Hemingway Extra Credit

         I have never been away from my family or friends for an extended period of time that would result in feeling alienated from them, however, I can understand this type of situation involving Krebs and anyone else, and can sympathize with them. The difference in experiences did not change the way in which I viewed this story. If you have been gone for an indefinite amount of time, especially during the years in which you grow and become an adult, it would certainly be hard to return home the same exact person you were before you left. Krebs wasn’t simply on vacation, he was overseas during a war. Witnessing such tragedy would obviously have a major impact on one’s life, and being surrounded by that type of chaos on a daily basis could change your perspective on things. As the reader, I wasn’t fully able to identify with Krebs. Many people whom have read this piece might find a few similarities between them and Krebs here and there, but his term as a soldier and being apart of a tremendous battle is hard to fathom.

SSRJ#4 Carver

After reading this piece, I wasn't at all sure what to think of it. Being an extremely short story there wasn't much detail given by the author. The reason for the argument is unknown but it was clearly a serious matter if it ended in such turmoil. I thought that the symbolism in the story had to do with the flower pot that shattered. Both characters fought over who got to keep the baby. They each felt that they could take care of it better than the other, but their actions seemed to contradict their feelings when they began tugging and grabbing at the baby. The flower pot could have symbolized their inability to properly handle the situation they were in, or maybe it revealed how irresponsible they were for fighting over a fragile baby. The broken flower pot was also a little ironic; their fighting resulted in damaged life. With that being said, was the baby's life even in danger in this story? The author left the ending open to interpretation, but what decision was made at the end?

SSRJ#3 Colette

This short story, from what I was able to interpret, focused on relationships and growing to love what you admire and don't admire about a person. A young woman in love has a change of heart when she notices her "perfect" new husband's hand and how unattractive it was. She mentions that they had only known each other for a month before they got married, which isn't exactly enough time to get to know someone. I thought that the symbolism in this story was the hand. The young woman thought that she knew her husband very well, but she later on found out something she didn't like about him. Even though she didn't like his hand, she was able to move past it and love him for who he was. I sensed that she was began to question whether or not they got married too soon; the epiphany of "The Hand" seemed to overwhelm her. I was wondering why she mentioned that her husband was newly widowed and made it seem like a positive thing? Also, did the young woman realize in the end that she was in love with him despite "The Hand", or was she just accepting the fact that she did not know her husband very well, but would stay in the marriage amyway?

SSRJ#2 Hemingway

       The story "Soldier's Home" focuses on the life of a World War I soldier and the events that took place once he returned home. I was immediately sympathetic toward Krebs because of the horrific things he must have witnessed during the war, and even more so as the story went on to describe his emotionless personality and the distance between him and his family. My interpretation of the story was that his life was much different before he left for war, in terms of having more passion, motivation, and happiness. When he returned it seemed as though his time overseas forced him to become a stronger, more sensible person. Surely the things that he faced would affect him in that sense. 

       The symbolism in this story were the photographs mentioned in the beginning. One is of Krebs along with his fellow soldiers, the other is of himself, two German girls, and another soldier on the Rhine. These photographs reveal how Krebs is as a person. While he presents himself with a tough exterior, he could be hiding emotions and thoughts that no one knows about. A picture can only describe a moment so well; there might be a story behind the photograph. Krebs seemed to be content in this story, yet he knew that he wasn't reaching his full potential. He could have a girlfriend, but he didn't want to work for it since he thought the process was far too complicated. He wanted his life to be easy going and without any conflict, and avoided doing anything that might possibly interfere with that peace. 

       Why wouldn't Krebs try to show that he did care for his mother? Why was he so adamant on refraining from forming a relationship between his family or a girl? Why were his thoughts about the young girls in the story so repetitive? 

SSRJ#1 Chopin

        In the beginning of this story I couldn't help but feel sorry for Mrs. Mallard. I've never personally lost someone that I'm close with, but my best friend lost her dad a few years ago. I witnessed how the death of her dad had taken its toll, not only on herself, but her mom. Although she is usually one of the strongest people I know, the overwhelming shock and sadness that she felt was obvious. Mrs. Mallard initially had the same reaction; of course she would be upset by this news. As the story continued, however, I had a change of heart when Mrs. Mallard suddenly became over-joyed at the thought of her husband's death. 

       I can understand how the ability to do whatever you want without having to consider another person first would be nice, but I couldn't imagine feeling that way only moments after hearing what had happened. Clearly this sort of reaction was not expected by her sister or friend, whom decided to gently break the news to her considering her heart condition. Was this reaction possibly a way for her to avoid feeling the pain of losing her husband since the feelings are so overwhelming? Was she not in love with her husband to begin with? Even if she wasn't in love with her husband, wouldn't she still feel sad about losing someone she had known for so long, and was close with?

Hi, Everyone!

I'm Kristen! I'm seventeen years old and I'm apart of the high school enrichment program, which allows high school students (over the age of sixteen) to take two community college courses a semester. I'm a junior but plan on graduating this May. I was born in Santa Cruz, CA and lived there until I was twelve. My family and I moved to Folsom and have lived here for five years now; I absolutely love the beach so this area isn't really for me. I'm taking this course because it is a requirement for General Ed, and because I enjoy English and love to read and write. When I finish college I hope to become a veterinarian or vet tech; basically any job where I can help animals!