First Blog: Due 7/11/07

When beginning to read these, I, probably like many of you, had doubts about some of the literature—that it would be something that didn’t interest me, or that I wouldn’t understand it. I found that there were definitely some that were more difficult to read and understand. I definitely enjoyed reading all of the writings by these women, however after reading some of the posts that you ladies have written, I fear that I don’t have the maturity level in my writing that some of you ladies do. I feel that the hardest part of this assignment was linking the pieces to other texts because they are all very unique in their own way.

The Yellow Wall Paper
I enjoyed reading this story; however I found it somewhat confusing. I wasn’t sure whether or not the author was truly insane or not. My favorite part is where she starts taking about the delicious garden. I immediately began to view pictures of tomatoes and spices, etc. Not only was I able to see them, but I was immediately able to imagine how they tasted. It’s almost as if I could feel my mouth watering for these imagined foods. I do not believe that I have ever read something like this in my entire life. I still do not understand why someone would put a lady who has a possibility of being mentally ill in such a terrible room, especially if he loved her. I guess that’s just one of the mysteries of the writing. Or maybe my imagination just isn’t mature enough for this type of writing. But I’m trying. And I will continue to do so. Because this piece is so unique, I don’t think that any other text compares to it. Overall I enjoyed the piece, but I hope to understand the next few a little better.

Ain’t I A Woman?
Wow! This was amazing. The author seems like a very strong willed and determined person. She makes some very valid points throughout her writing. There are so many different emotions flowing through her words- sadness, grief, hopelessness and even hope. She says that we are all Jesus’ people so then why can’t we do just as much as a man can. This would basically compare to anything where women are held as equals. I think that the author is telling people not to give up hope that maybe someday things will be different. Someday.. I don’t know if I can specifically link this to a book or another poem, but it reminds me of something you might hear in a motivational speech.

Lady Lazarus
I’m not really sure what the point of this poem is supposed to be and it is probably my least favorite out of the group, but I like how the author is very determined and strong willed, but at the same time she seems really depressed. I likes the last stanza—Out of ash// I rise with my red hair// And I eat men like air. I have this vivid picture of her coming out of ash with fire for her hair. You can’t eat humans but I have this vivid picture in the back of my head of it happening. I think the author did a very good job with imagery when writing this poem, I’m just not sure if I can link it to anything else because it was so different then anything I’ve every read.

When I Was Growing Up
This poem is my favorite so far. Even though it is an old poem, all the hardships and emotional problems are the same ones that we have today. At first I wasn’t viewing this poem as literal but after giving it a second look, I definitely think it is. She talks about the importance of fitting in and wanting to look like the desirable, pretty women. She states how if you didn’t fit in, you felt bad or dirty. My favorite part of the poem is the third stanza—When I was growing up, I read magazines// and saw movies, blonde movie stars, white skin// sensuous lips and to be elevated to become a woman, a desirable woman, I began to wear imaginary pale skin. The imagery is amazing! It’s the same as today. Girls read magazines, such as Comso, and want to be like the models they see on the pages. I was surprised to read how things truly haven’t changed. I wonder if they ever will. I find this poem very sad because girls are constantly trying to change themselves to be a certain weight or look a certain way and it’s unhealthy, both physically and mentally. If I was to link this to a certain text, I would link it to something that I have written in the past having to do with the media, how they portray beauty and how it is affecting people, both men and women in the world today.

The Thirty Eighth Year
I find this poem rather sad. While reading it, I was trying to place myself in the author’s words. I was constantly viewing myself alone. It almost seems as if she is depressed or sad because of her age. She is telling the story of her life and what it is like to be her. I feel that I can relate to this poem because I know that I have definitely felt this way at times in the past. She is comparing her mother’s life to her own. My favorite stanza is the third one, where she talks about her mother—my mother died at forty four// a woman of sad countenance// leaving behind a girl// awkward as a stork.// my mother was thick// her hair was a jungle and// she was very wise//and beautiful// and sad. I think that this stanza has the most imagery—I’m imagining a stork, and a jungle of hair. I’m picturing a very sad, beautiful woman. I would compare this to “The Yellow Wall-Paper” because I notice that a lot of the same things were running through my head as I was reading both of them. The both have to do with sad, depressed women and based on their writings, I think the two women have a decent amount in common with eachother.