Is anyone noticing some archetypes in the book? I would be interested in the ideas you guys have.
Ms. Champagne
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Erica's Third Post.
So, I guess i'm catching on to what is going on now in the book. Tayo and his friends are in a a bar reminicising about the days in the war. Even though Tayo and Rocky were Indian, the white people acted like they were equal. My thoughts about Tayo being treated unfairly by Auntie are very negative. I think that Auntie should lighten up. It's not Tayo's fault because of what happened to his mom & even if she doesn't like Tayo she shouldn't make everyone else hate him. It's really wrong that Auntie made Rocky stay away from Tayo, not share things, and make Tayo feel unwanted. Rocky and Auntie shouldn't even care that Tayo is half white, Tayo is part of their family and they should just accept him for who Tayo is.
The vulgar language has to go. It's really gross how these guys talk about sleeping with white women, but at least Tayo is talking. SInce I know what has happened to Tayo I get why he is so depressed all of the time. Tayo should be happy that he survived the war even though he is kind of messed up psychologically. At the part we are reading now, I like Auntie because she is finally accepting Tayo for who he is and she is treating him as an equal. Tayo knows the only reason why she is doing it is because there is no Rocky or Old Grandma.
I guess I like this book now because I have a good idea of what is happening but hopefully it gets more interesting than it already is.
The vulgar language has to go. It's really gross how these guys talk about sleeping with white women, but at least Tayo is talking. SInce I know what has happened to Tayo I get why he is so depressed all of the time. Tayo should be happy that he survived the war even though he is kind of messed up psychologically. At the part we are reading now, I like Auntie because she is finally accepting Tayo for who he is and she is treating him as an equal. Tayo knows the only reason why she is doing it is because there is no Rocky or Old Grandma.
I guess I like this book now because I have a good idea of what is happening but hopefully it gets more interesting than it already is.
Ceremony Blog: Curtis Karpiak
So I guess the book has been getting better and better. I would say the first 50 or so pages were pretty confusing, not that it is still not, but it is getting a little better. Since this is my first blog ment to be the third, I want to comment on the bar fight where Tayo almost kills a guy named Emo. I bet Emo liked it..hah
A quote I found that i found interesting was on page 63. Emo taunts Tayo by saying, "You drink like an Indian, and you're crazy like one too- but you aren't shit, white trash. You love Japs the way your mother loved to screw white men."...Then Tayo licked him
Thats what I like to read about on the last page right before I go to sleep.
A quote I found that i found interesting was on page 63. Emo taunts Tayo by saying, "You drink like an Indian, and you're crazy like one too- but you aren't shit, white trash. You love Japs the way your mother loved to screw white men."...Then Tayo licked him
Thats what I like to read about on the last page right before I go to sleep.
Tasha's 3rd Blog
As the book has progressed it has gotten more interesting and less confusing. Mainly I think that is because I'm starting to understand how to tell the difference between the the present and flashbacks.
In this reading assignment we saw a lot more of Tayo's inner conflict. He feels torn between his white and Native American sides. His “friends” certainly aren't helping. Why do you think it is that Emo was provoking Tayo?
The story line is starting to shift from Rocky and Tayo to more of a cultural story, which I find interesting! One things I don't appreciate is all of the drinking and just lazying around. It's not even that these men were severely mentally scared by the war: Emo is fine! But all they are doing is hanging out in a pub.
Another things I found interesting was the importance of respect. There were numerous rituals to show respect for the dear for example (covering his eyes, the cornmeal, and so on). They respect the Earth. They understand their dependence on the planet. Not many people today see that.
One of my favorite quotes is probably this: “He should have hated Emo, he should have hated the Jap soldiers who killed Rocky. The space to carry hate was located deep inside, below his lungs and behind the belly; but it was empty.” (Pg 63) I like this quote because it clearly demonstrates how Tayo feels lost in the world and empty. I think he has virtually used up all of his emotions. I doubt his friends will understand.
One question I had was why in the world did Silko write about the women they picked up from the bar in poem form?
In this reading assignment we saw a lot more of Tayo's inner conflict. He feels torn between his white and Native American sides. His “friends” certainly aren't helping. Why do you think it is that Emo was provoking Tayo?
The story line is starting to shift from Rocky and Tayo to more of a cultural story, which I find interesting! One things I don't appreciate is all of the drinking and just lazying around. It's not even that these men were severely mentally scared by the war: Emo is fine! But all they are doing is hanging out in a pub.
Another things I found interesting was the importance of respect. There were numerous rituals to show respect for the dear for example (covering his eyes, the cornmeal, and so on). They respect the Earth. They understand their dependence on the planet. Not many people today see that.
One of my favorite quotes is probably this: “He should have hated Emo, he should have hated the Jap soldiers who killed Rocky. The space to carry hate was located deep inside, below his lungs and behind the belly; but it was empty.” (Pg 63) I like this quote because it clearly demonstrates how Tayo feels lost in the world and empty. I think he has virtually used up all of his emotions. I doubt his friends will understand.
One question I had was why in the world did Silko write about the women they picked up from the bar in poem form?
Devin Blog 3
Devin Chong
April 29th
English 10
I think the book has gotten much more interesting and cleared up a lot. Especially since the author goes back in depth about other flashbacks and gives us a clearer description of what actually happened. Now we know what was going through Tayo’s mind during the bar fight, and his motives. I feel that Tayo lives his life in a very different manor. He doesn’t quite have a specific moral he sticks to. I’m wondering what you guys think, but here is a quote to back up my statement.
“Tayo didn’t say anything because they both knew why. The people said you should do that before you gutted the deer. Out of respect.” (pg. 51)
“Rocky slit the throat. Blood spilled over the grass and into the dirt; it splashed on his boots. He didn’t believe in drinking the warm blood as some hunters did.” (pg.51)
I found these quotes to show that he contradicts himself, like eating ice cream but not drinking milk or something like that.
April 29th
English 10
I think the book has gotten much more interesting and cleared up a lot. Especially since the author goes back in depth about other flashbacks and gives us a clearer description of what actually happened. Now we know what was going through Tayo’s mind during the bar fight, and his motives. I feel that Tayo lives his life in a very different manor. He doesn’t quite have a specific moral he sticks to. I’m wondering what you guys think, but here is a quote to back up my statement.
“Tayo didn’t say anything because they both knew why. The people said you should do that before you gutted the deer. Out of respect.” (pg. 51)
“Rocky slit the throat. Blood spilled over the grass and into the dirt; it splashed on his boots. He didn’t believe in drinking the warm blood as some hunters did.” (pg.51)
I found these quotes to show that he contradicts himself, like eating ice cream but not drinking milk or something like that.
Ceremony Blog 49-65
First of all i would just like to say i am liking the book more now.
Anyway. I think it's kinda sad in a good way how tayo has all these flashbacks about him and Rocky. Like when they kill the deer. I admire though how in the indian culture they honor the deer that they kill, not like huntres they kill it and get meat and then leave it. You know what i mean. A question i have is the part were the author describes the nasty bathroom and one of the guys that goes in it and then he feels like he's going to fall in the water and all, who is that? Shortly after that part with the men and the women, that also befuddled me. Because Tayo said like how the Indian women that go with the white men are bad and disgraced and all but in that poem thing on page 57 and 58, does it talk about white me and women and Indian men and women or yeh.
I also have noticed that the men really turn to alchol to help them forget about the war and their problems
"Tayo remembered fighting Tomcats then, the frozen pose, arched bodiescoiled, only the tails twitching with heir anger, until one or the other made a move and they went rolling around inthe dirt." Page 60
Just one of the many good imagery's in the book
Anyway. I think it's kinda sad in a good way how tayo has all these flashbacks about him and Rocky. Like when they kill the deer. I admire though how in the indian culture they honor the deer that they kill, not like huntres they kill it and get meat and then leave it. You know what i mean. A question i have is the part were the author describes the nasty bathroom and one of the guys that goes in it and then he feels like he's going to fall in the water and all, who is that? Shortly after that part with the men and the women, that also befuddled me. Because Tayo said like how the Indian women that go with the white men are bad and disgraced and all but in that poem thing on page 57 and 58, does it talk about white me and women and Indian men and women or yeh.
I also have noticed that the men really turn to alchol to help them forget about the war and their problems
"Tayo remembered fighting Tomcats then, the frozen pose, arched bodiescoiled, only the tails twitching with heir anger, until one or the other made a move and they went rolling around inthe dirt." Page 60
Just one of the many good imagery's in the book
Nichole's Blog #3
Okay, let me just say that I thought that this section, pages 49-65, was the most confusing yet interesting yet.
I liked how Silko used flashbacks to what really happened the night at the bar between Tayo and Emo because before reading that I was unsure why Tayo wanted to kill Emo, but know I now. If I was in Tayo's position, I'd be pretty mad at Emo too. I mean Tayo was so affected by the war it was really uncool of Emo talking about it like another day at work. Also, I thought it was messed up how Emo kept calling Tayo out about hwo he's half-breed, because seriously who really cares?
I also found the flashback to when Tayo and Rocky first signed up for the army very interesting because it seemed as though Tayo was more unsure about joining then Rocky, even though Rocky already had plans for his future. But I thought it was rude of the Auntie to not allow Pocky to call Tayo his brother, jsut because Tayo's mother gave their family a bad name. Family is family, no matter what they do.
I am unsure to who the story about sleeping with the blond was about. Was it about Emo from his point of view or about Tayo from his point of view?
My favorite quote for this section: "Tayo could hear it in his voice when he talked about the killing- how Emo grew from each killing. Emo fed off each man he killed, and the higher the rank of the dead man, the higher it made Emo" Page 61
This is my favorite quote for this section ebcause it shows one of the many aspects that make Emo the buttface that he is. Unlike Tayo, Emo enjoyed killing in the war which means that he has no cmpassion for the lives of other people and just does things for his own enjoyment. This quote also shows how Emo is kind of messed up in the head, seeing how he grows off of each of his killings.
Oh yeah, I still really enjoy this book[:
I liked how Silko used flashbacks to what really happened the night at the bar between Tayo and Emo because before reading that I was unsure why Tayo wanted to kill Emo, but know I now. If I was in Tayo's position, I'd be pretty mad at Emo too. I mean Tayo was so affected by the war it was really uncool of Emo talking about it like another day at work. Also, I thought it was messed up how Emo kept calling Tayo out about hwo he's half-breed, because seriously who really cares?
I also found the flashback to when Tayo and Rocky first signed up for the army very interesting because it seemed as though Tayo was more unsure about joining then Rocky, even though Rocky already had plans for his future. But I thought it was rude of the Auntie to not allow Pocky to call Tayo his brother, jsut because Tayo's mother gave their family a bad name. Family is family, no matter what they do.
I am unsure to who the story about sleeping with the blond was about. Was it about Emo from his point of view or about Tayo from his point of view?
My favorite quote for this section: "Tayo could hear it in his voice when he talked about the killing- how Emo grew from each killing. Emo fed off each man he killed, and the higher the rank of the dead man, the higher it made Emo" Page 61
This is my favorite quote for this section ebcause it shows one of the many aspects that make Emo the buttface that he is. Unlike Tayo, Emo enjoyed killing in the war which means that he has no cmpassion for the lives of other people and just does things for his own enjoyment. This quote also shows how Emo is kind of messed up in the head, seeing how he grows off of each of his killings.
Oh yeah, I still really enjoy this book[:
Shaun Blog 3
Ok lets see if I got the hang of this now.
For pages 49-65 I thought the book had a few confusing flash backs. One quote that stood out to me was "Nothing can stop you now except one thing:don't let the people at home hold you back. This was on page 51 this was said to Rocky from his teachers and coaches. Rocky sees what he has to do if he wants to be successful he'd have to kind of turn his back to his familes traditions and stuff. Tayo notices that Rocky ignores the old ways on purpose. I think Rocky might of went to far though he doesn't have to ignore every little tradition his family has just as long as he does want he wants to do in his life. Another quote that caught my eye was "There he is. He thinks he's something alright. Because he's part white. Don't you, half breed?" This shows a major conflict between Emo and Tayo. Emo is just picking on Tayo because he kinda has both worlds. Tayo is white and indian this can be a problem for Tayo when he's looked at by white people or indian people. So far the book has been interesting I kinda enjoy reading about Tayo.
For pages 49-65 I thought the book had a few confusing flash backs. One quote that stood out to me was "Nothing can stop you now except one thing:don't let the people at home hold you back. This was on page 51 this was said to Rocky from his teachers and coaches. Rocky sees what he has to do if he wants to be successful he'd have to kind of turn his back to his familes traditions and stuff. Tayo notices that Rocky ignores the old ways on purpose. I think Rocky might of went to far though he doesn't have to ignore every little tradition his family has just as long as he does want he wants to do in his life. Another quote that caught my eye was "There he is. He thinks he's something alright. Because he's part white. Don't you, half breed?" This shows a major conflict between Emo and Tayo. Emo is just picking on Tayo because he kinda has both worlds. Tayo is white and indian this can be a problem for Tayo when he's looked at by white people or indian people. So far the book has been interesting I kinda enjoy reading about Tayo.
Geoff- Post 2 (or is this 3? pgs. 49-69)
"But he was the best; he was one of them. The best. United States Army." (62). Emo is characterized as a heartless killer; he is an incredibly static, extreme character. He hates the Japanese soldiers with a vengeance- he carries the teeth of dead soldiers with him. Emo serves as a character contrast to Tayo; while Emo hates soldiers, Tayo hates Emo because he feels Emo cannot understand the war the way he can. This is the reason Tayo lashes out at Emo.
"'And my brother,'...'If we both sign up, can we stay together?'" (65). I like this quote because it shows Rocky's appreciation for Tayo. The aunt always tried to push Tayo away, but as far as Rocky was concerned, Tayo was a brother. With this comment, Rocky has earned Tayo's undying loyalty.
This novel, obviously, has a man-versus-self plot. The story is one of the inner conflict Tayo has with the demons of his past experiences. Often, the wilderness is a place where a character seeks solitude and time for self-reflection and healing (you don't need to look any farther than the life of Jesus for an example). I expect Tayo will venture into the wild on a personal "ceremony" to cure himself of his mental impairment.
I'm not really understanding why the Indian kids feel like they are stuck on the reservation and cannot do anything else with their lives (this is evidenced in the bar conversation about Emo taking San Diego). It seems to me that the characters lack some sort of personal motivation; they're content to sit around on the reservation, live off the government, and drink beer. Why don't any of them go to college? (It's post WWII; the GI Bill is in full swing). What's up with these kids? No plans for the future?
And where all are the Laguna girls? There's half a dozen young men mentioned in the novel so far, but no mention of Laguna girls. Doesn't it seem like one would have a girlfriend or a wife or something like that? It's post WWII; there's supposed to be baby boomers.
Finally, has anybody determined the present tense yet? I thought we came to the consensus last time that the present was the donkey ride to the bar, and they arrived there, alone in the bar. But then the story enters an extended flashback deal with stories that ends with Tayo stabbing Emo in the gut. Where are we, chronologically speaking?
"'And my brother,'...'If we both sign up, can we stay together?'" (65). I like this quote because it shows Rocky's appreciation for Tayo. The aunt always tried to push Tayo away, but as far as Rocky was concerned, Tayo was a brother. With this comment, Rocky has earned Tayo's undying loyalty.
This novel, obviously, has a man-versus-self plot. The story is one of the inner conflict Tayo has with the demons of his past experiences. Often, the wilderness is a place where a character seeks solitude and time for self-reflection and healing (you don't need to look any farther than the life of Jesus for an example). I expect Tayo will venture into the wild on a personal "ceremony" to cure himself of his mental impairment.
I'm not really understanding why the Indian kids feel like they are stuck on the reservation and cannot do anything else with their lives (this is evidenced in the bar conversation about Emo taking San Diego). It seems to me that the characters lack some sort of personal motivation; they're content to sit around on the reservation, live off the government, and drink beer. Why don't any of them go to college? (It's post WWII; the GI Bill is in full swing). What's up with these kids? No plans for the future?
And where all are the Laguna girls? There's half a dozen young men mentioned in the novel so far, but no mention of Laguna girls. Doesn't it seem like one would have a girlfriend or a wife or something like that? It's post WWII; there's supposed to be baby boomers.
Finally, has anybody determined the present tense yet? I thought we came to the consensus last time that the present was the donkey ride to the bar, and they arrived there, alone in the bar. But then the story enters an extended flashback deal with stories that ends with Tayo stabbing Emo in the gut. Where are we, chronologically speaking?
Ceremony #3 Jessica
I am still really enjoying the book and as it has progressed I have more understanding why Tayos’ Auntie kept that distance from Tayo. She revolves her life around keeping the family name intact. She thinks about every little detail that people might gossip about and then turns it on her so that people feel bad for her. For example how she would be quick to correct people when they called Tayo and Rocky brothers and made herself out to be a saint for taking in Tayo when she is not fulfilling his emotional needs as a mother (or mother figure) should do. When she does this she is making her family name seem better and not worse through the situation of Tayos’ mother fornicating with a non-Indian man. I think she does this because she feels that she has to clean up her sisters’ mess and since everyone in her family does not care she feels it is her job to make the family look good. The war changed the men and I think it took away their love for their culture except for Tayo. Like now all they want to do is drink and have sex with white women. I think that the drinking is to take away their pain they feel for loosing that sense of manliness that they felt when they were in uniform and getting any woman they want. I also think the drinking is to help them forget the shame they feel in the back of their heads for being Indian, I think that they want to be another race because theirs is associated as poor and lazy and crazy because of their unorthodox healing methods. I think Tayo is the only one who has pride for his heritage. With all Rocky had going for him he did not respect his culture like Tayo did I think he was ashamed of it too. Tayo feels that he should have been the one to die, he has no bright future and not much more to offer his family the way Rocky had. I think that him being still alive tears him up inside and makes him not want to be apart of a life Rocky should be thriving in. I think that is where a lot of his guilt stems from and that is something any human feels when a family member so close dies. I think we have or will want to take someone else’s place like Tayo does in Ceremony.
Quotes!!!!
“When Tayo saw he was getting started, he looked at the eyes again; he took off his jacket and covered the deer’s head.” (pg 50)- shows that Tayo respects his culture
Personification- “The sun was down, and the twilight chill sucked the last of the deer’s life away” (pg 51)
“’Reports note that since the Second World War a pattern of drinking and violence, not previously seen before, is emerging among Indian veterans” (pg 53)
Quotes!!!!
“When Tayo saw he was getting started, he looked at the eyes again; he took off his jacket and covered the deer’s head.” (pg 50)- shows that Tayo respects his culture
Personification- “The sun was down, and the twilight chill sucked the last of the deer’s life away” (pg 51)
“’Reports note that since the Second World War a pattern of drinking and violence, not previously seen before, is emerging among Indian veterans” (pg 53)
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Post #3
So i just finished the third reading and i must say the book is starting to get easier to understand :] I'm sure that i'm distinguishing correctly between past and present which is making these read alot easier. So i just want to say that i really like the way this book is written. The figurative language and legends that Silko uses is just so beautiful.
Some quotes i liked:
"When he was a child he always wanted to pet a deer, and he daydreamed that a deer would let him come close and touch his nose."(50)
-I liked this quote because I just think it's so awesome how Tayo appreciates things in nature. I believe that this shows how he is somehow connected to the beliefs of his ancestors.
"There was a chill in the wind during the last days the sun occupied a summer place in the sky-and something relentless in the way the wind drove the sand and dust ahead of it."(64)
-This quote is Tayo rememebering the day that they got recruited into the war. I like this quote because it seems like the way Silko made the weather has a hidden meaning. I think that the fact that there is a chill in the wind during summer is significant to what happens that day. The fact that Tayo is being recruited in what will be the cause of his insanity is somehow related the behavior of the weather.
Some quotes i liked:
"When he was a child he always wanted to pet a deer, and he daydreamed that a deer would let him come close and touch his nose."(50)
-I liked this quote because I just think it's so awesome how Tayo appreciates things in nature. I believe that this shows how he is somehow connected to the beliefs of his ancestors.
"There was a chill in the wind during the last days the sun occupied a summer place in the sky-and something relentless in the way the wind drove the sand and dust ahead of it."(64)
-This quote is Tayo rememebering the day that they got recruited into the war. I like this quote because it seems like the way Silko made the weather has a hidden meaning. I think that the fact that there is a chill in the wind during summer is significant to what happens that day. The fact that Tayo is being recruited in what will be the cause of his insanity is somehow related the behavior of the weather.
Daniel Post 3 (49-65)
This time the book shows a lot of cultural aspects of Tayo's Native American heritage. It was interesting to learn about some of the Native American customs such as their belief that if you don't respect the dead dear they won't die for you again. This just showed me how much their belief system is tied into nature. Also this section showed some more insight into Tayo's character. He tries to adhere to his Native American heritage which shows respect on his part and also when Emo continually harasses him it shows a lot of control on his part. Until Tayo stabs him which shows Tayo's great amount of anger inside him that not only originated from Emo's harassment, but from Rocky's death and other events. To me this section shows Silko's contempt towards white people. She may not hate white people but the way she portrays it through Emo shows true human emotion that came across to me as possibly her own belief. Silko could also be showing a view that Native Americans are becoming basically snobs and alcoholics and that she's just trying to point out this flaw in their society. Hopefull this will clarify later on in the book.
Quotes:
"When Tayo saw he was getting started, he looked at the eyes again; he took off his jacket and covered the deer's head." (Page 50). - This quote shows the cultural aspect of respect for nature. I thought it was interesting that it was a custom to cover the animals head when gutting it. The quote shows a totally different belief system.
"You drink like an Indian, and you're crazy like one too-but you aren't shit, white trash. You love Japs the way your mother loved to screw white men." (Page 63). - This quote seemed very emotional to me. Like Silko actually meant it. The way she used the similes to enhance the racism.
Also I have a question: Is the scene where Tayo stabs Emo a flashback?
Quotes:
"When Tayo saw he was getting started, he looked at the eyes again; he took off his jacket and covered the deer's head." (Page 50). - This quote shows the cultural aspect of respect for nature. I thought it was interesting that it was a custom to cover the animals head when gutting it. The quote shows a totally different belief system.
"You drink like an Indian, and you're crazy like one too-but you aren't shit, white trash. You love Japs the way your mother loved to screw white men." (Page 63). - This quote seemed very emotional to me. Like Silko actually meant it. The way she used the similes to enhance the racism.
Also I have a question: Is the scene where Tayo stabs Emo a flashback?
Ryder Blog 3
Yo guys this is my 3rd blog for pages 49-65
"I've had enough of that, / she said, / If they like that magic so much / let them live off it. / So she took / the plants and grass from them/ No baby animals were born. / She took the / rainclouds with her" pg 48-49
This quote is from the poem of the man Pa'cya'nyi tricking people with his magic and Nau'ts'ity'i who they refer to as their mother takes all of the life she has brought to the earth out of anger. This is another poem which deals with drought in the Native American culture and it relates to mankind driving away the gifts of the holy and omni powerful. It also relates to Tayo's guilt for starting the drought because it deals with a human indirectly banishing rainclouds.
" They all had explanations; the police, the doctors at the psychiatric ward, even Auntie and old Grandma; they blamed liquor and they blamed the war" pg 53
This quote shows how Tayo resents the fact that he is looked down on or pitied because he had come home from the war with battle fatigue.
"I've had enough of that, / she said, / If they like that magic so much / let them live off it. / So she took / the plants and grass from them/ No baby animals were born. / She took the / rainclouds with her" pg 48-49
This quote is from the poem of the man Pa'cya'nyi tricking people with his magic and Nau'ts'ity'i who they refer to as their mother takes all of the life she has brought to the earth out of anger. This is another poem which deals with drought in the Native American culture and it relates to mankind driving away the gifts of the holy and omni powerful. It also relates to Tayo's guilt for starting the drought because it deals with a human indirectly banishing rainclouds.
" They all had explanations; the police, the doctors at the psychiatric ward, even Auntie and old Grandma; they blamed liquor and they blamed the war" pg 53
This quote shows how Tayo resents the fact that he is looked down on or pitied because he had come home from the war with battle fatigue.
Natalie's blog 3
When I first started to read this book I did not understand what the heck was going on in Tayo’s life. The more time I spent reading Ceremony the more it started to make sense to me. The book is full of am amazing imagery and figurative language that makes the book come alive. I find myself not wanting to put the book down and to keep reading to see what happens next, I am already on page ninety one. There are a lot of cultural aspects of Native American heritage expressed in this reading. I agree with the belief that if you don't respect the dead dear they won't die for you again. I think this is a very interesting outlook on “hunting”, you need to respect what you kill or they won’t let you kill them in the feature.
"And my brother,"..."If we both sign up, can we stay together?" (65). This quote makes me happy when I read it because even though Auntie tried to push Tayo away from Rocky, Rocky still felt as if Tayo was his brother. Rocky cares for Tayo and there relationship, that is why Rocky wants to stay with Tayo in the army.
I think this is probably my favorite part of the book yet…I hope it gets even better as the book progresses :D
Andrea's Blog 2&3 Combined
2&3 Combined because I'll be commenting on pages 29-65.
Okay, now that I am FULLY awake while reading, I must say that I LOVE this book. I was able to concentrate a lot more, so I understood a bit better what was going on. I really love Silko's writing and the way she words her story. I also really like Tayo's character, though I'm still trying to understand why he's crying and vomiting all the time. Is it from the war, the loss of his friends? Or does he just feel empty inside?
The myths and folklore that Silko includes is my favorite. My favorite legend so far is the one where Pa'caya'nyi brings magic to the people, though it's just a trick.
" He undressed
he painted his body
the whorls of flesh
the soles of his feet
the palms of his hands
the top of his head.
He wore feathers
on each side of his head." (Pg. 47)
I really like this quote from that particular legend because it's very descriptive, culturally speaking. The repetition of the words "the" at the beginning of each line makes it flow, I think, and makes it more beautiful.
Here are some of my other favorite quotes:
"Josiah said that only humans had to endure anything, because only humans resisted what they saw outside themselves." (Pg. 27)
- I thought this was an extremely interesting statement and I'm still trying to work out whether or not I agree with it. I think on one hand we do endure more and IT IS because we are the only ones who oppose what we see in nature. But I do not think that we are the only ones who endure anything. Perhaps we endure MORE because of what we oppose, however, the animals and all of nature endure the elements and predators and time. But most of all they endure US. What we, as humans, have opposed makes the earth endure more.
"The canyon was the way he always remembered it; the beeweed plants made the air smell heavy and sweet like wild honey, and the bumblebees were buzzing around waxy yucca flowers. The leaves of the cottonwood trees that crowded the canyon caught reflections of the afternoon sun, hundreds of tiny mirrors flashing." (Pg. 45)
- I especially like this quote because it's descriptive. I was born and raised in New Mexico and more than missing my friends and family there, I miss the land, because growing up, it feels like I spent more time with the land than with people. It's what I miss most about where I came from. Here are some pictures of New Mexico if anyone doesn't know what it looks like.
^ The Rio Grande in the fall, most beautiful time of the year.
^Those two above are general landscapes. There are areas where it's more green and areas where it's more dry. I think that fall is the most beautiful though. Hope that gives you guys an idea if you were curious.
So, a couple questions: When Tayo is with Auntie and Grandma, is that the present? Or is it RIGHT after he gets back from L.A.? Did Josiah really die in the South Pacific? If he didn't what happened to him? How did he get there if he did die? Is Josiah Tayo's father? What happened to his mother? I don't know if I just missed these things or if Silko hasn't mentioned them yet.
Thanks!
Okay, now that I am FULLY awake while reading, I must say that I LOVE this book. I was able to concentrate a lot more, so I understood a bit better what was going on. I really love Silko's writing and the way she words her story. I also really like Tayo's character, though I'm still trying to understand why he's crying and vomiting all the time. Is it from the war, the loss of his friends? Or does he just feel empty inside?
The myths and folklore that Silko includes is my favorite. My favorite legend so far is the one where Pa'caya'nyi brings magic to the people, though it's just a trick.
" He undressed
he painted his body
the whorls of flesh
the soles of his feet
the palms of his hands
the top of his head.
He wore feathers
on each side of his head." (Pg. 47)
I really like this quote from that particular legend because it's very descriptive, culturally speaking. The repetition of the words "the" at the beginning of each line makes it flow, I think, and makes it more beautiful.
Here are some of my other favorite quotes:
"Josiah said that only humans had to endure anything, because only humans resisted what they saw outside themselves." (Pg. 27)
- I thought this was an extremely interesting statement and I'm still trying to work out whether or not I agree with it. I think on one hand we do endure more and IT IS because we are the only ones who oppose what we see in nature. But I do not think that we are the only ones who endure anything. Perhaps we endure MORE because of what we oppose, however, the animals and all of nature endure the elements and predators and time. But most of all they endure US. What we, as humans, have opposed makes the earth endure more.
"The canyon was the way he always remembered it; the beeweed plants made the air smell heavy and sweet like wild honey, and the bumblebees were buzzing around waxy yucca flowers. The leaves of the cottonwood trees that crowded the canyon caught reflections of the afternoon sun, hundreds of tiny mirrors flashing." (Pg. 45)
- I especially like this quote because it's descriptive. I was born and raised in New Mexico and more than missing my friends and family there, I miss the land, because growing up, it feels like I spent more time with the land than with people. It's what I miss most about where I came from. Here are some pictures of New Mexico if anyone doesn't know what it looks like.
^ The Rio Grande in the fall, most beautiful time of the year.
^Those two above are general landscapes. There are areas where it's more green and areas where it's more dry. I think that fall is the most beautiful though. Hope that gives you guys an idea if you were curious.
So, a couple questions: When Tayo is with Auntie and Grandma, is that the present? Or is it RIGHT after he gets back from L.A.? Did Josiah really die in the South Pacific? If he didn't what happened to him? How did he get there if he did die? Is Josiah Tayo's father? What happened to his mother? I don't know if I just missed these things or if Silko hasn't mentioned them yet.
Thanks!
Andrea's Post #1
Hey guys!
So on pages 1-29 I was extremely confused. I didn't really understand it at all because it jumps back and forth and that was really confusing, can anyone explain it to me? All I got was Tayo is a war veteran, WWII to be exact, and he fought in the South Pacific against the Japanese. I think I didn't understand it because I was really tired, but i was awake enough to love the style of writing. As in, that way Silko tells the story, with her actual words. I'm not a big fan of the jumping from time to time because I'm not sure WHERE Tayo is.
One thing I really like about Tayo is that he doesn't hate the Japanese, despite having fought them in the war. I think this shows a lot about his character.
I also like that Silko adds poetry format to stories or legend she is talking about. The elgends she includes are some of my favorite parts because they are so intriguing and the language used is beautiful.
So far, I'm not really into the book because I don't understand it.
So on pages 1-29 I was extremely confused. I didn't really understand it at all because it jumps back and forth and that was really confusing, can anyone explain it to me? All I got was Tayo is a war veteran, WWII to be exact, and he fought in the South Pacific against the Japanese. I think I didn't understand it because I was really tired, but i was awake enough to love the style of writing. As in, that way Silko tells the story, with her actual words. I'm not a big fan of the jumping from time to time because I'm not sure WHERE Tayo is.
One thing I really like about Tayo is that he doesn't hate the Japanese, despite having fought them in the war. I think this shows a lot about his character.
I also like that Silko adds poetry format to stories or legend she is talking about. The elgends she includes are some of my favorite parts because they are so intriguing and the language used is beautiful.
So far, I'm not really into the book because I don't understand it.
Shaun Blog 1
Ok for pages 1-29 I thought it was very interesting. Tayo is like a soldier fighting against japanese and is sick. When he was ordered to shoot a line of japanese soldiers he couldn't do it. He thought he saw Josiah as one of the japanese soldiers shot down in the line. But he just had hallucinatitions of Josiah. His friend Harley is quite a chracter he likes to drink now after the war but he hated it when they were boys thats pretty funny. Then along the way to the bar Tayo falls off from the mule. Tayo seems very ill I wonder when hes going to get better.
Maura's Blog #3 - pg's 49-69
I am actually starting to like this book. It is very rich in imagery, similes, metaphors, and just plain beautiful writing. It is also a lot less confusing, now, than at the beginning of the book. In addition to learning about Tayo's life, I have also learned a lot about Indian tradition and belief. I really respect their beliefs, in respecting where they have come from, respecting the environment itself, and I have noticed that typically tribe/family is a big part of Indian tradition. I liked the comparison of Christianity and Indian belief, how Indian is sharing consciousness and knowing, while Christianity is individualist.
A lot is also mentioned on the European impact on tribes, and how so many of the Indians hate the white men. Indians blame them for the war, the deaths, the alcohol, the violence, the corruption, and even Tayo himself. I agree that they deserve this blame.[
"He had seen the color of that light once before, but he had never been sure if it was the light or the beer he was drinking." (Silko 50)
I like this quote because its so confusing. haha. It is strong figurative speech, and there are many different ways the reader can interpret it. I'm not quite sure what's so appealing about the quote.
"An old sensitivity had descended in her, surviving thousands of years from the oldest times, when the people shared a s ingle clan name and they told each other who they were; they recounted the actions and words each of their clan had taken, and would take; from before they were born and long after they died, the people shared the same consciousness. The people had known, with the simple certainty of the world they saw, how everything should be." (Silko 68)
As I was talking about before, I really like the idea of this. It's inspirational, and I wish that our society could have taken more from the Native American society that we replaced. We would have never been in this environmental tragedy that we are in now.
I don't understand why they call themselves Indians! They're Native American's. I don't like that.
A lot is also mentioned on the European impact on tribes, and how so many of the Indians hate the white men. Indians blame them for the war, the deaths, the alcohol, the violence, the corruption, and even Tayo himself. I agree that they deserve this blame.[
"He had seen the color of that light once before, but he had never been sure if it was the light or the beer he was drinking." (Silko 50)
I like this quote because its so confusing. haha. It is strong figurative speech, and there are many different ways the reader can interpret it. I'm not quite sure what's so appealing about the quote.
"An old sensitivity had descended in her, surviving thousands of years from the oldest times, when the people shared a s ingle clan name and they told each other who they were; they recounted the actions and words each of their clan had taken, and would take; from before they were born and long after they died, the people shared the same consciousness. The people had known, with the simple certainty of the world they saw, how everything should be." (Silko 68)
As I was talking about before, I really like the idea of this. It's inspirational, and I wish that our society could have taken more from the Native American society that we replaced. We would have never been in this environmental tragedy that we are in now.
I don't understand why they call themselves Indians! They're Native American's. I don't like that.
Don't Combine Posts
From here on out, please do not combine your posts together. Post each post separately.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Nichole's Blog #2
I just finished reading section 34-49 in the book. Unlike the first section, I was way confused until about page 44 when Harley asked Tayo if he was okay from his sunstroke. I still really enjoy this book, and I enjoy how descriptive it is.
But I have one question: what exactly is a scalp ceremony? Because I tried to answer that question for the study guide and in the reading it didn't really give an exact answer, or why Tayo didn't think that is what he needed.
Other then that, this is by far one of my favorite books we've read this year. Oddly enough, I find myself really enjoying books about other places that are either nonfiction or historical fiction because I can connect those types of books to what I am currently learning in my history class.
My favorite quote for this section was: "He had heard Auntie talk about the veterans- drunk all the time, she said. But he knew why. It wa something the old people could not understand. Liquor was medicine for the anger that made them hurt, for the pain of the loss, medicine for tight bellies and choked-up throats. He was beginning to feel a comfortable place inside himself, close to his own beating heart, near his own warm belly; he crawled inside and watched the storm swirling on the outside and he was safe there; the winds of rage could not touch him." Page 40
This is my favorite quote of the section because it clearly describes how veterans use liquor to take the pain away from their post-war trauma. Also because people don't only use liquor for post-war traima but also to take themselves away from their everyday problems. And Tayo is taking about how drinking takes him away from everything and it makes him feel like himself again.
P.S. Ms. Champagne, I didn't turn my questions in last week Wednesday because Ms. Remy said that we had the same homework over the weekend and I thought we had to turn it in today.
But I have one question: what exactly is a scalp ceremony? Because I tried to answer that question for the study guide and in the reading it didn't really give an exact answer, or why Tayo didn't think that is what he needed.
Other then that, this is by far one of my favorite books we've read this year. Oddly enough, I find myself really enjoying books about other places that are either nonfiction or historical fiction because I can connect those types of books to what I am currently learning in my history class.
My favorite quote for this section was: "He had heard Auntie talk about the veterans- drunk all the time, she said. But he knew why. It wa something the old people could not understand. Liquor was medicine for the anger that made them hurt, for the pain of the loss, medicine for tight bellies and choked-up throats. He was beginning to feel a comfortable place inside himself, close to his own beating heart, near his own warm belly; he crawled inside and watched the storm swirling on the outside and he was safe there; the winds of rage could not touch him." Page 40
This is my favorite quote of the section because it clearly describes how veterans use liquor to take the pain away from their post-war trauma. Also because people don't only use liquor for post-war traima but also to take themselves away from their everyday problems. And Tayo is taking about how drinking takes him away from everything and it makes him feel like himself again.
P.S. Ms. Champagne, I didn't turn my questions in last week Wednesday because Ms. Remy said that we had the same homework over the weekend and I thought we had to turn it in today.
Blog #2
I finished the second reading from page thirty to forty nine in Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Siko. My first opinion of the book has not changed, I am very confused. It is still very hard to understand when it is the present tense or just a memory from his past. I am starting to notice that the book is mainly set in past tense and spoken in third. Understanding this makes the story a little more bearable to read. The tone of the story so far is somber but hopefully the story will because a little less depressing. The book has many different perspectives on friendship, life, and war. All the different perspectives make the book interesting and unique
Tayo has the same attitude towards life as he did in my earlier reading. Tayo still blames himself for everything that has happened in his life and in his loved ones life. Tayo’s main flashbacks consist mainly of his time with Harley and the memories he has of Rocky. A prominent pattern I am noticing is that the further and further I read into the story is that there are a lot of derogatory views regarding Indians. When Indians ware there uniforms it seems that the peoples view on them just disappear. Tayo said “White women never looked at me until I put on that uniform, and then by God I was a U.S Marine and they came crowding around” pg. 40. This is a great example of how the views of Indians men have changed only when they wear there marine uniforms.
A quote I really enjoyed was “An old white woman rolled down the window and said “God bless you, God bless you,” but it was the uniform, not them, she blessed” pg. 41. I liked this quote because it reveals that the boys know white people only respect them if they have there uniform on but if they don’t have the uniform on they don’t get the same respect. I agree with this quote because it is true that if a person has certain things may it be good or bad people look at them differently.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Ceremony #2 Jessica
29-49
I still like the book thus far. Now that we know that his mother brought so much shame on the family we can see that Tayo is super forgiving. Also how he still loved Rocky even though Rockys’ mother forced him to exclude Tayo is really good hearted. It shows how strong of a relationship they created because Rocky calls Tayo his brother when they recruit, it shows that love can grow when others don’t want it. Tayo is becoming more and more good hearted as the book progresses. His Auntie is disgraced by him and she is the only mother figure he has left and he just understands. It takes a strong heart to turn to a person who is so passive aggressive and forgive them like Tayo did. I can see now why Tayo just wants to blend into the background. He watched his “brother” die and he could not stop it from happening. It is super incredible how Tayo does not hate the Japanese soldier for crushing in his “brothers’” head. He just forgives him and it just baffles me. Tayo is so in touch with his heritage even thou he is only half Indian, he believes more in the medicine man and the traditions, like with the deer (on page 51), than the full blooded Indians.
Personification- “But Auntie stared at him the way she always had, reaching inside him with her eyes, calling up the past as if it were his future too, as if things would always be the same” (pg. 29)
Simile- “like plum satin- covered upholstery inside a coffin, molding itself around a corpse to hold forever”(pg 39)
I still like the book thus far. Now that we know that his mother brought so much shame on the family we can see that Tayo is super forgiving. Also how he still loved Rocky even though Rockys’ mother forced him to exclude Tayo is really good hearted. It shows how strong of a relationship they created because Rocky calls Tayo his brother when they recruit, it shows that love can grow when others don’t want it. Tayo is becoming more and more good hearted as the book progresses. His Auntie is disgraced by him and she is the only mother figure he has left and he just understands. It takes a strong heart to turn to a person who is so passive aggressive and forgive them like Tayo did. I can see now why Tayo just wants to blend into the background. He watched his “brother” die and he could not stop it from happening. It is super incredible how Tayo does not hate the Japanese soldier for crushing in his “brothers’” head. He just forgives him and it just baffles me. Tayo is so in touch with his heritage even thou he is only half Indian, he believes more in the medicine man and the traditions, like with the deer (on page 51), than the full blooded Indians.
Personification- “But Auntie stared at him the way she always had, reaching inside him with her eyes, calling up the past as if it were his future too, as if things would always be the same” (pg. 29)
Simile- “like plum satin- covered upholstery inside a coffin, molding itself around a corpse to hold forever”(pg 39)
Ceremony #1 Jessica
Sorry I have been super sick and have not been able to do this.
So I just read pages 1- 29 and so far I actually like the book. I find the deep connection Tayo has with his roots inspiring and intriguing. I have never gotten into my heritage and the way he still believes with his heart that the stories of his clan are true is something I can’t comprehend. How he is so in touch with everything around him and how he loves Rocky so deeply says a lot about his character. I think they way he is seeing the world in his bereavement is something we all do at some point in our life. I love how the author describes how Tayo feels in his depression.
“For a long time he had been white smoke. He did not realize that until he left the hospital, because white smoke had no consciousness of itself.”(pg 14)
He wants to be invisible because he feels guilty because he thinks he has played some role in killing Rocky. I think every person wants to be invisible because they did something they regretted but how he blocks out the whole world means he is a lot more troubled than he should be. He tried hard to save Rocky but he can’t forgive himself. How he is able to not blame all his bad fortune on the Japanese shows what a forgiving person he is however he can’t do that for himself
I like the flash backs because I think it gives depth to the book. It shows how Tayo became who he is and why he is that way.
Quotes:
Simile/personification- “He tossed in the old iron bed, and the coiled springs kept squeaking even after he lay still again, calling up humid dreams of black night and loud voices rolling him over and over again like debris caught in a flood.”(pg 5)
Simile- “he felt a sick sweat shiver over him like the shadow of the angel Auntie talked about.” (pg 17)
So I just read pages 1- 29 and so far I actually like the book. I find the deep connection Tayo has with his roots inspiring and intriguing. I have never gotten into my heritage and the way he still believes with his heart that the stories of his clan are true is something I can’t comprehend. How he is so in touch with everything around him and how he loves Rocky so deeply says a lot about his character. I think they way he is seeing the world in his bereavement is something we all do at some point in our life. I love how the author describes how Tayo feels in his depression.
“For a long time he had been white smoke. He did not realize that until he left the hospital, because white smoke had no consciousness of itself.”(pg 14)
He wants to be invisible because he feels guilty because he thinks he has played some role in killing Rocky. I think every person wants to be invisible because they did something they regretted but how he blocks out the whole world means he is a lot more troubled than he should be. He tried hard to save Rocky but he can’t forgive himself. How he is able to not blame all his bad fortune on the Japanese shows what a forgiving person he is however he can’t do that for himself
I like the flash backs because I think it gives depth to the book. It shows how Tayo became who he is and why he is that way.
Quotes:
Simile/personification- “He tossed in the old iron bed, and the coiled springs kept squeaking even after he lay still again, calling up humid dreams of black night and loud voices rolling him over and over again like debris caught in a flood.”(pg 5)
Simile- “he felt a sick sweat shiver over him like the shadow of the angel Auntie talked about.” (pg 17)
Chesna's Blog #2 and #3
Chesna Kamekaneya
English 10H
Period 6
4/28/09
English 10H
Period 6
4/28/09
Blog #2
Page 48: "From that time on they were so busy playing around with that Ck'o'yo magic they neglected the mother corn altar....Our mother Nau'ts'ity'i was very angry over this over the way all of them even Ma'see'wi and Ou'yu'ye'wi fooled around with this magic. "I've had enough of that," she said, "If they like that magic so much let them live off it." So she took the plants and grass from them. No baby animals were born. She took the rainclouds with her."
I really liked this quote because the mother corn or whatever was really upset and since the two were neglecting her she took away everything they had. I thought it was an amusing passage. It makes me feel that you should'nt take anything for granted and that I shouldn't simply ignore someone or something.
I'm starting to like this book. It has really good imagery and has very good similes. The similes makes the story more interesting and the imagery helps with my mental image of what's going on. I like the plot it's pretty good.
Blog #3
Page 54: "The wind stirred the dust. The people were starving. She's angry with us," the people said. "Maybe because of that Ck'o'yo magic we were fooling with. We better send someone to ask our forgiveness."
I liked this quote because it ties in with my other one I chose . I felt that it was payback for the two and they made everyone else suffer, so they feel a little guilt. I just thought it was cool.
HOkay so I read more of this book and it's getting a little graphic like the part when Tayo or Emo were making love with that girl and I was like "OH that's not weird or anything". So that really put a different perspective on my feelings for this book. But hopefully it'll only have that one section.
Time is Off
I noticed the time is off by three hours, so if your post lists a time after 1 am for the posting, it will not be accepted.
No One or Two posting will be accepted after tonight at 10pm
I have given everyone the benefit of the doubt and allowed extension of postings 1 and 2. No further postings for one and two will be accepted after 10 pm tonight.
Ms Champagne
Ms Champagne
Third BLOG Due Before CLASS THURSDAY
Third blog for the next reading should be completed BEFORE next class. As I mentioned in Geoff's post...the blog serves as a dialectical journal of sorts and is meant to prompt discussion of the book.
Some things to focus on:
1. If you are answering your questions as you read it will help you with the context of the book.
2. Make sure you are making comments on your classmate's postings.
3. On the front of your student packet, it states the objectives...keep those ideas in mind as you read and develop your postings around those ideas.
Remember this is an honors level class of which many of you will be going to AP next year and eventually on to college. Teachers/professors will not hold your hand at that level...just keep that in mind.
Some things to focus on:
1. If you are answering your questions as you read it will help you with the context of the book.
2. Make sure you are making comments on your classmate's postings.
3. On the front of your student packet, it states the objectives...keep those ideas in mind as you read and develop your postings around those ideas.
Remember this is an honors level class of which many of you will be going to AP next year and eventually on to college. Teachers/professors will not hold your hand at that level...just keep that in mind.
post #2 (30-49)
Okay so I just finished reading pages 30-49 and let me say that the book didn't get much better :[ It's still making me really confused. I think part of the reason is I can't really focus on whats going on because I get bored of it easily. My bad... So anyway one quote that i really like in this section is "There are somethings worth more than money. He pointed his chin at the springs and around at the narrow canyon. This is where we come from, see. thissand, this stone, these trees, the vines, all the wildflowers. This earth keeps us going." (45) I like this quote because I think it has alot of meaning not only for the book but for real life. In the book I think the quote relates to the pueblo legends and what Tayo will find when he continues his quest for comfort in pain. In the real world it relates to how we all need to learn to appreciate the smaller things in life.
Monday, April 27, 2009
1-49 Ceremony Blog
Hey guys
sorry i forgot to post my first one so im just going to combine the two i guess.
So far i think this book is a little scattered you could say. Just the way it's written to me is confusing. I am somewhat lost because i don't really understand all the connections like with Tayo Rocky and Josiah. And i feel like i am making assumptions and infrences as to waht is going on. But I guess the storyline and plot is pretty good. So far it has a decent setting and it is detailed. I also don't really understand why Tayo seems to alsways gag and vomit and feel sick. Is he sick all the time or has the war and all that he's een made him crazy or something?
Here are some quotes from 1-29
"The humid air turned into sweat that had run down the cot\rporal's face while he repeated his dream to them. That was the first time Tayo had realized that the man's skin was not much different from his own. The skin. He saw the skin of the corpses again and again, in ditches on either side of the long muddy road-skin that was stretched shiny and dark over bloated heads: even white men were darker after death." Pg. 7
i just thought this quote was intresting because he is seeing all these dead people and now that they are gone that aren't much different and racist. It is also pretty good imagery.
"...throwing his hoops along the ground where he would hook and flip them into the air again and they would skim over his head and shoulders down to his dancing feet, like magic." Page 10
Just a similie
29-49 was pretty intresting i must say. One thing that i thought was kind of funny is that they call the grandma old grandma. And i am a little confuse about who or what is Ku'oosh? I am also un sure if Rocky died or not. I mean i am pretty sure he did but just a little confused.
It also seems like Tayo is getting better and he is not vomit as much as he was. I think he just had like a disease or something.
"...so that any hollow crushing sound he heard-children smashing gourds along the irrigation ditch or a truck tire running over a piece of dry wood-any of these sounds took him back to that moment. Screaming, with mud in his mouth and in his eyes, screaming until the others dragged him away before the Japs killed him too. " This quote had some imagery too it as well but it hints i think as to maybe why Tayo is sick all the time. It also is just a powerful quote showing how mistreated he is and all his friends.
sorry i forgot to post my first one so im just going to combine the two i guess.
So far i think this book is a little scattered you could say. Just the way it's written to me is confusing. I am somewhat lost because i don't really understand all the connections like with Tayo Rocky and Josiah. And i feel like i am making assumptions and infrences as to waht is going on. But I guess the storyline and plot is pretty good. So far it has a decent setting and it is detailed. I also don't really understand why Tayo seems to alsways gag and vomit and feel sick. Is he sick all the time or has the war and all that he's een made him crazy or something?
Here are some quotes from 1-29
"The humid air turned into sweat that had run down the cot\rporal's face while he repeated his dream to them. That was the first time Tayo had realized that the man's skin was not much different from his own. The skin. He saw the skin of the corpses again and again, in ditches on either side of the long muddy road-skin that was stretched shiny and dark over bloated heads: even white men were darker after death." Pg. 7
i just thought this quote was intresting because he is seeing all these dead people and now that they are gone that aren't much different and racist. It is also pretty good imagery.
"...throwing his hoops along the ground where he would hook and flip them into the air again and they would skim over his head and shoulders down to his dancing feet, like magic." Page 10
Just a similie
29-49 was pretty intresting i must say. One thing that i thought was kind of funny is that they call the grandma old grandma. And i am a little confuse about who or what is Ku'oosh? I am also un sure if Rocky died or not. I mean i am pretty sure he did but just a little confused.
It also seems like Tayo is getting better and he is not vomit as much as he was. I think he just had like a disease or something.
"...so that any hollow crushing sound he heard-children smashing gourds along the irrigation ditch or a truck tire running over a piece of dry wood-any of these sounds took him back to that moment. Screaming, with mud in his mouth and in his eyes, screaming until the others dragged him away before the Japs killed him too. " This quote had some imagery too it as well but it hints i think as to maybe why Tayo is sick all the time. It also is just a powerful quote showing how mistreated he is and all his friends.
Ryder Blog 1 and 2
So this will be my first and second blog, I wasnt really sure we had two blogs to do but whatever. I'll do both right NOW!
I kind of like the book, it shows how war can effect people in a effective way by showing someone after the war, and also showing how they reflect on the events of the war. It moves around a lot which could be confusing, but I think Silko does a good job of transitioning.
"It was him, Tayo who had died, but somehow there had been a mistake with the corpses, and somehow his was still unburied." Pg. 28
This Passage shows how the war had taken all of Tayo's energy and desire for life. He compares his emotional death to Rocky's physical death, and shows that the situation Tayo is in may be worse than Rocky dying.
"He laughed, and Tayo smiled because Harley didn't use to like beer at all, and maybe this was something different about him now, after the war." Pg 20
This quote shows how Harley one of Tayo's friends that participated in the war with him, had turned to achohol to forget about his experience with the war. They later state that another friend Emo had developed a violent nature. These are all examples of the ways war has changed people.
"These good times were courtesy of the U.S. Government and the Second World War. Cash from disability checks earned with shrapnel in the neck at Wake Island or shell shock on Iwo Jima; rwards for surviving the Bataan Death March." Pg 40
This passage shows his cynicism towards the nature of the U.S. Government and how they are praised as war heroes, and he feels he is the opposite.
I like the book because it mixes the traumatic events of the war with the traditional lifestyle and stories of the Native American people. It also values the importance of stories and how they can shape a culture and be applied to life as lessons.
I kind of like the book, it shows how war can effect people in a effective way by showing someone after the war, and also showing how they reflect on the events of the war. It moves around a lot which could be confusing, but I think Silko does a good job of transitioning.
"It was him, Tayo who had died, but somehow there had been a mistake with the corpses, and somehow his was still unburied." Pg. 28
This Passage shows how the war had taken all of Tayo's energy and desire for life. He compares his emotional death to Rocky's physical death, and shows that the situation Tayo is in may be worse than Rocky dying.
"He laughed, and Tayo smiled because Harley didn't use to like beer at all, and maybe this was something different about him now, after the war." Pg 20
This quote shows how Harley one of Tayo's friends that participated in the war with him, had turned to achohol to forget about his experience with the war. They later state that another friend Emo had developed a violent nature. These are all examples of the ways war has changed people.
"These good times were courtesy of the U.S. Government and the Second World War. Cash from disability checks earned with shrapnel in the neck at Wake Island or shell shock on Iwo Jima; rwards for surviving the Bataan Death March." Pg 40
This passage shows his cynicism towards the nature of the U.S. Government and how they are praised as war heroes, and he feels he is the opposite.
I like the book because it mixes the traumatic events of the war with the traditional lifestyle and stories of the Native American people. It also values the importance of stories and how they can shape a culture and be applied to life as lessons.
Blogs 1/2
Devin Chong
English 10
Period 6
April 27, 2009
Well hey guys this will be my first and second blog since seeing it was suppose to be due quite a while ago. This book is very confusing and hard to follow, which adds to my distaste of the overall book even more. What the …. is Tayo talking about, he just keeps complaining about life and how it sucks with out those he grew up with and that their no longer their to guide him. That gets pretty annoying after awhile.
“He had seen outlines of gray steel tables, outlines of the food they pushed into his mouth, which was only an outline too, like all the outlines he saw. They saw his outline but they did not realize it was hollow inside” (Pg. 14-15)
This quote shows how he is empty inside with nothing left. Like he has given up on life, where nothing matters anymore, all he sees is outlines, with no difference.
“Tayo knelt on the edge of the pool and let the dampness soak into the knees of his jeans. He closed his eyes and swallowed the water slowly. He tasted the deep heart rock of the earth, where the water came from, and he thought maybe this wasn’t the end after all.” (Pg. 46)
The one time I saw a brightened tone from Tayo, I thought I would share this interesting part since he is usually a downer. No real reason to choosing this quote, but I’m hoping this is where the book will start turning around a little and things will get more interesting.
The one thing I would like to add is that I enjoy the parts where they have pomes, not only does it take up more page space (hehe just kidding) it also adds to the depth and understanding of the book. And it kind of gives us a different outlook upon the situation he is relating it too.
English 10
Period 6
April 27, 2009
Well hey guys this will be my first and second blog since seeing it was suppose to be due quite a while ago. This book is very confusing and hard to follow, which adds to my distaste of the overall book even more. What the …. is Tayo talking about, he just keeps complaining about life and how it sucks with out those he grew up with and that their no longer their to guide him. That gets pretty annoying after awhile.
“He had seen outlines of gray steel tables, outlines of the food they pushed into his mouth, which was only an outline too, like all the outlines he saw. They saw his outline but they did not realize it was hollow inside” (Pg. 14-15)
This quote shows how he is empty inside with nothing left. Like he has given up on life, where nothing matters anymore, all he sees is outlines, with no difference.
“Tayo knelt on the edge of the pool and let the dampness soak into the knees of his jeans. He closed his eyes and swallowed the water slowly. He tasted the deep heart rock of the earth, where the water came from, and he thought maybe this wasn’t the end after all.” (Pg. 46)
The one time I saw a brightened tone from Tayo, I thought I would share this interesting part since he is usually a downer. No real reason to choosing this quote, but I’m hoping this is where the book will start turning around a little and things will get more interesting.
The one thing I would like to add is that I enjoy the parts where they have pomes, not only does it take up more page space (hehe just kidding) it also adds to the depth and understanding of the book. And it kind of gives us a different outlook upon the situation he is relating it too.
Daniel's Post 1-2 (1-49)
Personally I believe that the book is OK thus far. It may not be all that exciting but it has a very interesting perspective of war and life. Tayo as a character is depressing and confusing but very interesting. He blames himself for everything that has happened and basically dislikes himself. I can't figure out why he is ill all the time though. Is it just his abhor of life that's causing him to become ill or is there some kind of war wound? Tayo comes across to me as somewhat cynical, that he believes society isn't working properly and is tired of it. Tayo's character is very mixed and the flashbacks of him show even more elements in his character. He was once happy and had different views but something happened that changed him, maybe the death of Rocky or another event during the war. To me the character Rocky embodies Tayo's old happiness in life. Tayo constantly remembers him in happy memories. The one character I don't really like though is Auntie. She is a judgemental person and cares to much about what society will think of her. This book has started out slow but hopefully it will pick up in plot a little.
Quotes:
Quotes:
"The dry air shrank the wooden staves of the barrels; they pulled loose, and now the rusty steel hoops were scattered on the ground behind the corral in the crazy patterns of some flashy Kiowa hoop dancer at the Gallup Ceremonials, throwing his hoops along the ground where he would hook and flip them into the air again and they would skim over his head and shoulders down to his dancing feet, like magic." (Page 10) - This is a metaphor with a simile at the end. I like this quote not only due to the integration of literary elements but also because is gives insight to some Native American customs. With the comparing of the steel hoops to an intricate dance it gives a little insight into some of the Native American customs.
"One time there were these Indians see. They put on uniforms, cut their hair. They went off to a big war. They had a real good time too. ... And the white lady at the bus depot, she's real careful now not to touch your hand when she counts out your change." (Pages 41-42) - This quote is where Tayo is in the bar telling the story of the truth of what they have become. I really like this quote for it shows the false respect that they received when they fought in the war. People only respected them for uniforms and that is all. After the war they lost the respect. The truth in this quote is powerful to me and it also shows why Tayo dislikes society.
This book shows a different and interesting perspective on war and life. It criticizes many aspects of society. The book really does interest me with all the different views and hopefully something big does happen.
Erica's First Post.
Hey everyone, so this book is ok so far but it's not great. There are a lot of words that i don't really know what they mean like what is a hackamore. This book seems complicated because I don't really know who is the narrator and I am confused about what is wrong with Tayo. Does he basically not talk at all?
Literary Devices:
Literary Devices:
- Simile: "The wine was sweet and sticky, a little like cough syrup, but they drank it anyway because they had to if they wanted to get drunk." (Silko 21) I found this quote on the part where the narrator was talking about Harley and the other guys in the camp or town, I'm not sure, trying to get drunk on anything the could after the war. They were trying to drink wine that wasn't good anymore because they were fed up with everything.
- Metaphor: "The mule was getting bony; its hips looked sharp enough to push through the gray hide , the way bones tear through a carcass." (Silko 25) This was found where Tayo was with Harley and they were riding the burros. The drought had made all of the animals thin and hungry.
I feel bad for Tayo's auntie because she had lost everyone she loved and all she had left was Tayo. Tayo knew that he was the one that should have died not Rocky because Rocky had a plan in life and Tayo was never prepared. He feels that he has already died and Rocky is in the college game scores in the Albaquerque Journal. "It was him, Tayo, who had died, but somehow there had been a mistake with the corpses, and somehow his was still unburied." (Silko 28)
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Chesna's First Blog
Chesna Kamekaneya
English 10H
Period 6
April 26, 2009
I think this book is pretty good. The flashbacks are a little confusing but it makes the book somewhat more interesting.
Quotes:
"Sometimes the Japanese voices came first, angry and loud, pushing the song far away, and then he could hear the shift in his dreaming, like a slight afternoon wind changing its direction, coming less and less from the south, moving into the west, and the voices would become Laguna voices..."
I liked this quote because it had like an odd form of imagery. Like I can actually imagine the Japanese people yelling but it only gives a description of the voices and sounds. I also like how Silko used the shifting of his dreams. She used a good simile and it's transition is very good.
I noticed Silko is very good at imagery. She uses similes and metaphors very well, they create better images and gives a better idea of what's going on.
Maura's Blog #1 - pgs 1-29
I don't have a solid opinion on Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko yet, because there isn't really much to grasp in the section that I have read. So far, all I have grasped is that this man has been in the war, has been through much pain both mental and physical, and has lost part of himself on the way. Much of this reading leaves me confused, though I do notice the amazing similes and metaphors.
I appreciate the writing style of Leslie Marmon Silko, but there is a certain point where flashbacks just mix in with reality in this story. For me, in some parts, no matter how many times I read it over and over, I still don't understand. Past? Present? Metaphor? Actuality? Silko could have made this story a little clearer, without losing the style of her writing.
I didn't really note my favorite quotes as I read, but two specific quotes came to mind. (Sorry they're long, the whole paragraph was just a great quote).
"...It flooded out of the last warm core in his chest and echoed inside his head. He damned the rain until the words were a chant, and he sang it while he crawled through the mud to find the corporal and get him up before the Japanese saw them. He wanted the words to make a cloudless blue sky, pale with a summer sun pressing across wide and empty horizons. The words gathered inside him and gave him strength." (Silko 12).
"For a long time he had been white smoke. He did not realize that until he left the hospital, because white smoke had no consciousness of itself. It faded into the white world of their bed sheets and walls; it sucked away by the words of doctors who tried to talk to the invisible scattered smoke. He had seen outlines of gray steel tables, outslines of the food they pushed into his mouth, which was only an outline too, like all the outlines he saw. They saw his outline but they did not realize it was hollow inside. He walked down floors that smelled of old wax and disinfectant, watching the outlines of his feet; as he walked, the days and seasons disappeared into a twilight at the corner of his eyes, a twilight he could catch only with a sudden motion, jerking his head to one side for a glimpse of green leaves pressed against the bars on the window. He inhabited a gray winter fog on a distant elk mountain where hunters are lost indefinately and their own bones mark the boundaries." (Silko 14)
As you can see, I like Silko's metaphors!
I appreciate the writing style of Leslie Marmon Silko, but there is a certain point where flashbacks just mix in with reality in this story. For me, in some parts, no matter how many times I read it over and over, I still don't understand. Past? Present? Metaphor? Actuality? Silko could have made this story a little clearer, without losing the style of her writing.
I didn't really note my favorite quotes as I read, but two specific quotes came to mind. (Sorry they're long, the whole paragraph was just a great quote).
"...It flooded out of the last warm core in his chest and echoed inside his head. He damned the rain until the words were a chant, and he sang it while he crawled through the mud to find the corporal and get him up before the Japanese saw them. He wanted the words to make a cloudless blue sky, pale with a summer sun pressing across wide and empty horizons. The words gathered inside him and gave him strength." (Silko 12).
"For a long time he had been white smoke. He did not realize that until he left the hospital, because white smoke had no consciousness of itself. It faded into the white world of their bed sheets and walls; it sucked away by the words of doctors who tried to talk to the invisible scattered smoke. He had seen outlines of gray steel tables, outslines of the food they pushed into his mouth, which was only an outline too, like all the outlines he saw. They saw his outline but they did not realize it was hollow inside. He walked down floors that smelled of old wax and disinfectant, watching the outlines of his feet; as he walked, the days and seasons disappeared into a twilight at the corner of his eyes, a twilight he could catch only with a sudden motion, jerking his head to one side for a glimpse of green leaves pressed against the bars on the window. He inhabited a gray winter fog on a distant elk mountain where hunters are lost indefinately and their own bones mark the boundaries." (Silko 14)
As you can see, I like Silko's metaphors!
Tasha's 1st Blog (1-29)
I know that the 1st post was due ages ago but I'm going to do it anyway. I wasn't sure if we could simply combine the 1st and 2nd (as Geoff did) because so many people haven't done the 1st, so I'm doing both just to be on the safe side.
Honestly I am not very fond of the book at this point. I allow for the fact that it is still very early in the story and it could pick up, or that there are actually deep, thoughtful, hidden meanings that I'm simply not understanding. However, right now I find the book rather dull, depressing, and unnecessarily confusing.
Several people have commented on how difficult it is to determine the past from the present in the book. I feel that flashbacks do have their place in books, but there are just so many in this one! And really, how hard is it to let the reader know it's a flashback? (“thinking back on the war...” or something like that gets the point across and really isn't hard to work in there!) Is it possible that Silko is intentionally not defining when a flashback begins to show how the past has played such a large part in Tayo's present?
I'm going to have to agree with Geoff on something. (I know–shocker!) Right now Tayo seems generally lifeless. I find his moroseness extremely dreary and a little annoying. One thing that I don't agree with Geoff on is that surviving a war should make you more “happy”. In some cases yes, people might feel invigorated by their survival and live life to the fullest. However, many wars have shown us that it can also ruin a person. I could see how a soldier, after seeing so much death and injustice, could simply give up on humanity and ultimately give up on life. Is that what Tayo is doing?
My favorite quote is from when Tayo is in the hospital and the doctor comes to check on him and tells him he can go home: “'It's easy to remain invisible here, isn't it, Tayo?'...'I'm sending you home, Tayo; tomorrow you'll go on the train.' 'He can't go. He cries all the time. Sometimes he vomits when he cries.' 'Why does he cry, Tayo?' 'He cries because they are dead and everything is dying.'...'Go ahead, Tayo, you can cry.' He wanted to scream at the doctor then, but the words choked him and he coughed up his own tears and tasted their salt in his mouth... 'Goddamn you,' he said softly, 'look what you have done.'” (pg 16) Tayo is speaking in third person (“He can't go”) because he imagines himself invisible so he can't talk. It's almost as if he doesn't realize he is Tayo. I find it interesting that when the doctor “wakes him up” and he cries again he swears at the doctor. He didn't want to face the fact that he had been hurt. He wanted to crawl in a hole and forget. I think that the quote 'He cries because they are dead and everything is dying.' pretty much defines Tayo right now, or at least, it defines why he is the way he is.
Basically, I don't really like the book yet, but I'll give it a chance. Hopefully it will get better.
Honestly I am not very fond of the book at this point. I allow for the fact that it is still very early in the story and it could pick up, or that there are actually deep, thoughtful, hidden meanings that I'm simply not understanding. However, right now I find the book rather dull, depressing, and unnecessarily confusing.
Several people have commented on how difficult it is to determine the past from the present in the book. I feel that flashbacks do have their place in books, but there are just so many in this one! And really, how hard is it to let the reader know it's a flashback? (“thinking back on the war...” or something like that gets the point across and really isn't hard to work in there!) Is it possible that Silko is intentionally not defining when a flashback begins to show how the past has played such a large part in Tayo's present?
I'm going to have to agree with Geoff on something. (I know–shocker!) Right now Tayo seems generally lifeless. I find his moroseness extremely dreary and a little annoying. One thing that I don't agree with Geoff on is that surviving a war should make you more “happy”. In some cases yes, people might feel invigorated by their survival and live life to the fullest. However, many wars have shown us that it can also ruin a person. I could see how a soldier, after seeing so much death and injustice, could simply give up on humanity and ultimately give up on life. Is that what Tayo is doing?
My favorite quote is from when Tayo is in the hospital and the doctor comes to check on him and tells him he can go home: “'It's easy to remain invisible here, isn't it, Tayo?'...'I'm sending you home, Tayo; tomorrow you'll go on the train.' 'He can't go. He cries all the time. Sometimes he vomits when he cries.' 'Why does he cry, Tayo?' 'He cries because they are dead and everything is dying.'...'Go ahead, Tayo, you can cry.' He wanted to scream at the doctor then, but the words choked him and he coughed up his own tears and tasted their salt in his mouth... 'Goddamn you,' he said softly, 'look what you have done.'” (pg 16) Tayo is speaking in third person (“He can't go”) because he imagines himself invisible so he can't talk. It's almost as if he doesn't realize he is Tayo. I find it interesting that when the doctor “wakes him up” and he cries again he swears at the doctor. He didn't want to face the fact that he had been hurt. He wanted to crawl in a hole and forget. I think that the quote 'He cries because they are dead and everything is dying.' pretty much defines Tayo right now, or at least, it defines why he is the way he is.
Basically, I don't really like the book yet, but I'll give it a chance. Hopefully it will get better.
Geoff- Post 1 (pgs. 1-49)
I'd like to open up with this quote: "If this didn't work, then he knew he would die. He let himself go limp; he did not brace himself against the nausea. He didn't care any more if it came; he didn't care any more if he died." (39). So far, I'm really not liking this dude. I understand he was a part of the Bataan Death March, and he watched his cousin Rocky die, but I can't stand people that are sullen about life. I would hope that being a survivor would be evidence of Tayo's strength of character, that his love of life was carrying him through it all. But no; it seems Tayo survived the Death March because of dumb luck. Tayo's defining character trait is apathy; he's an emotionless shell of a man. I wish this kid would get excited about life; isn't surviving a brutal war something to be happy about? Yes, the author intends for the war to be life-changing, dramatic experience, but shouldn't that change the character for the better? Aren't people at their best only after hardship? (Remember Elie Wiesel, who became a writer and a humanitarian after the Holocaust?) There's my little rant; I hope this kid has a serious paradigm shift by the end of story, because this sob story is killing my enthusiasm for life (or just making me a little angry as I type). Whew.
On a different note, has anybody actually figured out the correct sequence of events? Because, for the longest time, I was thinking that the donkey ride to the bar was in the present. The randomly dispersed poems aren't really helping that.
Finally, I think the most telling part of the novel so far has been the bar scene, when everybody's plastered and Tayo's true colors show. This is the first real demonstration of cultural conflict in the novel, when Tayo starts railing on white people and how things were better during the war. If a theme of the novel is Laguna/Caucasian cultural conflict, I'd predict Tayo will find some sort of reconciliation between these elements so he can lead a normal life. Just a head's up, Laguna is not the native name of the Indians; they call themselves Kawaik. Laguna is of course, Spanish; it refers to a lake on Laguna land. They're a tribe of the Pueblo Indians, so, traditionally, they lived in those adobe houses.
On a different note, has anybody actually figured out the correct sequence of events? Because, for the longest time, I was thinking that the donkey ride to the bar was in the present. The randomly dispersed poems aren't really helping that.
Finally, I think the most telling part of the novel so far has been the bar scene, when everybody's plastered and Tayo's true colors show. This is the first real demonstration of cultural conflict in the novel, when Tayo starts railing on white people and how things were better during the war. If a theme of the novel is Laguna/Caucasian cultural conflict, I'd predict Tayo will find some sort of reconciliation between these elements so he can lead a normal life. Just a head's up, Laguna is not the native name of the Indians; they call themselves Kawaik. Laguna is of course, Spanish; it refers to a lake on Laguna land. They're a tribe of the Pueblo Indians, so, traditionally, they lived in those adobe houses.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
NEW POSTING GUIDELINES
There are few things I am noticing with the posts so I am establishing some guidelines.
Quotes: If someone has used the quote, you may not use the same quote. Find another one that adds to the quote that someone else used or another one totally unrelated.
Grammar and punctuation count, so please be aware.
EVERYONE IN THIS CLASS NEEDS TO WORK ON NOT USING "SO" TO BEGIN PARAGRAPHS, as well as "AND YEAH"! Uggh...please make a conscientious effort to rid this practice from your repertoires.
Still waiting for a lot of posts....
Ms Champagne
Quotes: If someone has used the quote, you may not use the same quote. Find another one that adds to the quote that someone else used or another one totally unrelated.
Grammar and punctuation count, so please be aware.
EVERYONE IN THIS CLASS NEEDS TO WORK ON NOT USING "SO" TO BEGIN PARAGRAPHS, as well as "AND YEAH"! Uggh...please make a conscientious effort to rid this practice from your repertoires.
Still waiting for a lot of posts....
Ms Champagne
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Natalie Post 1
So yesterday I finished the first 29 pages of Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko and I have to say I am very confused. It is very hard to understand when it is actually the present or just a flashback of the past. So what I did understand so far is Tayo is mentally traumatized by his combat experiences during World War II and this triggers some other stuff in his childhood. One thing I really enjoy and is very different is how the author only gives just enough detail and information about was is going on. This writing style lets the reader create the rest of the image from his or her own perspective. It is interesting to read because it makes me think and use my imagination to fill in the blanks.
Okay so I finished reading our first assignment and at first I found pretty hard to follow. With all the flashbacks going on you can get a little confused. It also confused me a little how the author introduces these charecters out of nowhere without anything really leading up to the introduction of the characters. I really liked the language that Silko uses. She has just enough detail so you can create an image, but not to much that it makes the book boring.
a quote that I really liked is "i will tell you something about stories,[he said] They aren't just entertainment. Don't be fooled. They are all we have, you see, all we have to fight off illness and death." I like this quote because the poem is so beautifully written. I think that this quote also gives an insight to what tayo what might go through later in the book and what he may experiance.
a quote that I really liked is "i will tell you something about stories,[he said] They aren't just entertainment. Don't be fooled. They are all we have, you see, all we have to fight off illness and death." I like this quote because the poem is so beautifully written. I think that this quote also gives an insight to what tayo what might go through later in the book and what he may experiance.
Nichole's first blog
Well I just did the english homework, and let me say I really like this book so far. Although, the flashbacks were kind of confusing for me to follow at first, but now I can totally separate past from present.
My favorite quote in the story so far is:
"...Rocky was the one who was alive, buying Grandma her heater with the round dial on front; Rocky was there in the college game scores on the sports page of the Albuquerque Journal. It was him, Tayo, who had died, but somehow there had been a mistale with the corpses, and somehow he was still unburied."
This is my favorite quote because it conveys how Tayo feels that he should've been the one to die in the war rather then Rocky, because Rocky had a life plan. This is just one of many quotes that conveys Tayo's depression caused by Rocky's and Josiah's deaths.
While reading, I realized that there are a lot of similes and very detailed descriptions in this story to help the reader feel the emotions that Tayo are feeling and so they can get a mental picture.
And yeah, that's it. But I really like this book only for reading the first thirty-three pages.
My favorite quote in the story so far is:
"...Rocky was the one who was alive, buying Grandma her heater with the round dial on front; Rocky was there in the college game scores on the sports page of the Albuquerque Journal. It was him, Tayo, who had died, but somehow there had been a mistale with the corpses, and somehow he was still unburied."
This is my favorite quote because it conveys how Tayo feels that he should've been the one to die in the war rather then Rocky, because Rocky had a life plan. This is just one of many quotes that conveys Tayo's depression caused by Rocky's and Josiah's deaths.
While reading, I realized that there are a lot of similes and very detailed descriptions in this story to help the reader feel the emotions that Tayo are feeling and so they can get a mental picture.
And yeah, that's it. But I really like this book only for reading the first thirty-three pages.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Context
Leslie Marmon Silko writes stories about Native Americans and the the preservation of the culture. She emphasizes story telling which is an important part of the Native American culture.
Things to keep in mind while you read...there are a lot of flash backs and weaving in and out of past and present, so be aware of that.
Take note of the mythological characters that Silko interweaves into her story.
It may be helpful to look up some back ground information on Pueblo Indians....hint, hint!
Ms. Champagne
Things to keep in mind while you read...there are a lot of flash backs and weaving in and out of past and present, so be aware of that.
Take note of the mythological characters that Silko interweaves into her story.
It may be helpful to look up some back ground information on Pueblo Indians....hint, hint!
Ms. Champagne
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