Author Archives: NastShcher

About NastShcher

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A Prophet’s Paradise

Posted on May 12, 2013 by NastShcher

After reading The Prophet and doing extensive research on its writer, I realized that Pushkin wrote the poem to express his epiphany.  At the start of the poem, he describes himself as a “weary traveler” in a desert. As he … Continue reading →

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Clarifying an Idea

Posted on May 5, 2013 by NastShcher

After meeting with Professor Kaufman, I came to understand the value of good research and clear explanations. The biggest problem with my paper was that I took a very unconventional approach with describing Voltaire. I did not know much about … Continue reading →

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Video Thesis

Posted on April 21, 2013 by NastShcher

In Pushkin’s poem The Prophet, the narrator undergoes a process of spiritual cleansing. His soul is initially filled with so much sin and despair that he does not know how to proceed with his life. His only remaining desire is … Continue reading →

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Baraka’s Void

Posted on April 14, 2013 by NastShcher

Amiri Baraka’s poem Preface to a Twenty Volume Suicide Note revolves around a void in the poet’s life. In the first stanza he speaks of the ground opening up. Being impossible in reality, this statement hints at a void somewhere … Continue reading →

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The Low Life of Central Park

Posted on April 9, 2013 by NastShcher

For the past two Fridays I have been volunteering at Central Park. Walking around the park and picking up litter is a surprisingly enjoyable experience, especially in good weather.  Yet I was uncertain whether I would be able to work … Continue reading →

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The Words of a Leader

Posted on April 7, 2013 by NastShcher

James Baldwin can only be appreciated when a certain level of intelligence has been achieved. I remember reading his book, Go Tell It On A Mountain, in the 10th grade and feeling somewhat confused and uncomfortable. I recall wondering, ‘how … Continue reading →

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Evidence from Thin Air?

Posted on March 19, 2013 by NastShcher

For the second essay, I chose to write about Luc Sante’s Low Life. It was one of the only non-poem pieces and I thought that it took an incredibly new perspective on New York City. Because this piece was a … Continue reading →

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Willing Suspension of Disbelief

Posted on March 12, 2013 by NastShcher

Vladimir Mayakovsky’s poem about the Brooklyn Bridge is especially amusing to read when one knows of Mayakovsky’s political ideology. As a Bolshevik from Russia, he believed in the principles of Communism, including the idea that religion should not be practiced. … Continue reading →

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Trial and Error

Posted on March 7, 2013 by NastShcher

Playing around with the Makey Makey was certainly a bizarre experience. I mean, how often are we promoted to play games, experiment with different materials, and create something that’s fun rather than useful? To be honest, it was awkward to … Continue reading →

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Immaculate Appearance and Spotless Kitchens

Posted on February 17, 2013 by NastShcher

A common theme in Yezierska’s short stories is society’s obsession with cleanliness. In a time when hygiene was a luxury, only the wealthy of the early 20th century could afford to have an immaculate appearance and spotless kitchens. This strive … Continue reading →

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