Flower Crazy
The part that stood out to me the most in this story is how she would go to the city or the richer part of town. Her being poor, maybe it made her feel like she was rich, even if it only was for a second. I could relate to this because as a kid my family was very poor and we lived in a trailer park right across from a beautiful neighborhood called "Highland Hills" and I would ride my bike there just to feel like I lived there, even though eventually I had to go back to my poor life at home. This story had a lot of strange characters and I found it hard to know who people were referring to. And what's with the vomiting? I like how the poet is such a womanizer. Made for an interesting read.
The Drumming Sands
The one quote that really hits in this story is “It promises you everything, it promises you water and when you look for the water all you find in front of you is a mirage- mirages and mirages, a sea of mirages. They dance in front of you and stick their tongue out at you in mockery, leading you on without purpose.” Life is often like this. You expect so much because you are told to expect it. Even as Americans we are told that the American dream is right there for us to grab and all we have to do is just be a functional member of society and it will all come to us. Our government uses these same "mirages" to trick us into thinking everything is fine, but in all actuality the water in our deserts are too few and far between.
Cairo is a Small City
I think Salma and her mom set ol' boy up. I assume they both knew he was convicted for murder and led him to their beautiful town just so he could die. Like sirens on the rocky shores sweetly singing you to shipwreck. Most beautiful things, I have found, often lead you to uglier things. Kind of like getting your head cut off for a murder perhaps you didn't do. Which leads to the question: Was he guilty of this crime, or innocent? It sucks that all he was thinking about was wooing that Salma girl, or maybe he could have been about his wits.
The Persian Carpet
This story I didn't really enjoy reading. Kind of slow, and not very interesting in my opinion. We had a story kind of like this before where someone lied and said a servant stole something but they didn't. Can't remember the title of that one, but I'll check after I post this. I think the Mother should have just told the truth then the little girl wouldn't have been hurt, and the servant's name wouldn't have been tarnished. It's clear that the mother in this story is a very selfish person who only thinks of her new boyfriend and not her old family. I give this story a thumb down.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Arabic Short Stories [#1]
The Gap in Kaltouma’s Fence
I think this story is mainly focused on the fact that you can't let what has happened to you make you feel old or useless. The widow starts to act old because she is a widow and she figures by being a widow she must be old. Everyone has moments like this in their life. Last summer I hurt my back real bad at work and I felt like an old man.. and the whole summer I would kind of dwell on that fact and it held me back. Sometimes just because you don't feel like a child does not mean that you're old.
My Brother
I used to babysit for a family that had a daughter with a mental health problem. I knew the younger brother and he never said it, but I could tell he often felt upset. I think it was because he hated the burden his sister put on the family. This story is much the same. I mean, he loved his sister, but he hated some of the things she would do. In this story the boy has the same feelings because he is torn for the love of his brother and all the hard work and sacrifice that comes with having a sibling with a mental disability. It doesn't make it easier that the boy's father passed on and left him and his mother to fend for themselves.
At a Woman’s House
Strange story. I didn't understand why the man just sat there in the dark looking after this baby. I assumed the child was sick because of the constant mention of the color of it's skin. The man keeps mentioning the neighbors and I think it's funny that ol' boy keeps getting kicked out and ends up smoking on the steps. I am hard pressed to find the meaning of this story. Can't wait to hear what people say in class so maybe I can make some sense out of this.
Advice From a Sensible Young Man
Another story of drug addiction. I used to be helplessly addicted to coke and lost a few friends to it, so I could identify with this story easily. I find it funny and sad how he kept coming back with another excuse to borrow money. It's sad at the end when he dies, but at the same time he may have been better off dead if he was willing to risk his family's future. I understand why the other man didn't care as much for him any more, but it's sad because the friend he once knew may have still be in there somewhere, ya know?
Glimpses from the Life of Maugoud Abdul Maugoud and Two Postscripts
This story was the best of them because it was easier to follow along. It almost had a movie quality about it that made it easier to understand. I find it funny that in stories someone will get knocked conscienceless and then people do nothing to help... and eventually the person dies. I like the drama of the boy hiding out and being scared people will find him out. The suicide thing kind of hit close to me because I have a friend who recently tried to commit suicide and luckily he failed. I know I would have been upset if he would have succeeded and I wouldn't have had anything to remember him by.
Another Evening at the Club
This story pissed me off. Of course no one wants to stand up for their own mistakes. It's sad that the servant probably never gets free. I was surprised that the husband follows along with it and decides to pawn the ring off so no one will find out. This story is a classic example of how money can change people. I had a friend who fell on some money and now she is just like the girl in this story... she will do anything to keep her happy little rich life.
The Cypriot Man
Not exactly sure what the hell is going on in this story. I can only assume that the Cypriot man is the incarnation of death or evil. I like how he is a rather smooth character and almost witty. I don't understand why the man's father dies and not him. This is yet another story I kind of just flew through, but I am very interested in what the other students will say about it. Sometimes I actually learn something from those kids. We'll see.
I think this story is mainly focused on the fact that you can't let what has happened to you make you feel old or useless. The widow starts to act old because she is a widow and she figures by being a widow she must be old. Everyone has moments like this in their life. Last summer I hurt my back real bad at work and I felt like an old man.. and the whole summer I would kind of dwell on that fact and it held me back. Sometimes just because you don't feel like a child does not mean that you're old.
My Brother
I used to babysit for a family that had a daughter with a mental health problem. I knew the younger brother and he never said it, but I could tell he often felt upset. I think it was because he hated the burden his sister put on the family. This story is much the same. I mean, he loved his sister, but he hated some of the things she would do. In this story the boy has the same feelings because he is torn for the love of his brother and all the hard work and sacrifice that comes with having a sibling with a mental disability. It doesn't make it easier that the boy's father passed on and left him and his mother to fend for themselves.
At a Woman’s House
Strange story. I didn't understand why the man just sat there in the dark looking after this baby. I assumed the child was sick because of the constant mention of the color of it's skin. The man keeps mentioning the neighbors and I think it's funny that ol' boy keeps getting kicked out and ends up smoking on the steps. I am hard pressed to find the meaning of this story. Can't wait to hear what people say in class so maybe I can make some sense out of this.
Advice From a Sensible Young Man
Another story of drug addiction. I used to be helplessly addicted to coke and lost a few friends to it, so I could identify with this story easily. I find it funny and sad how he kept coming back with another excuse to borrow money. It's sad at the end when he dies, but at the same time he may have been better off dead if he was willing to risk his family's future. I understand why the other man didn't care as much for him any more, but it's sad because the friend he once knew may have still be in there somewhere, ya know?
Glimpses from the Life of Maugoud Abdul Maugoud and Two Postscripts
This story was the best of them because it was easier to follow along. It almost had a movie quality about it that made it easier to understand. I find it funny that in stories someone will get knocked conscienceless and then people do nothing to help... and eventually the person dies. I like the drama of the boy hiding out and being scared people will find him out. The suicide thing kind of hit close to me because I have a friend who recently tried to commit suicide and luckily he failed. I know I would have been upset if he would have succeeded and I wouldn't have had anything to remember him by.
Another Evening at the Club
This story pissed me off. Of course no one wants to stand up for their own mistakes. It's sad that the servant probably never gets free. I was surprised that the husband follows along with it and decides to pawn the ring off so no one will find out. This story is a classic example of how money can change people. I had a friend who fell on some money and now she is just like the girl in this story... she will do anything to keep her happy little rich life.
The Cypriot Man
Not exactly sure what the hell is going on in this story. I can only assume that the Cypriot man is the incarnation of death or evil. I like how he is a rather smooth character and almost witty. I don't understand why the man's father dies and not him. This is yet another story I kind of just flew through, but I am very interested in what the other students will say about it. Sometimes I actually learn something from those kids. We'll see.
Friday, February 8, 2008
African / Arabic Short Stories
Papa, Snake and I,
This story was of great interest. I like that the boy kills the snake, but he never gets props from his ma. Which he should have, ya know? Yet another story that tries to incorporate faith into it's message. Didn't hit very hard, honestly. I like how he was like "when Mama calls us we never know whether she's cross or not" hahaha Mama doesn't play around man. Still don't understand why this boy's gotta take these laxatives..... At first I assumed it was like Tape Worm or something, because I know that plagues a lot of people in Africa, but she says he had also lost his appetite. I also question why the boy says "but for some time I was thinking I didn't love you all"
The Betrayal
Doctor Kamal, a politician and leader of a political group known as the Oriental Front, notices a new group starting to form which may take from the ruling of his Oriental Front. He slyly hints about taking them out to Salim Rashid. He talks to the Youth League to help destroy the new group. It's sad because he trades in his own beliefs just to keep is organization strong. A few days later they are all there for the first meeting for the new group. The debates take on while members of the Oriental Front interject to disrupt the new clan. After a while of this banter they start to fight, but Dr. Kamal narrowly escapes after the police show because he doesn't want to be shown as a violent man, because he has preached against it for so long. Funny how someone who supports Gandhi can be so evil, and even a violence starter.
The Coffee-Cart Girl
This story was a weird one. I think it's strange that Ruben gets so jealous of Naidoo and Zodwa's relationship. Though he did buy he some stuff, and sure they hung out every day for a while there, but I still don't understand the whole pulling the knife out thing.. seems like his jealousy took him a bit far. I think it's funny how he thinks his chances are over to see her now just because of the ordinance and not because of his actions. I was also under the impression that Naidoo only gave her the ring to pay for his coffee and cake, but perhaps it was a bit of a flirting measure as well.
Snapshots of a Wedding
I find it interesting in this story that women make the money and their intelligence shows that. I like how the man has two woman pregnant and is trying to decide who he should marry now. He should have made those decisions before he knocked the two of em up, honestly. When Neo finally understands that she is such a mean person she finally shuts her mouth and acts more reserved. I like to think that would last a whole marriage, but perhaps that is just wishful thinking. Though I think she only started acting right because she thought she might lose her husband.
Arabic Short Stories:
This story was of great interest. I like that the boy kills the snake, but he never gets props from his ma. Which he should have, ya know? Yet another story that tries to incorporate faith into it's message. Didn't hit very hard, honestly. I like how he was like "when Mama calls us we never know whether she's cross or not" hahaha Mama doesn't play around man. Still don't understand why this boy's gotta take these laxatives..... At first I assumed it was like Tape Worm or something, because I know that plagues a lot of people in Africa, but she says he had also lost his appetite. I also question why the boy says "but for some time I was thinking I didn't love you all"
The Betrayal
Doctor Kamal, a politician and leader of a political group known as the Oriental Front, notices a new group starting to form which may take from the ruling of his Oriental Front. He slyly hints about taking them out to Salim Rashid. He talks to the Youth League to help destroy the new group. It's sad because he trades in his own beliefs just to keep is organization strong. A few days later they are all there for the first meeting for the new group. The debates take on while members of the Oriental Front interject to disrupt the new clan. After a while of this banter they start to fight, but Dr. Kamal narrowly escapes after the police show because he doesn't want to be shown as a violent man, because he has preached against it for so long. Funny how someone who supports Gandhi can be so evil, and even a violence starter.
The Coffee-Cart Girl
This story was a weird one. I think it's strange that Ruben gets so jealous of Naidoo and Zodwa's relationship. Though he did buy he some stuff, and sure they hung out every day for a while there, but I still don't understand the whole pulling the knife out thing.. seems like his jealousy took him a bit far. I think it's funny how he thinks his chances are over to see her now just because of the ordinance and not because of his actions. I was also under the impression that Naidoo only gave her the ring to pay for his coffee and cake, but perhaps it was a bit of a flirting measure as well.
Snapshots of a Wedding
I find it interesting in this story that women make the money and their intelligence shows that. I like how the man has two woman pregnant and is trying to decide who he should marry now. He should have made those decisions before he knocked the two of em up, honestly. When Neo finally understands that she is such a mean person she finally shuts her mouth and acts more reserved. I like to think that would last a whole marriage, but perhaps that is just wishful thinking. Though I think she only started acting right because she thought she might lose her husband.
Arabic Short Stories:
The Chair Carrier
I thought this story was about striving to achieve something better and not always blindly marching forward with what you've been told to do. This has kind of been the theme of my week so this story was one of my favorites. I find it interesting that the man couldn't read even the sign on the chair he's been carrying for so long. He should just sit and think it through for a bit and everything might unfold to him.
Friday, February 1, 2008
African Stories [Blog 3]
The Bridegroom
This story is about a man who is a soldier who lives alone. He is about to get married and can't wait to leave his solitude. I like the cook Piet because he was such a loyal guy to the soldier. I didn't understand that the soldier was black until they told us (it says something like, they were african like me"... I assumed he was white, I don't know why, though I guess being African doesn't make you black either.. I don't like how the story ended because I felt like there was more to the story that wasn't being told. I like how the author described the nights with the music by the campfire. I could really picture the surrounding's.
The Betrayal
This is a story about politics, peace, and violence. I like how the man is really enraged but only stays peaceful so he doesn't have to put his foot in his mouth. I like how when it came even to discussing the matter between themselves they couldn't even be peaceful. I think this sort of thing often happens in followings of great people. People preach but don't walk the walk. That's also politics for you. Politicians act one way in front of their people and a whole other way behind their desk and red buttons.
Protista
Maria, his wife, left him because she sick of being exiled. Naturally the man is lonely. The circle on the wall reminds him of Maria and how much time he's wasted. Without Maria he has no will to live, really. I don't know what he means by "manfish" at the end though... I get a since of loneliness while he is the tree and I think he feels "rooted" negatively. Like he is stuck there forever, and there is no way out. I thought of the movie Cast-Away when I read this. This story was mad-confusing for me, but I enjoyed it anyways. Much more interesting than the other two, in my opinion.
This story is about a man who is a soldier who lives alone. He is about to get married and can't wait to leave his solitude. I like the cook Piet because he was such a loyal guy to the soldier. I didn't understand that the soldier was black until they told us (it says something like, they were african like me"... I assumed he was white, I don't know why, though I guess being African doesn't make you black either.. I don't like how the story ended because I felt like there was more to the story that wasn't being told. I like how the author described the nights with the music by the campfire. I could really picture the surrounding's.
The Betrayal
This is a story about politics, peace, and violence. I like how the man is really enraged but only stays peaceful so he doesn't have to put his foot in his mouth. I like how when it came even to discussing the matter between themselves they couldn't even be peaceful. I think this sort of thing often happens in followings of great people. People preach but don't walk the walk. That's also politics for you. Politicians act one way in front of their people and a whole other way behind their desk and red buttons.
Protista
Maria, his wife, left him because she sick of being exiled. Naturally the man is lonely. The circle on the wall reminds him of Maria and how much time he's wasted. Without Maria he has no will to live, really. I don't know what he means by "manfish" at the end though... I get a since of loneliness while he is the tree and I think he feels "rooted" negatively. Like he is stuck there forever, and there is no way out. I thought of the movie Cast-Away when I read this. This story was mad-confusing for me, but I enjoyed it anyways. Much more interesting than the other two, in my opinion.
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