In this short story/poem the author uses birth in the form of storing semen and death in the form of soldiers and Iraqi's dying or, to the point of death, during the war.
The author focuses on sperm banking to portray the violence of war. The fact that so many soldiers banked their sperm while in the war tells you they don't plan on coming out of the war alive.
The Iraqi is taken to a poet because a poet can 'pretend that the man wants his foe to be his friend.'
Monday, April 21, 2008
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Free Write 4/17/08
A Lion is a fierce animal mostly known for living in Africa. It has an orangish fur and a mane around its neck. A lion is a male.
A Lioness is a female lion without a mane around its neck and it has short fur around its body. They usually appear skinnier than a Lion, mostly because of the fur.
Comparison- In the reaction that we read to the story "She unnames them" she takes the whole story as talking about generalizations. The example she gives is, boys like cars. I didn't think about generalizations at all when reading the story.
A Lioness is a female lion without a mane around its neck and it has short fur around its body. They usually appear skinnier than a Lion, mostly because of the fur.
Comparison- In the reaction that we read to the story "She unnames them" she takes the whole story as talking about generalizations. The example she gives is, boys like cars. I didn't think about generalizations at all when reading the story.
Homework 4/17/08
"She Unnames Them"-
This story is about a women most likely Eve who unnames the animals and sets them free. I found it to be very confusing, especially when she was speaking to Adam. she refers to the ability to give or unname? is a gift to her. I'm not sure about the last sentence but it seems that she is preparing herself to talk to God. It sort of twists the whole story for me.
"Magi"-
The journey of the Magi is about the Magi's journey through the worst time of the year. "The very dead winter." The author writes about the hostility of the cities and dirty villages. These descriptions give the idea that the journey was not a pleasant one.
"A Cold Coming"- I found this story to be disturbing, it was just akward. From the title i thought it was going to be a response to the journey of Magi, because the first line of the Magi is "A cold coming we had of it."
This story is about a women most likely Eve who unnames the animals and sets them free. I found it to be very confusing, especially when she was speaking to Adam. she refers to the ability to give or unname? is a gift to her. I'm not sure about the last sentence but it seems that she is preparing herself to talk to God. It sort of twists the whole story for me.
"Magi"-
The journey of the Magi is about the Magi's journey through the worst time of the year. "The very dead winter." The author writes about the hostility of the cities and dirty villages. These descriptions give the idea that the journey was not a pleasant one.
"A Cold Coming"- I found this story to be disturbing, it was just akward. From the title i thought it was going to be a response to the journey of Magi, because the first line of the Magi is "A cold coming we had of it."
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Homework 4/10/08
"Siren Song"- This poem is about a women's cry for help and her ability to force me to try to help her even though they see that everyone else has failed.
"Ulysses"- This poem is about Ulysses, a hero of the trojan war. In this poem Ulysses looks back at his life and the things he honors about it and the things he questions. The poem talks about Ulysses' strive to never stop.
"Leda and the Swan"- this poem is about the god Zeus taking form of the Swan to have his way with Leda, the Spartan queen. She had to daughters, Clytemnestra, Agamemnon's unfaithful wife, and Helen of Troy. Agamemnon dies in a war which ties to the darkness of the two children she created as a result of her being raped.
"Ulysses"- This poem is about Ulysses, a hero of the trojan war. In this poem Ulysses looks back at his life and the things he honors about it and the things he questions. The poem talks about Ulysses' strive to never stop.
"Leda and the Swan"- this poem is about the god Zeus taking form of the Swan to have his way with Leda, the Spartan queen. She had to daughters, Clytemnestra, Agamemnon's unfaithful wife, and Helen of Troy. Agamemnon dies in a war which ties to the darkness of the two children she created as a result of her being raped.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Topic Proposal
Brad Dimock
ENGL. 102-066
April 7, 2008
SWA #10: Topic Proposal Historical/Cultural Analysis
1.) Civil Peace by: Chinua Achebe
2.) The historical/cultural connection I have found to the short story is the Nigerian Civil War during 1967-1970.
3.) The Link between Civil Peace and the Nigerian Civil War help me understand the reason behind the currencies mentioned throughout the story, based on the information I found on the economic changes made by the Nigerian government during the civil war. The connection also helped me understand the horrific situation the family in the story was in, based on the turmoil resulting from the war. The information on the author Chinua Achebe helped me establish the credibility of the short story and also helped me understand the reason for his interest in the Nigerian Civil War. Chinua Achebe lived through the Nigerian Civil war and worked for the Biafran government.
4.) The theme of this story is the struggles and turmoil the family faces during the end of the Nigerian Civil War. The information I found that about three million people died during the civil war mostly from starvation and disease helps me to understand the theme of the short story.
5.) The part I believe I still need to find is anything on thieves harassing and robbing Nigerian families in the aftermath of the war.
Thesis Statement: The events and aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War during 1967-1970 shape the meaning behind the short story “Civil Peace.” The historical ties to the change of currencies, turmoil of the war, and the string of events during the war all shape and provide understanding to the meanings behind the short story.
ENGL. 102-066
April 7, 2008
SWA #10: Topic Proposal Historical/Cultural Analysis
1.) Civil Peace by: Chinua Achebe
2.) The historical/cultural connection I have found to the short story is the Nigerian Civil War during 1967-1970.
3.) The Link between Civil Peace and the Nigerian Civil War help me understand the reason behind the currencies mentioned throughout the story, based on the information I found on the economic changes made by the Nigerian government during the civil war. The connection also helped me understand the horrific situation the family in the story was in, based on the turmoil resulting from the war. The information on the author Chinua Achebe helped me establish the credibility of the short story and also helped me understand the reason for his interest in the Nigerian Civil War. Chinua Achebe lived through the Nigerian Civil war and worked for the Biafran government.
4.) The theme of this story is the struggles and turmoil the family faces during the end of the Nigerian Civil War. The information I found that about three million people died during the civil war mostly from starvation and disease helps me to understand the theme of the short story.
5.) The part I believe I still need to find is anything on thieves harassing and robbing Nigerian families in the aftermath of the war.
Thesis Statement: The events and aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War during 1967-1970 shape the meaning behind the short story “Civil Peace.” The historical ties to the change of currencies, turmoil of the war, and the string of events during the war all shape and provide understanding to the meanings behind the short story.
Annotated bibliography
Brad Dimock
ENGL. 102-066
April 7, 2008
SWA #8 & 9: Annotated Bibliography
Atofarati, Abubakar A. “The Nigerian Civil War, Causes, Strategies, And Lessons Learnt.” African Master Web (1992). 7 April 2008.
The Nigerian Civil War, Causes, Strategies, And Lessons Learnt, provides information on how the war was started, the history of Nigeria, as well as many details on the Military aspects of the war. The information I have obtained from this article is that the war was between the “Eastern Region” of Nigeria and the rest of the country. The Eastern Region declared itself an independent state which was seen by the Nigerian Government as an act of succession. This information is important to me to learn the details behind why the civil war started.
“Chinua Achebe.” kirjasto.sci.fi (2002). 7 April 2008.
Chinua Achebe, is a biography on the life of Chinua Achebe and his accomplishments. The information I have gathered from this article is that Achebe was in the Biafran government service during the time of the Nigerian Civil War. In 1967 Achebe cofounded a publishing company at Emgu with his friend who was killed during the Nigerian Civil War. The information in this article is very helpful for my essay. It helps me establish credibility of the essay and helps me to better understand the background of the essay.
“Nigerian Civil War.” Wikipedia (29 March 2008). 7 April 2008.
This article, Nigerian Civil War, gives a complete description on the Civil War. From what caused the civil war to every military aspect during the civil war. The important information gathered from this article for the purpose of my essay is that the war began in 1967 when the Nigerian Government took action to retake the secessionist territory. Biafran forces responded with an offensive attack but surrendered in 1970 which ended the war. About 3 million people were estimated to have died from the conflict, mostly from hunger and disease. The Nigerian Government changed its currency during the war so that Biafran supplies of pre-war Nigerian currency were no longer honored. This information helps me grasp how and when the Nigerian War started as well as the toll it had on Nigeria and its citizens and the currency issue helps me understand the reason why money and the different currencies were talked about in the story.
“Nigeria.” Information Please (2008). 7 April 2008.
The article, Nigeria, provides information on the Geography, Government, History, and demographics on Nigeria. From this article I have gathered that 40 percent of Nigeria consists of Christians and that Muslin Hausas in the North massacred the predominately Christian Ibos in the east. Ibos took refuge in the east and declared independence as the republic of Biafria. This information is important to my essay because it helps me understand the meaning behind the phrase “Nothing puzzles God,” seen throughout the story. It also helps me understand why the Eastern Region of Nigeria succeeded.
“The Federal Republic of Nigeria.” Global Literacy Project Inc. 7 April 2008.
The Federal Republic of Nigeria article, discussed the economy, demographics, government, and literature. The information most important to me from this article is about the economy. In 1966, the Nigerian Military took over the government which led to the collapse in the Nigerian economy. This information might help me realize the importance of the different currencies throughout the story.
Uche, Chibuike. “Money Matters in a War Economy: The Biafran Experience.” EBSCOhost. 7 April 2008.
Money Matters in a War Economy: The Biafran Experience, is an article on the Economy aspects of the Nigerian Civil War. The information I found that is most helpful for my essay is that in 1970 the government instructed all holders of Biafran currency and old Nigerian currency to register and deposit such currencies with government designated agents. The government paid a flat rate 20 pounds in exchange. This information helps me realize the importance of the currency talked about throughout the essay and about the 20 pounds the man received in exchange for her rebel money.
ENGL. 102-066
April 7, 2008
SWA #8 & 9: Annotated Bibliography
Atofarati, Abubakar A. “The Nigerian Civil War, Causes, Strategies, And Lessons Learnt.” African Master Web (1992). 7 April 2008
The Nigerian Civil War, Causes, Strategies, And Lessons Learnt, provides information on how the war was started, the history of Nigeria, as well as many details on the Military aspects of the war. The information I have obtained from this article is that the war was between the “Eastern Region” of Nigeria and the rest of the country. The Eastern Region declared itself an independent state which was seen by the Nigerian Government as an act of succession. This information is important to me to learn the details behind why the civil war started.
“Chinua Achebe.” kirjasto.sci.fi (2002). 7 April 2008
Chinua Achebe, is a biography on the life of Chinua Achebe and his accomplishments. The information I have gathered from this article is that Achebe was in the Biafran government service during the time of the Nigerian Civil War. In 1967 Achebe cofounded a publishing company at Emgu with his friend who was killed during the Nigerian Civil War. The information in this article is very helpful for my essay. It helps me establish credibility of the essay and helps me to better understand the background of the essay.
“Nigerian Civil War.” Wikipedia (29 March 2008). 7 April 2008
This article, Nigerian Civil War, gives a complete description on the Civil War. From what caused the civil war to every military aspect during the civil war. The important information gathered from this article for the purpose of my essay is that the war began in 1967 when the Nigerian Government took action to retake the secessionist territory. Biafran forces responded with an offensive attack but surrendered in 1970 which ended the war. About 3 million people were estimated to have died from the conflict, mostly from hunger and disease. The Nigerian Government changed its currency during the war so that Biafran supplies of pre-war Nigerian currency were no longer honored. This information helps me grasp how and when the Nigerian War started as well as the toll it had on Nigeria and its citizens and the currency issue helps me understand the reason why money and the different currencies were talked about in the story.
“Nigeria.” Information Please (2008). 7 April 2008
The article, Nigeria, provides information on the Geography, Government, History, and demographics on Nigeria. From this article I have gathered that 40 percent of Nigeria consists of Christians and that Muslin Hausas in the North massacred the predominately Christian Ibos in the east. Ibos took refuge in the east and declared independence as the republic of Biafria. This information is important to my essay because it helps me understand the meaning behind the phrase “Nothing puzzles God,” seen throughout the story. It also helps me understand why the Eastern Region of Nigeria succeeded.
“The Federal Republic of Nigeria.” Global Literacy Project Inc. 7 April 2008
The Federal Republic of Nigeria article, discussed the economy, demographics, government, and literature. The information most important to me from this article is about the economy. In 1966, the Nigerian Military took over the government which led to the collapse in the Nigerian economy. This information might help me realize the importance of the different currencies throughout the story.
Uche, Chibuike. “Money Matters in a War Economy: The Biafran Experience.” EBSCOhost. 7 April 2008
Money Matters in a War Economy: The Biafran Experience, is an article on the Economy aspects of the Nigerian Civil War. The information I found that is most helpful for my essay is that in 1970 the government instructed all holders of Biafran currency and old Nigerian currency to register and deposit such currencies with government designated agents. The government paid a flat rate 20 pounds in exchange. This information helps me realize the importance of the currency talked about throughout the essay and about the 20 pounds the man received in exchange for her rebel money.
Introduction to Historical/Cultural Analysis
Introduction:
The short story Civil Peace by Chinua Achebe is about the struggles and turmoil one family faces during the time period of the Nigerian Civil War. From the death of one of their sons during the war to the struggle to support his family during the economic mishaps
to the theives they faced attempting to rob them of the only money they had, this family was affected extremely by the Nigerian Civil War. The events and aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War during 1967-1970 shape the meaning behind the short story “Civil Peace.” The historical ties to the change of currencies, turmoil of the war, and the string of events during the war all shape and provide understanding to the struggles the family faced.
The short story Civil Peace by Chinua Achebe is about the struggles and turmoil one family faces during the time period of the Nigerian Civil War. From the death of one of their sons during the war to the struggle to support his family during the economic mishaps
to the theives they faced attempting to rob them of the only money they had, this family was affected extremely by the Nigerian Civil War. The events and aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War during 1967-1970 shape the meaning behind the short story “Civil Peace.” The historical ties to the change of currencies, turmoil of the war, and the string of events during the war all shape and provide understanding to the struggles the family faced.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Trifles vs A Jury of Her Peers
SWA #7:
Trifles vs. A Jury of Her Peers
After reading the two versions of Glaspell’s story I conclude that the short story form overall is easier to follow and understand. While the play version helps to portray the setting of the events, the short story form helps you comprehend the events without having to jump between who is saying what. The play form is very scattered; it jumps from person to person every other sentence, while the short story form ties the dialogue into the narration of the story smoothly. The short story was also easier to read because you did not have to keep reminding yourself who was saying which line. As far as which form lent itself more easily to cultural/historical analysis, the short story form did. Because the stories events flowed more easily it was easier to understand what was happening, which made it easier to determine the cultural ties. The choppy play form discourages any cultural/historical analysis because it is simply hard to tie every aspect together; the short story form ties everything together for you. You could easily determine that the story took place around 1916 through the short story. While the play form gives the setting it is not as easily determinable through the events as it is through the short story form. In the short story form you can easily analyze the time period it occurred in through the layout of events such as the sewing and the neighborly farm culture. Also, while it is only slightly hinted to you can determine the culture and historical ties through the fact that the women were treated unfairly. This is hinted to when the bird is discovered and the ladies talk about how he killed the old lady’s singing. To conclude, the short story form has more advantages than disadvantages comparing it to the play form. The cultural/historical analysis is easier to obtain and the events are easier to follow.
Trifles vs. A Jury of Her Peers
After reading the two versions of Glaspell’s story I conclude that the short story form overall is easier to follow and understand. While the play version helps to portray the setting of the events, the short story form helps you comprehend the events without having to jump between who is saying what. The play form is very scattered; it jumps from person to person every other sentence, while the short story form ties the dialogue into the narration of the story smoothly. The short story was also easier to read because you did not have to keep reminding yourself who was saying which line. As far as which form lent itself more easily to cultural/historical analysis, the short story form did. Because the stories events flowed more easily it was easier to understand what was happening, which made it easier to determine the cultural ties. The choppy play form discourages any cultural/historical analysis because it is simply hard to tie every aspect together; the short story form ties everything together for you. You could easily determine that the story took place around 1916 through the short story. While the play form gives the setting it is not as easily determinable through the events as it is through the short story form. In the short story form you can easily analyze the time period it occurred in through the layout of events such as the sewing and the neighborly farm culture. Also, while it is only slightly hinted to you can determine the culture and historical ties through the fact that the women were treated unfairly. This is hinted to when the bird is discovered and the ladies talk about how he killed the old lady’s singing. To conclude, the short story form has more advantages than disadvantages comparing it to the play form. The cultural/historical analysis is easier to obtain and the events are easier to follow.
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