The Thing Around Your Neck

The chapter, "The Thing Around Your Neck", is told as if its Akunna's self conscious or voice inside. The voice is reiterating her actions and thought process. The narrator states, "you said okay, no problem" in regards to the family's wishes. There is no use of the words I or she towards the Akunna. The narrator speaks in the past as if she is going over events in thinking of how she can learn or teach. I think the chapter as a second person narrative in regards to Akunna's immigration to America. It starts off with an expectation she had envisioned with Americans owing guns, homes and cars, but the tone reflects that wasn't the case looking back. Through out the chapter we are learning as she did. We are lead down Akunna's life path guided by her reflection. I find Adichie's way of writing this is effortless and moving for a reader. 

We are given hope as did Akunna, but soon turned to a scene of her alone with something there wanting to end her. I think we can see ourselves in this form of writing. We are given hope with a new situation for example college, but as time progresses it's not sunshine because we get consumed by our new surroundings. Akunna is feeling trapped in a tiny, shabby, strange environment; her self conscious tells us this by stating, "something would wrap itself around you neck...nearly choked you". The voice is telling us what happened in Akunna's life at the time, but then continues on with the thing disappearing with time.  We are told of love and a new job for her. This writing is a self reflection, but also a story for us. Possibly, the voice is telling us and Akunna of what happened because possibly, she may not remember. 

Opening the book readers are wondering what is the thing around the neck. I came upon the Akunna's encounter with it and it's so simple to the chapter, but so interesting. I find the whole chapter's point of view fascinating. We are in Akunna's mind process of everything that happened. We see her thought of America soon change into something not so luxurious. We reflect on what she did. We are listening to Akunna's memory speak to us and her about her self survival. 

Persepolis Film

I have never been into graphic novels or comic books. It has always been hard for me to like because I would tend to get bored. So, knowing we would be watching a film set up in this manner made me a little uneasy. But I was also anticipating that it could help me clear up feelings towards the reading. At times I struggled following the history as well as Marjane. I was glad to find that the film did help clear up the plot as well as the character's feelings and actions. I like film because they put characters in movement and you get to hear and see it play out. But it was helpful reading before hand because the book was vey well done; with that I think the movie is well done too. I would assume she helped with the process of creation. In my opinion, it really hasn't left out anything major. The things that stuck out to me in the book have been mentioned in the film. Sadly, with films it can be hard to stop and reflect unlike reading you can put the book down. 

I have enjoyed how the film still uses the work of color or grey scale. It allows emotions to move with the character. It represents Marjane's growing up process. It also can reflect the culture in the background and the events of Iran. Really, I think the scenes follow the book well and enjoy having things explained more. It brings a deeper understanding. 

Persepolis

Identity 

"Veiled and separated" Marji in amongst a revolution that frames her to be veiled and demanded along a religious path (4). This path is not of her choosing because before she was of her own religion. She thought she were to be a prophet; her identity was a prophet, one who was sent to preach for God. As a very young child her life was centered on the Lord and His plan for her. The first few pages show God entering into her view.

But soon her prophet identity was casted away due to the revolution; then God was casted away. She was left empty as her land collapsed around her (71). She was to be veiled from education, expression and protest. There was a certain persona expected of an Iran woman, but Marji lacked that. She soon developed a love for Western culture like music and accessories. But this was disliked by her cities culture, but it was her personal identity.

Her development as a person had been influenced by war and Iran's rulings. In the beginning she believed that God had sent her to help and bring peace amongst her until an important figure was taken from her. Soon anger fled over her in regard to the surroundings. She is torn of the rules inflicted on her, but wants to defend her country. She is against war as well as the revolutions rulings. She is being torn in directions of identity. Her dislike of the rules regarding women make her stand out, but as she grows she starts to conform to her new surroundings in Switzerland. For example, she follows along with tripping, but doesn't enjoy partying. As well she speaks her opinion on war in Iran and outsides the border. Marji battles with her identity of going against the grain or conforming. She is an Iran women who is blessed with nice things, but some things do not agree with the veil. 

Note To Self

I'm still very young and compared to Maya Angelou not as experienced or developed. I don't know if I have a lot to give to a younger self, but I wish to try. Maya Angelou said to find a piece of art and to admire it. Right now I appreciate movies as an art and I enjoyed them as a child, but not with actual thought and feeling.


Dear first grade Maire Kate,

You are probably too young to even understand this, but I know mom would help you. You enjoy movies and see characters then go and enjoy acting them out. As you grow don't lose that love with movies, but instead of acting them out, learn from them. I'm still not proud of us acting as a "mean girl" or "popular girl". I would love for you to understand that popularity doesn't matter. Please don't find joy in bossing kids on the playground or wanting people to follow you around. It's mean and not pretty. You will soon regret it and get a taste of rudeness. But I'm also proud that you will grow out of it; sadly, you will get a taste of it as you grow, but don't let it bring you down. I wish for you to learn young and have your eyes opened. Then again you will become aware of things as you grow. I just don't wish regret upon us and if I could change that mean act I would.

When the eye opening act comes don't wish pain upon yourself because you are so much more than the pain inside you. It stinks that we are given moments of conflict and despair, but it will be worth it. Don't lose your love for movies because they will bring joy and creativity; even as you grow that love for movies will develop into more. I also ask of you to stop and appreciate all around you because in those moments of despair you will need what you have. You are so blessed. Not just with a loving family, but with a school filled with people and ways of learning and development. Stop thinking of yourself as the popular or mean girls did, but stop and listen or speak with someone you wouldn't. You will learn you're a better person if you put yourself last in certain situations. Give everyone a chance even if others around you aren't because they will see your kindness and confidence to reach out. Overall learn to learn.

P.S. I recommend you save this letter and reread it each school year.

Girl Interrupted

Daisy allowing visitors scene

POSTED, no trespassing! Susanna stands outside Daisy's private wishing to offer Daisy laxatives. Laxatives being a help to patients with eating disorders, Daisy lets Susanna enter; as she enters the camera focuses to Lisa who is always interested in the wards doings. Soon the scene is turned to Lisa running the show between the three of them. Daisy is desperate for laxatives while Susanna is willing to give it to her, Lisa doesn't quite agree. Susanna gives the laxative, Daisy gives the valium and Lisa gets the valium. Ending with Daisy getting busted with her chicken under the bed; once she reaches five Valerie makes her throw them out.

All the ladies are in need of something; that is why they have been sent to Claymoore. When digesting this scene I think why are Daisy, Lisa and Susanna there? Through a doctor's scope Daisy has an eating disorder. Lisa is a sociopath and Susanna has multiple personality disorder. But why be sent somewhere when you already have what you need?

Daisy is in need of laxatives to fake that she is eating. Even though she hides chickens that her father brings under her bed. She tares them apart like a ritual and dumps it until Valerie makes her throw them out. Why is she there when the nurse doesn't even attempt to help her? Is Claymoore's way of helping by not giving her laxatives? She can't eat or poop in front of anyone, so she needs Susanna. As for Susanna why was she seeking friendship from a girl that would be leaving? Soon Lisa comes in and runs the group. Daisy gets her laxatives as Lisa receives the valium, while Susanna gets approval from Lisa. Something that Lisa desires, control.

Daisy's family is wasting money on Claymoore and soon they will waste money on an apartment for her; Daisy is not bettering herself because she gets everything she wants. I'm still pondering if Susanna got what she wished by entering Daisy's room. I think she received a confidant in Lisa, but Lisa just wants to control the area. She had a "buddy" prior to her escape that is soon replaced by Susanna do to Lisa's return. All will end up hurt if they continue to get what they want. Claymoore is a rabbit hole of money loss and relationships behind bars.

The scene shows how there is no happy ending with Claymoore. I feel as if the ladies will still be washed up when they leave. They can escape when they want or leave if possible. There is no benefit besides a small vacation with empathy because you connect with other women. It's unrealistic. In the words of Lisa "that's fucked up". Messed up that Daisy can sort chicken and store it under her bed. Messed up that Susanna is getting comfortable as the cab driver advised her not to. Messed up that Lisa escapes and is able to come back with no problem.

The Letter~Close Reading

September 5, 2016
Close Reading on The Letter by Mary Cassatt  

Oddly when I first saw this painting I thought ‘why is she eating the envelope?’. Then it was stated that she is sealing the envelope to be sent. The painting is done by Mary Cassatt around the time of 1890 or 1891. Her ideas of seclusion and inequality of women in society are brought to life through her Japanese themed piece. Cassatt has painted a woman alone with her letter, preparing to send it off. The woman is of Japanese culture due to her patterned dress and patterned wallpaper. The lady is also made with black hair that is a common Japanese trait. Cassatt has made her our subject and brings viewers to think is this another woman trapped, dwindled by society?  

Viewers are given another possible piece regarding seclusion for women. Our subject is of course alone and in my opinion lost. Her eyes are casted down, possibly over thinking her newly written letter. Stated in A Room of One’s Own, for women to express oneself through writing she would need a private room and money. Both items were not popular among women in this time frame as it was a male dominated culture. “the inferiority of women, for if they were not inferior, they would cease to enlarge.” (Wolfe 36). This quote explains how men dominate women for men to be superior. In general, men would not exist without women, but men take the credit for plenty. With that women were not known for anything than being at home.

As stated before, I thought she was eating the envelope. This comment is strange and highly unlikely, but it makes me consider what if she did consider destroying the letter. Viewers imaginations can wander far with what she could have written. In our previous readings in class, it was uncommon for women to be public of their thoughts and writings. They lived in secret due to men would judge and ridicule them. With the woman’s eyes being cast down, did she feel anxious to send the letter? She is clearly gazing upon it and she is alone. Was there doubt among her? Her hair is faded; we can infer that she has experience of her world. But was her life lived?

Cassatt’s piece like most paintings leave us to imagine. Imagine what her life was like as a Japanese woman in a time of male domination. Cassatt adds to the remembrance of women’s old rights. This woman had thoughts and hopefully she is getting them out through her letter. We are able to reflect on the possibilities and strength woman hold. Women truly dominated man even though that idea was hidden among society. I leave on this quote “an enormous body of masculine opinion to the effect that nothing could be expected of women intellectually." (Woolf 54). Males put down women out of fear.

Significant Place

Maire Kate Ritchie
Lives and Times
Significant Place
August 24, 2016

                           You're fully at peace, sitting in silence. There are no distractions or worries because you feel as if there is no one around. Worn, concrete steps rest under me as I breathe in the crisp air of harvest that surrounds the land. Being alone full of thoughts, thoughts I can put into affect unlike the Shakespeare's sister in A Room of One's Own. 
                            Concrete sounds hard, but my family worked hard and still does for the farm my Grandma Morrissey owns. Farming is rooted in me because of the previous farms in Ireland of my ancestors. When I was younger my parents divorced and I spent a few years living with my grandma, mom and sister. Once moved out, visits were always anticipated. The steps were used as a base in games or spots for story telling. Stories that bring history alive. The smells of fresh picked or planted crops swarm you along with fresh breeze off the trees. You can't only just smell you can open your eyes to the beauty and the history that underlays the soil. I can sit there with memories beneath me. My grandmother's font steps can bring me back to being a humble child full of life. If those steps have made it so can I. I know where I'm from and that I can push forward for more.