6-27-14

"It's the climbing that makes the man; getting to the top is the extra reward." (35)

Alfred meets with Donatelli and finally is given someone he can look up to. In his life, Alfred grows up without good influences or anyone that pushes him to do anything. He isn't given a lot of opportunities or support, and has no idea what he can accomplish. By stating that it's the "climbing that makes the man", the speaker says the journey that is one's life shapes a person. All events in someone's life help to shape them and can change them mentally and physically. If one doesn't attempt to accomplish anything, they never will. Also, if someone never set out to do anything, how can they have those building experiences? In The Contender, Alfred is not really his own person. The thoughts that run through his head have been put there by all the people around him. He doesn't even have an opinion about himself, he only associates words with him that are being used by others to reference himself. Without an opinion on his life, he will not strive to do anything, and cannot 'climb'. In chapter 3, Alfred says he "wants to be somebody", but if he can't be himself, how can he be anyone? Alfred needs to start the climb and accept who he is so that he can start to grow as a person. To be able to grow, he has to take his own opinion into account and not have his life revolve around other people.

How does Lipsyte use the setting as another character in the first two chapters in the novel?

A character isn't necessarily a person in the story, but something or someone that has an effect on the overall outcome and events that are happening. With the setting Lipsyte chose, the readers get details about where the story takes place and have the ability to feel like they are transported into and are a part of the story. If the setting were not as clearly described or were a different setting, the whole story would be different. The setting in which the characters are placed determines who they are and what influences they have around them. For example, the setting Lipsyte chose surrounds his characters with the harsh realities of life that they have to face, as well as cruelty from their peers. Also, the setting shows the possibilities of the future. The drug addicts on the street, desperate for more and more drugs to numb themselves. The large gangs, full of guys ready to jump anyone that gets in their way. These are seemingly the most of what anyone growing up where they are growing up can become. The easy way out of their life, and most common when the kids grow up, is to ignore life with the help of drugs, or face it with anger and a crew full of guys who know what you're going through. Either one will get you through life, but won't really get you anywhere. The gym that is presented in the setting represents an alternate future, another way out that could actually lead to doing something productive with one's life and eventually getting out of the city they are in. This could also lead to success and higher wages you would make simply by working at a grocery store or dealing drugs.

Opinion

When I'm making an important decision, my family's opinion is important to me, as is my own opinion. Although their opinion is valued, I tend to keep my opinion a priority. It is important for me to hear my family's opinion before I make a desicion because they have a different perspective and outlook on whatever situation is being assessed. My parents also have the final say on most decisions made in my life, so being aware of their decision and letting them know that their opinion is respected and important to me is necessary.

6-24-14 What is the most important theme in Hughes' "Theme for English B"?

The most important theme in Langston Hughes' poem "Theme for English B" is that no matter how different we all think or feel we are, we are all somewhat the same. We are capable of the same things.

 In his poem, he shows that even if he appears to be one thing, what we associate with people and their stereotypes are often not true. For example, he states that he enjoys Bach and pipes, as well as working, reading, and learning. These are not characteristics that were often associated with African Americans; they were mostly associated with white people. The color of your skin and your ethnicity doesn't determine your viewpoint on life or how you choose to live life. Hughes also gets the point across that most races are somewhat prejudiced against each other and may want segregation for separate reasons. We don't all look down on one specific race, we all tend to look down on each other. Hughes shows that no matter what race you are, we all have the ability to accomplish the same things. It's only up to us how we go about accomplishing what.