First Person— The old woman laughs sharply and tells me that she is grateful for my kindness and that the girl will show me to my room. I’m thinking about the salary of four thousand pesos, and how the work should be pleasant because I like these jobs of careful research that don’t include physical effort or going from one place to another or meeting people I don’t want to meet. I’m thinking about this as I follow her out of the room, and I discover that I’ve got to follow her with my ears instead of my eyes: I follow the rustle of her skirt, the rustle of taffeta, and I’m anxious now to look into her eyes again. I climb the stairs behind that sound in the darkness and I’m still unused to the obscurity. I remember it must be about six in the afternoon, and the flood of light surprises me when Aura opens the door to my bedroom— another door without a latch— and steps aside to tell me: “This is your room. We’ll expect you for supper in an hour”.
Third Person— The old woman laughs sharply and tells him that she is grateful for his kindness and that the girl will show him to his room. He thinks about the salary of four thousand pesos, and how the work should be pleasant because he likes these jobs of careful research that don’t include physical effort or going from one place to another or meeting people that he doesn’t want to meet. He’s thinking about this as he follows the girl out of the room, and he discovers that he’s got to follow her with his ears instead of his eyes: he follows the rustle of her skirt, the rustle of taffeta, and he’s anxious now to look into her eyes again. He climbs the stairs behind that sound in the darkness and he’s still unused to the obscurity. He remembers it must be about six in the afternoon, and the flood of light surprises him when Aura opens the door to his bedroom— another door without a latch— and steps aside to tell him: “This is your room. We’ll expect you for supper in an hour”.
It was definitely more difficult to translate the text into third person point of view than first due to having to change not only the “you’s” but also often the word after.
The difference between the first, second, and third person can affect the way something seems. In Aura, it is written in the second person. This helps you put yourself into the story so that it is easy to paint that picture in your head of what is going on. For example when the book says, “You remember it must be about six in the afternoon, and the flood of light surprises you when Aura opens the door”, the second person form of writing easily allows you to picture the light coming from the room. But once Aly translated the writing to third person, it made the whole process a little more difficult. Other phrases like, “he thinks about the salary of four thousand pesos, and how the work should be pleasant because he likes these jobs”, are harder to allow yourself to put inside the book and feel what they’re going through.
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- Pick two stories we have read and determine how a character in each story follow a similar heroic journey model. (Use only one heroic journey model for both characters)
- In “Journey to the West”, Monkey faces many challenges and in “Bartleby the Scrivener”, the narrator faces many challenges as well. Do these challenges follow any heroic journey model we’ve discussed? Why?
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The ending to “The Judgement” can be interpreted to mean a lot more than just the simple fact that Georg decided to end his life. Going back to the question of who is responsible for Georg’s decision to end his life at the end of the story, I would have to say it was the father that led him to kill himself. Throughout the story, one is able to conclude that Georg has always been under the control of his father, despite the fact that he is older and can fend for himself. “Maybe it was because, during the time in which his mother was still alive, his father had hindered Georg from developing his own activities by imposing his, the father’s, own opinions.” Despite Georg being an adult, he still was not able to have his own opinion to things. The controlling aspect can also be seen how Georg first has to go to his father to ask if what he’s writing in the letter to his friend is reasonable. Therefore, by the father controlling Georg’s life and not allowing him to be his own person, the moment the father tells Georg “I condemn you to death by drowning,” Georg found this as a way of his father getting rid of him for good. His dad is the one responsible for killing his son.
Jorge, I think it’s interesting that you think that his father is the one that’s responsible for Georg’s death. I do think that it has a certain sense of truth, because like you said, he allowed his father to dictate his life. However, I think it’s more than simply him being straightforwardly responsible. It’s true that his father had a part, but in the end isn’t it Georg’s decision to end his life, as well as, perhaps he’s already dissatisfied and just looking for a way out or an excuse? I think he definitely feels in some way that life is meaningless by the last sentence, “At this moment an almost endless traffic rolled across the bridge.” This is an extremely sad moment and has a great significance. After everything, Georg’s suicide is highlighted by the fact that many people are there to witness his final moment. Or at least they’re in the presence of. And yet, despite the fact that Georg spent several moments contemplating this decision before he let go and jumped in, no one bothered to say anything or to stop him.
Jorge makes a good point about how the father is responsible for Georg’s decision but I believe that his friend in Russia also plays a role in it as well. Georg also felt the betrayal of his friend not telling him anything that was going on with his father so I believe that also played a part. I agree with Aly’s point that his suicide is highlighted by the fact that many people were present which makes the moment much sadder. I believe the ending is somehow unrealistic. Although what his father did was very hurtful and harsh, he was just extremely happy about getting married and telling his friend about it. I think his decision was made too quickly without the presence of a deliberation about how his fiancé would feel. The only thought he had was about his parents, “But dear parents, I have always loved you, and let himself fall down”. But it being unrealistic helps me understand that he truly did not want to live anymore not just because of what his father did. He said he loved them and doesn’t really hate them as he should.
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Compare how Monkey from Journey to the West and Bartleby from Bartleby the Scrivener, may be viewed as any one of the following “heroes”— Traditional Hero, Anti-Hero or Satanic Hero. Provide at least one quote from each text to support your statement.
The narrator, from Bartleby the Scrivener, and Monkey from, Journey to the West, face challenges throughout the course of the text that results in them changing one way or another. Provide evidence from each story that shows how each character changed and whether the change resulted in a positive or negative way.
Monkey from Journey to the West and the woman in the Life of a Sensuous Woman both go on their own type of heroic journey. Discuss how their journeys are similar or different. Provide evidence from each story.
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The narrator in “Bartleby, the Scrivener” can be interpreted to represent a Traditional Hero as described by Campbell and Aristotle. The traditional hero can be explained as a hero who sees the truth when most of the other people cannot and the person acts on it. In the middle of the story, the narrator comes to a realization over why Bartleby continually acts strange when he is present in the office. The narrator goes on to say, “For the first time in my life a feeling of overpowering stinging melancholy seized me…The bond of a common humanity now drew me irresistibly to gloom,”. The event that led the narrator to say this was when he noticed that Bartleby was all alone and did not have a place to call his own. He slept in the offices yet he remained humble about his situation, never asking for more money or trying to get someone to show him sympathy. In this case, the narrator is a hero because he sees the truth, which is the realization that Bartleby did not have anyone or anything, and he acts on it. His actions included not throwing him out of the office and they also included him letting Bartleby stay in his premises for a longer period of time.
The title character Bartleby in “Bartleby, the Scrivener”, upon analysis, can be seen as an Anti-Hero. An anti-hero is, by definition, a character that sees circumstances or misfortunes that other cannot and takes action by means that most would view as socially unacceptable or even illegal. The most compelling quote that supports this statement would be one that is repeated over and over again and can be viewed almost as Bartleby’s “catchphrase”. “I would prefer not to,” Bartleby says multiple times throughout the course of the short story in response to the many tasks that the narrator asks him to complete. Taking an insightful approach, one could say that Bartleby’s unfortunate circumstances are an example of humanity as a whole. He works an unfulfilling job as a copier, repeating the routines of life, and going nowhere still. However, rather than take a positive approach and attempting to achieve more, or find more purpose, Bartleby chooses to take a silent stand. It’s still a “heroic” action since Bartleby is more or less protesting what he believes to be unjust or not right, however by normal standards, the means in which he goes about this is wrong and even ends with his death.
Both my group members make good points about each character and what kind of hero they are. Although I believe the narrator in “Bartleby, the Scrivener” is no hero at all. Throughout the story Bartleby continues to act nonchalantly and without purpose. The narrator just watches and keeps allowing him to do this without any help or inspiration to do more. Soon he just gives up on Bartleby and wants him to fend for himself: “but, really, the man you allude to is nothing to me-he is no relation or apprentice of mine, that you should hold me responsible for him”. If the narrator was a hero he would be able to see the truth of Bartleby but even if he couldn’t see it, a hero would have tried to help out and not give up so easily. Although he tried to help in the beginning and in the end, the narrator should not have given up, no matter what. Some can argue that he did see the truth when others couldn’t see it, but around the time he was being kicked out the narrator shared the same point of view as the people around him.
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The modern day “floating world” (better known as a red light district) that I would like to discuss is The Block, Baltimore. The Block is only one of the two remaining red light districts left in the United States. The rest, such as The Deuce in NYC, The Combat Zone in Boston, The Sporting District in San Antonio and may more, have long been eradicated and closed down by their respective cities. The aspect that I wanted to take into consideration is the lack of law enforcement in the area. Despite the fact that the local police precinct is merely steps away from the alleged red light district, enforcers of the law choose to turn a blind eye to the illegal acts that take place. Supposedly the argument is that rather than choosing to fight the problem (and perhaps inciting more aggravation), they maintain and contain the crimes to the one specific area. This makes it easier for the police to keep an eye on what goes on. However, I imagine that this must be quite inconvenient and uncomfortable to the neighboring communities simply due to the close proximity to the criminals.
Great choice of a city Aly. The example you give on the law enforcement choosing to ignore what was going on around them is important as it helps highlight the way the city took action on this red light district. The aspect that I would like to focus on is the importance this “floating world” had on the city of Baltimore. The atmosphere of the Block started off as a friendly, exciting, and as an entertaining area where people would come together to attend some of the entertainment that was offered. The different sorts of entertainment that was offered in the 1940, 50’s, and 60’s included comedians and Opera shows that sold out quickly. The Block became well known at an international level due to word of mouth throughout WWII. However, this changed quickly as a less exciting and friendly way of entertainment came about. Over the years, the Block transformed both physically and morally, affecting the reputation of the city of Baltimore. Not only did the Block become smaller in size, but the Block became uncontrollable. Nowadays, the Block is not known for the right reasons. As opposed to the 40’s and 50’s where great things were heard, now things such as “Night Clubs facing $20,000 in fines for employing dancers as young as 15,” are the things that are heard about this area.
Aly and Jorge makes great points about the different aspects of the Block. The one aspect I’d like to discuss is how all the clubs and bars contribute to the surrounding neighborhood. Within the radius of the neighborhood of the Block is at least 20 strip clubs and bars. Because there are so many of them in one area the venues don’t have any cover charges which brings more people into the neighborhood. Although the people that it attracts have been noted to affect the neighborhood in a negative way. The entertainment within these clubs were changed drastically from a form of art to stripping and prostitution. These clubs also promote the use and sale of drugs which is openly seen throughout the neighborhood and the police do nothing about it. All of the good memories people had of how the Block used to be are quickly fading and although many people are speaking out about it, there isn’t much action being taken. These are also some of the main reasons why the Block is so infamous and well-known.
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In Life of a Sensuous Woman, the narrator reacts to her profession in many ways. One that stands out is that at first, she showcases a feeling of regret. Although she has this feeling of regret towards her profession, the narrator eventually puts it behind her and doesn’t think about the things she’s done. When she goes on to explain her story of the Young Samurai, she states, “I thought about killing myself. But the days went by, and you know, I completely forgot about the man. It’s amazing how quickly a woman’s mind can change.” Her initial reaction is to feel regret and not wanting to be a part of this world anymore. Yet, as time passes, she puts these events behind her and continues about. As she continues to tell her stories, she begins to talk about the time she became the temporary wife of a Priest in exchange for money. In this instance, she mentions, “living like this was depressing enough, but sleeping with the Priest made me even sadder. It was just a job, and there was no love in it.” Her sign of regret is portrayed through this quote. Yet, she goes on to say “Later I got used to the situation and even came to enjoy it.” The narrator shows how quickly a woman’s mind can change as she is able to place this depressing feeling behind her and continue about.
Jorge, I like how you use the one situation with the Priest and show an example of how her feelings for the profession changed. Despite the fact that she was depressed about her way of life at first, as time went on she came to be more accepting of what she did. In fact, at one point, the narrator says, “When I got there, the old retainer thought I was even better than the woman in the painting, so the search was called off.” Through this quote we can see that there is a tone of acceptance in her feelings about what she did. She comes to think that perhaps she’s simply the right woman for the job. And maybe, the readers can connect that she was simply born to be in the life that she was thrust into. But then we move into another situation in which she says, “I was suddenly dismissed and sent all the way back to my parents— again.” This implies that even though she had come to accept her situation and her affinity for the occupation, she still disliked it in many ways— such as that of being on the receiving side of negative judgment. Once again, this can be seen as a shift in her opinion about her profession.
Jorge brings up a good point that the narrator senses a great feeling of regret but I believe that she felt a great amount of love for herself and others. Aly also has good reasoning for why the narrator may have been depressed at times but from the quote “I could make the woman who read one of my letters fall deeply in love with the man who’d asked me to write it”, you can see that she did believe in love and was happy about it. During this time of being a calligraphy teacher, all the letters she wrote were all about love and it was so easy for her to write about. Even though she wanted to stay away from men when she started the school soon enough she wanted love again. When the narrator says “You’re just not getting anywhere with her. Why don’t you love me instead”, it just helps show that even when the narrator does not want or need love, it will always be apart of who she is.
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Looking at the characterization behind Monkey and the Heroic Journey Model, it’s easy to connect him to the Ordinary World. I believe that readers in many ways can sort of relate to Monkey. He has questions, desires and concerns that all normal human beings have. “I have no cause for unhappiness. But I have a misgiving about the future, which troubles me sorely.” This alone is a conflict that many have in the Ordinary World. People in general often have a hard time being happy with just where they are. It’s human nature to be concerned about the unseeable future. Not only this but I believe that often, people are looking for some kind of purpose, some kind of definition to their lives. It’s satisfying to feel as though you have been given a meaning. Monkey seems to feel this too when he says, “Splendid! From now onwards let me be called Wake-of-Vacuity.” As soon as the boy gives him a name, he feels more important. I can connect Monkey being given a name to people in the Ordinary World being given a role, or a job.
Aly you make a strong argument and back up your idea of Monkey being connected to the Ordinary World very well. I would like to focus on Tripitaka and how the Heroic Journey Model applies to him. The step in the model that I associate Tripitaka with is the Trials: Facing New Challenges. In each chapter of “Journey to the West,” Tripitaka faces challenges and each time deals with them differently. “That is very kind of you, but my disciple has run away, so I cannot accept them.” This is the one of the challenges Tripitaka faces and he deals with it in a nonchalant way, meaning he doesn’t really pay attention to it. He goes about his business until he runs into the Bodhisattva Kuan-Yin, who helps teach him a spell that would resolve his issue and will make Monkey never part ways with him again. This part of the story proves to be important to Tripitaka because of the next problems that come his way. “’Well, suppose it [horse] has been eaten. How am I to travel? It’s a great deal too far to walk.’ And as he spoke his tears began to fall like rain.” This is another trial Tripitaka faces and if it wasn’t for Monkey being with him, he wouldn’t have been able to overcome the challenge. Compared to Monkey, who’s answer to challenges include attacking and fighting, Tripitaka take a more passive approach to situations, sometimes not doing anything.
Aly and Jorge both make great points about how Monkey and Tripitaka are connected to the Ordinary World and Trials: Facing New Challenges, respectively. In my opinion I believe the step, Call to Adventure, of the Heroic Journey Model most likely applies to Monkey. Throughout the whole story “Journey to The West”, Monkey has to face a new adventure each chapter whether it be leaving the waterfall to find immortality or trying to fight back a kingdom that was stolen, each time he accepts the call to a new adventure. “You go first and show us how”. This was the very first call to adventure that Monkey was given and of course with ease he accepted the call and went right into the waterfall. Once he accepted this adventure and followed through with his action, is when I believe he left the Ordinary World behind. “Master, now that we have found this thing, there is no more doubt about the matter. Tomorrow it will be my job to catch this fiend”. This is Monkey’s final call to adventure of “Journey to the West” and with no hesitation he does what he has to do and completes his quest. This just proves that throughout the book, Monkey no matter what adventures or quests he comes across, does what he believes to be right and gets them done.
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Despite the fact that Monkey has lived a seemingly full life— king of the monkeys, living within a beautiful waterfall, having been around hundreds of years— he can’t seem to shake the feeling that something is missing in his life. This is obvious in the quote, “Though I am very happy at the moment, I am a little concerned about the future. Hence I’m distressed.” This is where one can see how the name Wake-to-Vacuity is so appropriate. This is the moment in which he realizes that he needs something more than what he already has, hence his realization to emptiness or wake to vacuity. And thus his journey begins, leading us to one of the Six Perfections— action. He embarks on this journey in his attempt to find meaning to his life. And he’s obviously willing to go through great lengths to reach his destination as evident in, “Your pupil drifted across the oceans and trudged through many regions for more than ten years before finding this place.” This is where we can wonder if Monkey is all about action. In the sense that he has this idea of finding something more but he’s acting before he can fully think it through. Already he has spent ten years of his life in an attempt to achieve more, therefore wasting time
– Aly Yoon
Aly, you make a great point and I agree with you when you state that his name, Wake-to-Vacuity, relates to the theme of action. Wake-to-Vacuity can be interpreted as a realization of the emptiness the Monkey feels in his life. In order for Monkey to make something out of the remaining time he has left to live, he has to become involved and be in action. The idea of action is first seen when the monkeys are traveling up the waterfall and they become curious to know what is behind the curtain. Without hesitation, Monkey volunteers to be the one to travel into the waterfall. Moreover, before he embarks on his journey, Monkey exclaims, “Tomorrow I shall take leave of you all and go down the mountain. Even if I have to wander with the clouds to the corners of the sea or journey to the distant edges of Heaven, I intend to find these three kinds of people.” This quote portrays the idea of action by showing us that Monkey is determined and will not return unless he completes his goal. Lastly, Aly, you mention something interesting. “Already he has spent ten years of his life in an attempt to achieve more, therefore wasting time.” This can be interpreted in many ways. The way that I see it related back to the theme. At least, Monkey decided to act upon the situation and embark on a journey that would impact him deeply.
– Jorge Moreno
Jorge and Aly you both give great examples of how the name, Wake-to-Vacuity, relates to the theme of action. The way I believe Monkey’s name can relate to the theme of action is because he feels his life is empty or the beginning, he needs to take action to apply meaning to life and fill it with meaning. The quote “If we die, shall we not have lived in vain, not being able to rank forever among the Heavenly beings” helps support action because it explains how he wants to go out and be able to make his life impact the world. From what I read, I can tell Monkey is willing to do whatever it takes to find the meaning and understanding that his life may need. Another quote “Going through big cities and visiting small towns, he unwittingly spent eight or nine years” portrays his will and dedication to action to have a fulfilled life. Because his name is Wake-to-Vacuity, it is also a portrayal that his journey of action is just beginning and will take all his will power to reach his goal.
– Preston Cheung
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In the poem “Four”, a theme that I got from this poem is that Tao is talking about the human mind. The first line says “The Tao is an empty vessel; it is used, but never filled”. Just like the vessel is used but never full, the brain can never be full of knowledge but is used everyday no matter what. Another quote that contributes to this theme is “unfathomable source of ten thousand things”. This describes the mind almost perfectly, as it is used as a source of thousands of ideas, feelings, and actions that are thought of every second of the day. From the quote “hidden deep but ever present”, the idea that the mind is always available to think and feel but no one has a complete map of the mind corresponds directly with it. Tao also talks about how he does not know from where it comes from and how it is the forefather of the gods which enforces my belief that the theme of this poem could be about the human mind.
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