Farewell American Lit

I must say and call me a nerd if you want to, this was my favorite class. This class has managed to make my reading so much more meaningful. It was not until this class that I even knew about symbolism. Now I can read a story and get the full effect of it. In my opinion, it takes some real talent to do even half half what we go to read. Reading these stories has allowed me to take a look into the past. I have learned so much about history and didn't even realize I was learning. I am looking forward to American Lit I the fall! See you this summer Mrs.Seimans.

Good Country People

Good Country People was my probably my favorite short story I have read this semester. I really enjoyed the humor of it. Not that I think what happened to Helga was funny, more because I honestly thought I was ready about GOOD country people. From the beginning of the story I was sure of it. Mrs. Hopewell was such a kind loving women along with the people that lived around her. I can say I was not impressed with Joy/Helga. I found her to be attention seeking and rude. She seemed to be living just find with her disability. I can’t see her justifying the way she was when she was a smart independent woman.

When Manley showed up at the Hopewell’s house I was still thinking the story was about GOOD country people.  He definitely had me fooled. When Manley showed an interest in Helga I was very excited. I thought for sure he would be the one for her, the one to make her happy and whole again. Boy was I fooled! When Manley took her on her first date I was still convinced. She even took her precious wooden leg off for him. When he pulled out the whisky I was like ok he is going to get her drunk and take advantage of her sexually. When he stole her leg and told her the stories of other fake body parts he obtained the same way, I was floored. All I could think was what sick individual would take these items. What a crazy fetish and what a disturbing way to get them. I would highly suggest this story to read because of the twist in it.

The Man

I actually had to read this story twice. I think I was so dumbfounded with what was going on in the this story, I had to confirm my thoughts. I felt like I had stepped into the mind of a serial rapist. Jesse was truly a sick man. In the beginning I was pretty lost on what was going on other than his personal hatred for the blacks. It wasn't until his flackback did it click. This man not only hated the blacks but, he was turned on by his deep hatred for them. The end of the story confirms it, Jesse is finally able to have sex with his wife. But not without first playing his sick porn in his head. I still can't believe his wife would even let him touch her, knowing what it takes to turn him on.

Everyday Use

I really enjoyed this story. I found I could relate to some parts in it. The quilt for instance, I so am guilt of preserving such items. This story had me thinking why I did that. I think I do it because I am afraid if the items get ruined I will loose the memories with them. I know those are not rational thoughts. I also know my grandma gave us those items to use and enjoy. She did put a lot of hard work into them. My favorite items I received after my grandma pasted was a tea set. For years my daughter has asked if we could use it, I have always said not for fear that they would be broken. I am happy to say of the weekend we had a tea party of our own. We have decided to make it a ritual much like the one my grandmother and I shared. During the tea party we enjoyed a lot of great memories that I had of my grandmother, it was really a great way to remember her.

I didn't care much for Dee, I found her to be  hypocritical and irritating. She had a real identity problems in my opinion. She changed a name that should have been the biggest part of her heritage. Then we find her rummaging through the house for material items for her to remember her heritage.

My favorite part of the story was the end when Maggie finally had a real smile. I felt a sort of triumph when Dee pulled away and Maggie was still the proud owner of the quilts. I think the smile was because Maggie finally felt like number one.