- Aciman describes Straus Park with very flowery language throughout the piece. How do you think his use of imagery and his ability to personify the park, specifically the statue, helped enhance the plot of the story as a whole and how did it contribute to your personal understanding of the text?
- Straus Park seems to be a safe haven for the author, as it reminds him of all his “homes” and his shadow cities. How can you relate to this and do you have a place yourself that you find reminds you of your home or homes and how they are all interconnected?
- Do you agree with Aciman, that New York is a place where multiple “homes” and “shadow cities” intersect and if you do, how is this idea exemplified to you in your daily life?
– Kim Kazdal
1. I feel that his use of imagery was very helpful to actually envisioning him at the actual park. Although everyone probably has different ideas of how his story would look, we all have a general idea. It definitely made me feel more connected to the feeling of displacement. It also encouraged me to reminisce of different situation where I felt displaced. When I first came to Baruch I felt displaced. It was something very new and different to me but unlike him, I’ve adapted and that’s the beauty of it.
2) for me I feel like Washington heights remind me a lot of my home country. The heavy Dominican community and neighbor makes me feel like I am back in my country.
1) By using rhetorical strategies within his writing, Aciman was able to allow the reader to illustrate the vivid description in their minds. It exemplified the feeling of an emotional connection between the park and Aciman overall. It contributed to my understanding by feeling some sort of fondness for something, although not extremely attractive in appearance, the comforting familiarity is what draws people to appreciate its existence.
3) I strongly agree with Aciman, New York City is a massive city where you can find several cultures simultaneously while walking down a street. New York is a place where multiple “homes” and “shadow cities” intersect as we see it everyday from classrooms to the mere commute to school or work.