Plums

Author's Note: In class we were instructed to write a parody to a poem. This is my parody from the point of view of the person who got their plums stolen!

The original Poem:

I have eaten 

The plums

that were in

the icebox

And which 

you were probably 

saving 

for breakfast

Forgive me

They were delicious

so sweet 

and so cold

My Parody-

I have seen

That you have eaten

my plums

From the icebox

And which 

you thought 

was so 

Clever

Forgive me

But they aren't

as delicious 

as they seem. 

The line between wealth and greed

Authors Note: This is a piece written on the obscure symbolism in the book The pearl. It demonstrates my knowledge on the symbols and my understanding of the topic. 

Objects, characters, colors, and actions used to portray and represent abstract ideas or concepts; also know as Symbolism. Whether it be the innocence and destructive symbol of a little girl dragging her baby doll across the ruff pavement or a white wedding gown depicting purity and life. Both giving text more connotation, like in the story The Pearl, written by John Steinbeck. Steinbeck used symbols to add to text and the formation of characters.

                Within the first chapter of “The Pearl”  symbolism quickly shows through. A scorpion stings Coyotito the main character, Kino’s, son. Biblically this small perilous creature generally represents the destruction of innocence but is easily seen as evil, death, or just devastation. Kino’s son is only a small baby so this “innocence” could easily be shown as that the Gods intended for young Coyotito to die or be on the brink of death. Also, color became very popular within the pages before the scorpion. Yellow eyes, black ants, yellow spots, and yellow sun light falling upon the house. Yellow is known to symbolize violence or decay and black is death or evil. These colors could be simply foreshadowing the events to come and making the text more intricate.

                Although the Scorpion played a large part in this book the pearl is why the book developed as it did. In the beginning a pearl was seen as wealth, luck and providence. “A pearl that might be” (A perfect pearl) is the prophecy that Juana (Kino’s wife) and Kino had thought they’d fulfilled. They are overwhelmed with aspiration for Coyotito’s future and the possible life free from the shackles of poverty. Soon the pearl starts to exhibit greed not only from Kino but neighbors and friends of the family. Though the family is being hunted Kino refused to give up the pearl as his wise wife had wanted so badly to do. This gem started to be a catalyst of change within Kino and as it is simple and beautiful, however, it becomes a symbol of destruction and danger once entangled with ideas of materialistic values.

                Pearls were a very large fascination in Kino’s town, everyone wanted one but they broke more then what is seen. Kino’s canoe symbolized tradition and his link to his culture. Canoes were used for food, making a living, and in this scenario, to find the pearl. Furthermore, it’s very significant that the possession of the pearl leads directly to the raft’s destruction in chapter 5. Which symbolized Kino’s devastating decision to part with cultural heritage since he wished become acquisitive.

                So whether it be a pearl, canoe, scorpion, or a color symbolism can truly turn a story from one end of the spectrum to the other. Bringing in change of character and a life lesson worthy of understanding. 

Saudade

Authors Note: Coming from a Portuguese background I was influenced a lot by this word Saudade, used for the the nostalgic feeling in your gut when you miss something or someone. Possibly a home, like the people from Portugal when they arrived in a new country for a better life. Or wanting to feel those certain feelings again or seeing that place. It means a different thing to each person, just depends how you define your "Saudade". 

As feet lose ground, 

as memories lose focus,

a feeling high in longing. 
Saudade.

                                                                                             

As longing grows to miles 

And miles to years,

A feeling high in hope.
Saudade.

As years fly by 

and nostalgia remains,

here’s to hoping,
Saudade.

What was once

For the wind to decide,

Our feet graze earth

and pictures become reality.

Saudade.

Bored or Intrigued?

Authors Note: I analyzed two poems "Summer Grass" and "Song for a Surf-Rider" Both used figurative language to enhance their pieces. Using tone and mood to make their poems both intriguing and interesting. 

Most people start to yawn and get sleepy eyed mid way through the first chapter of a book. Maybe the plots boring or the theme is not what they prefer, or maybe figurative language should have been used more? That’s exactly what they did in both “Summer Grass” and “Song for a Surf-Rider” figurative language was used to enhance tone, mood, and interest in each poem.

In “Summer Grass” by Carl Sandburg and “Song for a Surf-Rider” Sara Van Alstyne Allen, imagery and figurative language was used immensely. Mostly to dramatize the text and add desire. For instance, in the stanza “His eyes flash with an emerald fire” it seems through this type of imagery that the author tries to replicate passion and aspiration, it also adds drama which makes the piece appealing. Also some metaphors and anaphora’s were used emplace of tiresome word choice. The anaphora in “Summer Grass” really emphasized the chronological order of the rain’s actions. It also mixed  in personification, giving it that extra significance.

The two author’s used this type of imagery to add importance of the events taking place. Also making it much more engaging and easy to read (it all flows together). In “Summer Grass” the imagery and anaphora’s made the author’s tone very calm and cool, almost effortless. Also in “Song for a Surf-Rider” the personifications made the tone seem strong and ready to overcome anyone and anything. Making both of these pieces very intriguing!

Although the figurative language in these pieces made the tone show through they also made me, as a reader, feel certain ways. For example, the different personifications from “Summer Grass” make it seem like your wildest dreams could come true and that bad times in your life will get better. Just like it did for the grass. But in “Song for a Surf-Rider” strong word choice and personifications made it a very powerful piece, giving you the feeling of invincibility and that you could overcome any obstacle. I for one gained different moods from each piece.

In both, “Summer Grass” and “Song for a Surf-Rider” figurative language made each poem sound a lot more sophisticated and anything but boring. Also affecting the tone and mood of the reader.  So maybe, from quality figurative language, instead of a yawn or stretch you can be smothered by the book pressed in to your face.