The main crux of this novel revolves around the issue of identity. The main character Tayo is back from WW2 where he lost his cousin--who was always aThe main crux of this novel revolves around the issue of identity. The main character Tayo is back from WW2 where he lost his cousin--who was always a family favorite. As Tayo returns injured and sick, he finds himself at the center of different worlds closely associated with his identity – native American culture, westernized society and the natural world. However, Tayo does not feel entirely apart of any of them since he seems to be simultaneously accepted and rejected by these different worlds. Here the journey or "ceremony" begins as Tayo sets out across the southwestern landscape in search of something to fill the void inside him. A couple medicine men, drunken rampages, fights, and hallucinations later,the ceremony is complete...I guess.
This novel is very subtle. It starts off very unfocused, jumping back and forth in time involving various characters until becoming more and more concentrated as Tayo gets himself back together. In addition, Silko interjects, sometimes randomly, Laguna Pueblo folktales that are printed in poem-like stanzas. This all makes for an intriguing start that unfortunately never pulls itself together enough to make for an altogether interesting read. In fact, the subtlety, vagueness and wandering of the character causes the story to get boring real quick. And while there are moments that make the reading not entirely a loss, I was left with very little that made an impression on me. In the end, I think my most enjoyable reading moments was when Tayo encountered drunks or the landscape descriptions. Yep, landscape description.
Bechdel so called "tragicomic" is witty, introspective, hilarious and can be pretty damn heartbreaking too. Bechdel sets out in the beginning to descrBechdel so called "tragicomic" is witty, introspective, hilarious and can be pretty damn heartbreaking too. Bechdel sets out in the beginning to describe her father--a quirky high school english teacher who works part time at the family funeral home and has a knack for refurbishing houses. As the story unfolds into an entire memoir about their relationship, the complexity of Bechdel's father and how it relates to her own life deepens when she discovers that her father is a closet homosexual who sleeps with teenage boys. Bechdel doesnt find this out until she is in her 2nd year at college when she comes out as a lesbian herself.
Without spoiling much more of the plot, the memoir walks a thin line between truth and Bechdel's sudden need to reinterpret her entire past and the extent that this has affected her family, herself and the relationship with her father. Along the way, Bechdel deals and challenges traditional family roles, sexuality, gender and even literary criticism. In addition, it contains a interesting subtext about the varying generational differences and experiences amongst queers.
For the most part this graphic memoir is highly enjoyable except for a few instances. Bechdel tends to get a bit too heavy on her philosophy-lite literary references. Fortunately, she also criticizes its tendency to inject meaning into text as well which kind of acts as a refreshing critique of herself that fits nicely into the story. Also, the Doonesbury-esque cartooning of this book are lacking and don't add much context. However, this book definitely wouldn't have worked if it simply utilized text either.
Check it out if you get a chance on a sunny day. It shouldn't take much longer than a couple hours....more
This won a Pulitzer Prize and acts as yet another testament to why the Pulitzer Prize should largely be ignored. However, the fact that it did win a PThis won a Pulitzer Prize and acts as yet another testament to why the Pulitzer Prize should largely be ignored. However, the fact that it did win a Pulitzer makes me feel less embarrassed about reading it...even if it was just for class.
A Thousand Acres, told from the middle of three daughters, is a story about a small farming community in rural Iowa during the mid-1970s and is loosely based on King Lear. A bunch of tragic shit happens that is mostly the fault of the men. This proves to be Smiley's biggest fault and large reason why this novel is no bueno. She is obviously too caught up in creating women characters that will please her the elder feminist community that she completely neglects the development of the male characters. Thus, they all end up without much complexity and can be basically be written off, like Smiley pretty much does with them, as bad, evil, assholes.
However, the problems don't stop there. The banal prose and mostly predictable storyline certainly don't help the cause. I don't really see what critics saw in this book.
Guess who gets to go write an essay on it now. Bummer. ...more
Undoubtedly, this is a great story. Dreiser methodically, and often painstakenly, examines the condition of America through the life of the young and Undoubtedly, this is a great story. Dreiser methodically, and often painstakenly, examines the condition of America through the life of the young and impressionable Clyde Griffiths. As we follow Clyde from his humble upbringing as the son of street preachers in Kansas City to Chicago to upstate New York in pursuit of altering his lot in life, Dreiser seemingly leaves no aspect of society untouched by his prodding, examination and questioning of its legitimacy, foundations and effect on us as humans. Then after spending over 600 pages, he takes the liberty of utilizing another 200 pages deconstructing everything we have read in the form of a murder trial. Balls! By the end of the novel, not much as been left out. He's got it all -- religion, wealth, class, abortion, sex, murder, law, politics, on and on. It is, in many ways, the embodiment of the "great, American novel"--if such a thing can even be characterized.
Unfortunately, Dreiser's prose is not compelling, whatsoever. This makes for large chunks of the book being extremely melodramatic, long-winded or just plain boring. His style could be a product of the time period in which he was writing. However, in comparison to some of his contemporaries (Thomas Wolfe, Fitzgerald--"The Great Gatsby" came out the same year, etc), Dreiser's dull style and infatuation with large, ambiguous words ("sycophantic" is used at least 35 times) lacks many of his contemporaries potency of language, subtlety or use of basic devices to get the reader invested or (at least interested) in the events of the story. Instead, he slowly, and almost offensively, takes you by the hand, making sure that even someone with the intelligence of a fourth grader could get his points.
That being said, Dreiser is able shore up these shortcomings with the plot he has laid out which keeps your attention for no other reason that it is such a vast undertaking he has undergone in writing this story that you begin to feel it your duty to at least finish it. Which is a good choice because the trial section the other 2/3 of the novel worth it--for the most part. And admittedly, I still would suggest this book for those who are fans of American literature. I commend Dreiser for championing the working class and although he is careful not to fully reveal his own stance on various issues, this book is actually quite progressive in many ways (not to many writers were examining the difficulties of obtaining forms of birth control during this time--something Dreiser dedicates a large section of the book on). This allows An American Tragedy to still hold up as more than a mere glance into a time period that no longer exist but rather as a contribution to a discourse that is still very much going on. ...more
Vogel questions your modern sensibilities through this story of sexual awakening aided by your uncle in law?
whoa...
With the help of some Brechtian eleVogel questions your modern sensibilities through this story of sexual awakening aided by your uncle in law?
whoa...
With the help of some Brechtian elements, Vogel succeeds in breaking the illusion of the theater and making the reader/viewer think beyond the characters of the play to self-reflect upon yourself. Sorta Lolita-esque...makes you feel queasy about yourself. well done......more
Its like doing lines of cocaine while at a Prince concert then going home and reading Foucault.
or
Angels in America is a grandiose, surrealistic bombasIts like doing lines of cocaine while at a Prince concert then going home and reading Foucault.
or
Angels in America is a grandiose, surrealistic bombast of a play dealing with almost every contemporary American facet of being gay in the U.S. during the late 80's to early 90's. Politics, law, Aids, family, religion are all included. Kushner examines these elements and the nature of Power in the states, how it is used in these relationships, and the effect it has on the gay community externally and internally. Ultimately, all these themes are quickly and hilariously weaved together while still maintain a certain insight and poignancy to his dialogue. Theres a lot going on here and you're not going to catch it all but its still will be fun and even somewhat enlightening.
The absurdity of political correctness redefining hierarchies of power in male/female, student/teacher, citizen/law relations in a very realistic way.The absurdity of political correctness redefining hierarchies of power in male/female, student/teacher, citizen/law relations in a very realistic way. Mamet takes a very topical and important theme then extracts the idiocy of it while insightfully critiquing it. I don't think I cant but help to like this....more
The core of Fences is a family drama full of husband/wife, father/son, brother/brother conflict. However, Fences adds another element to this that is The core of Fences is a family drama full of husband/wife, father/son, brother/brother conflict. However, Fences adds another element to this that is rooted in the african american experience and the generational gaps that exist in the early part of the twentieth century. Here is where the heart of all the conflict in Fences really lies. Wilson utilizes baseball as a metaphor and a backdrop to the changes that black americans experienced in the years leading up to the civil rights movement. (blacks begin to break the color barrier in professional sports but continue to be marginalized in other aspects...etc.)
Overall, Fences is a solid play that examines and questions alot about the identity of the african american in an increasingly modernizing, progressive american society and the issues that arise. However, in comparison to a similar play such as Raisin in the Sun, Fences doesn't delve as deeply or successfully into these issues during this time period. However, maybe that is never Wilson's motive. Perhaps, Wilson just wanted to write a family drama with an black family...which if this is the case...thats great. Not to mention that this came out in 85, which allows this play to act as a strong contrast to say...the cosby show?
Baraka (formerly le roi jones) sharply addresses black-white relations in this country through a semi-surreal encounter between a sultry white woman aBaraka (formerly le roi jones) sharply addresses black-white relations in this country through a semi-surreal encounter between a sultry white woman and pseudo-intellectual, black poet on a hot new york subway ride.
For being such a short play, Baraka touches on many race-related issues and chooses to express feelings of paranoia, distrust, guilt and alienation through emotional reactions of the characters instead of hyper-intellectualized examinations of race within our culture. I appreciate this approach which seems to allow the play to be all that much more disturbing, uneasy and overall powerful.
Baraka has gotten some flack over the past few years as being a polarizing, inflammatory figure amongst black american writers and intellectuals. However, Dutchman is an important play that I feel still holds up today as an important piece of american racial discourse being explored through an artistic medium.
highly suggested...it will take you less that 30 minutes to read i promise.
note: anyone have/heard or read his book of poetry called "Preface to a Twenty Volume Suicide Note"? Seems to be out of print and I would like to get my hands on a copy...
amy-you live in oakland...there has gotta be a copy lying around some used book store or being sold at the oakland swamp meet......more
So, this might be a four star. I give it three stars because it seems that Shepard is just following in the footsteps of his predecessors such as EugeSo, this might be a four star. I give it three stars because it seems that Shepard is just following in the footsteps of his predecessors such as Eugene O'Neil and Tennessee Williams in regards to the plot and theme of this play. In addition, I don't think he is necessary adding anything that those previous playwrights didn't already cover.
Sure, its updated to take place in the 70's(although nothing directly indicates that) and it is a bit darker and arguably more comedic, however much of this seems rehashed.
Of course, I have been reading many American plays right now so maybe I am just a bit tired of the American family falling apart due to a tragedy, money and/or a failure to obtain the American dream.
Nevertheless, this play is strong at moments and would definitely be worth seeing performed.
I dig Albee but this play which brought him to fame doesn't really feel like it holds up today. Sure, the theme of the individual facing a great existI dig Albee but this play which brought him to fame doesn't really feel like it holds up today. Sure, the theme of the individual facing a great existentialist dillema and feeling isolated even in an urban setting still permeates contemporary literature and film. And Zoo Story might have been moving and influential when it was first released.
However, looking back it feels like Albee was young and just got finished reading the works of Camus.
Still, great one act with a pretty amazing(and famous) monologue about a man and a dog...but still even that sounds all too close and familiar to...lets say...L'Etranger anyone?...more
"Death of Salesman" for the African American community.
However, due to the historical experience of blacks in America, so many other themes and issues"Death of Salesman" for the African American community.
However, due to the historical experience of blacks in America, so many other themes and issues arise in regards to the pursuit of the American dream.
Hansberry brings up many of these issues in a balanced and well-crafted manner. By curtain, we clearly bear witness to the problematic aspects of a marginalized community trying to compete(catch-up) in a capitalist society. Hansberry wants equality for the black community but she also questions context which that struggle takes place. The hierarchy of power that naturally exists within a capitalist society has perpetuated the marginalization of the black community. Should the community now participate and become a part of that system or remain removed and unintegrated?
Hansberry lets you decide...
Being able to read this play now with the knowledge of how American society has developed over the last 40-50 years seems to only strengthen the themes of this play...
Arguably Williams best play, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof seems to define family dysfunctionality. Ex-football player turn drunk with a questionable sexualitArguably Williams best play, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof seems to define family dysfunctionality. Ex-football player turn drunk with a questionable sexuality married to a wife who supposedly can't conceive...need I say more?
Well a lot more goes on in this play and the varying levels which exist within can still be deconstructed even over 50 years later. Still, in the end, it's damn difficult to sympathize when any one of these rich, spoiled southerners. Maybe thats the point...everyones ugly and full of shit when you get down to it.
Miller adds his two-cents to the elusive concept of the American Dream. Following the troubles and quandaries that arise in a working-class family andMiller adds his two-cents to the elusive concept of the American Dream. Following the troubles and quandaries that arise in a working-class family and that of a mid-level salesman, circumstances and events play out towards a very realistic and tragic end. Without a doubt Miller is bringing into questions the social principles of American society. However, he does it in a way that allows you to decide your own conclusion. Which is a nice departure from previous installations of American theater that revolve around similar themes only with an often not-so subtle political agenda. (see Clifford Odets' Waiting for Lefty)
Seriously though, as much praise as this play gets, I hope people are still willing to acknowledgethere the horribly heavy-handed irony. A struggling, unsatisfied character named, "Happy" (oh miller...what a genius!) A suicide only a week after the 25 year old house mortgage has been payed off. god arthur...i'm not that stupid.
nevertheless, these seems to be a staple in american theatre...so you know...read it or something. or dont...these themes get exhausted throughout american lit. ...more
Hellman explores the dionysian/appolonian struggle through wealthy southerners during the early 1900's. Rich people complain about their problems whilHellman explores the dionysian/appolonian struggle through wealthy southerners during the early 1900's. Rich people complain about their problems while thier black servants shuffle along like faithfukl, babbling idiots. I understand Hellman's contribution to American theater but this play is pretty out of date and should only be viewed in the context of what American life was like back then. Personally, I found the content to be pretty mediocre. Similar themes can also be found in Mourning Becomes Electra triology by Eugene O'Neill...only done better....more
Maalouf delves into the complex paradox of identity and its place in a increasingly globalizing world. Easy, fascinating read that seems to explore orMaalouf delves into the complex paradox of identity and its place in a increasingly globalizing world. Easy, fascinating read that seems to explore or touch on almost every possible element of how we define ourselves. Mostly avoiding in-depth, historical or anthropological analysis on the human pysche or nature, Maalouf comes off more as a well-educated academic exploring all that he has learned coupled with his own experiences as he writes. At times, it feels a bit unstructured and like he had a few too many glasses of wine at the cafe with you. Nevertheless, you get alot out of it and in the end, the reader is left with a sense of hope in humanity despite all our contradictions and ability to turn into destructive beings.
While it is an interesting book that examines a relatively unique subject, Nisan's examination of various minorities in the Middle East is filled withWhile it is an interesting book that examines a relatively unique subject, Nisan's examination of various minorities in the Middle East is filled with huge generalizations and language that is border-line offensive. They guy knows what he talking about but certainly expresses it unprofessionally.
This very well may be a five star book. However, I feel like even though I enjoyed this book immensely, Fuentes might have even better out there. I prThis very well may be a five star book. However, I feel like even though I enjoyed this book immensely, Fuentes might have even better out there. I pretty much read this entire book in one today.
The Crystal Frontier is a series of vignettes revolving around the U.S./Mexico border that in the end has touched on almost every imaginable issue of contention associated-immigration, race, free trade, colonization and of course; class. Even if this issue isn't of particular interest to the reader, Fuentes' dark and imaginative writing is enough to keep one turning pages. Fucking inspiring. It also personally touches on a reoccurring and prominent aspect of my life having grown up so close to the border.
Best assigned book of the quarter...easily.
p.s. dont get this edition of the book. Serious printing flaws...but do read it!...more
Our existence is constantly marred by the uncontrollable action of forgetting. Memory is fragile and constantly at risk of being changed, altered or qOur existence is constantly marred by the uncontrollable action of forgetting. Memory is fragile and constantly at risk of being changed, altered or questioned. Memory is also subjective and the details of our past that we retain are often coupled with our emotions; thus forgetting can sometimes be voluntary. However, the loss of our memory will always relentlessly plague our minds without our control and affect us, others and the world in a variety of different ways. It is these varying degrees of forgetting and how it interacts with memory and our lives that Kundera examines in “The Book of Laughter and Forgetting”. If there is one single situation that Kundera is constantly driving towards in this novel it is that point where memory and forgetting coincide and all reason and truth becomes a blur. By conclusion, Kundera seems to ask how do we live upon this conclusion that our memories are ours, so intimate, yet so unimportant; that their value is often only held by us. In the end are we are only here to speak to "an indifferent sea of infinite deaf ears?" What else are we left to do but laugh? Thus the title of the novel.
I give this book a tentative 4 stars. Kundera can be a genius, a middle-aged man obsessed with his libido and a overly intellectual psuedo-philosopher all on one-page. It can make for some really great reading but there are numerous scenes and stories in this novel that either don't work or are just too much. I respect Kundera and I like what he does...but since this the second book in a row I have read of his...I think its time to take a break.