals of mankind praying without cease and constantly invoking the gods in their minds. I do, however, agree with the Mayans mentality in being honest, humble and unconcerned with money, though I think the extremes to which the gods handled their discontent with man was somewhat insane.
My ideals of being an overall honest, humble, unconcerned with money kind-of-person has strengthened since reading this. The consistent argument of respect and perhaps 'be thankful for (and consider what) you have' mentality is clear and concise, regardless of being read in Hieroglyphs, Spanish or English. Though I have always aspired to be an honest, humble person, I found affirmation in this text, especially the thought ofmy puppy dog ripping my face off with his teeth due to my lack of acknowledgement!
Despite my opinoin regarding time spent worshiping gods and considering its significant age and deep subject matter, I did find Popol Vuh to be a very thought-provoking and entertaining piece.
This ancient Mayan mythology is centered around the creation of man, relating to me in the sense that although I am not a man, I am human.
I'd have to say that I disagree with the Mayan forefathers and their ideals of mankind praying without cease and constantly invoking the gods in their minds. I do, however, agree with the Mayans mentality in being honest, humble and unconcerned with money, though I think the extremes to which the gods handled their discontent with man was somewhat insane.
My ideals of being an overall honest, humble, unconcerned with money kind-of-person has strengthened since reading this. The consistent argument of respect and perhaps 'be thankful for (and consider what) you have' mentality is clear and concise, regardless of being read in Hieroglyphs, Spanish or English. Though I have always aspired to be an honest, humble person, I found affirmation in this text, especially the thought ofmy puppy dog ripping my face off with his teeth due to my lack of acknowledgement!
Despite my opinoin regarding time spent worshiping gods and considering its significant age and deep subject matter, I did find Popol Vuh to be a very thought-provoking and entertaining piece.
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