Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Chapter 9-10 + Journal #5

Read chapters 9-10

Journal 5: Create a pastiche of Janie's description of Death on page 84. Match Hurston' style and themes as closely as possible. After you complete your pastiche, write a statement explaining some of the decisions you made in order to match Hurston's writing and objectives.

The following are two examples from past students.

"Eventually Nick started to understand Regret. Regret, that conceited one with the ever present eyes who lived always within reach. The unwelcome being who dwelt in the hearts of men without invitation, without permission. What requires Regret to be summoned, and what force can push him out? He slithers around his internal hiding spot that is invisible to the universe. Hides vigilant and camouflaged hour after hour with his fangs ready to pierce, awaiting the call to make himself known. To wrap himself around man and remind him what could have or would have or should have been done. He was bound to find blood from its bite staining her thoughts one day soon. He was sympathetic and scared for her too. Miserable Katherine! She shouldn't have to win this fight on her own. He had Ann bring in others to offer their wisdom, but Katherine declined. These others wuz fine to console themselves, but there was nothing they could do to go back in time. She'd be just fine when the red sea in front of her parted. She wouldn't let herself drown. That was the way she saw it. However, Ann had told him the opposite, so he knew the truth. And even if he didn't, soon enough he was liable to realize, for her home filled with life had been transformed into a holding place for stale memories of a bitter past. Weeds that never would have tried to grow in the gardens before now burst through the dirt defiantly. Simply pushed aside the flowers and begged for judgement. Remorse, that motionless snake, had poisoned another life."

"Then Abby started to ponder on Courage. Courage, that unpredictable presence with the strong will that is often times hard to grasp. The uncertain one that lived deep within the unfamiliar parts of us, often unsure. Why does Courage sometimes shy away, especially when it is needed most? He sits insecurely deep within, unclear of where he belongs. Sits anxiously and patiently while slowly twirling his thumbs, questioning his validity. Was sitting there wondering and waiting and expecting. She was sure she'd find his footprints in the mud one of these days. She needed some encouragement and assistance also. Unfortunate Willie! It's quite diff'cult to help someone stand up for they self if they ain't got the determination for it. Offered Albert's company to mend this diminished confidence but Willie didn't feel it was necessary. Yuh can't always help those that have weakened strength, 'cause they need tuh find that inner fortitude on they own. He'd rise above this if he could just finish his chess game with the words "check mate." He would find the courage. At least that's what he thought. However, Albert suggested otherwise, so she was informed. But, if it had been contrarily, the following afternoon she was destined to figure it out, because he faced the bad-mannered bully in the colorless, spaced-out courtyard behind the school. Students that usually braved the bully's harsh words removed themselves from their usual straightforwardness. Just kneeled on the concrete, questioning. Fear, the overpowering elephant, had trampled over the student body."

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