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Baldwin Blog Post
In “Sonny’s Blues,” James Baldwin uses jazz music to explore themes of identity, community, and the power of artistic expression. Through Sonny’s interactions with other characters, Baldwin illustrates how jazz music becomes a powerful means of expressing personal experience and emotions, revealing the struggles and hardships of life, while also showing how art can be a path to self-discovery. First, Baldwin explores the close connection between jazz music and identity through Sonny’s relationship with Creole. Creole is not only a skilled musician but also a guiding figure in Sonny’s musical journey. As Creole watches Sonny and helps him navigate the deep waters of music, he is not merely pushing Sonny…
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Week 6’s Blog Post
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Morrison Blog Post
In the story “Recitatif” by Toni Morrison, the author uses ambiguity and the absence of explicit racial markers to explore themes of identity, memory, and the complexities of race. This ambiguity allows Morrison to reveal the fluidity of racial identity and challenge the inherent assumptions society holds about race, prompting readers to reflect on issues of racial bias and cultural identity. Firstly, Morrison illustrates the uncertainty of racial identity through the two main characters, Twyla and Roberta. The story never explicitly identifies their races, leaving readers to infer their racial identities based on their behavior, language, and background. For instance, Twyla describes the differences between herself and Roberta, saying, “one…
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Week 6’s Blog Post
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LeGuin Blog Post
In “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas,” Ursula K. Le Guin uses the stark contrast between the idyllic city of Omelas and the suffering child to explore the ethics of societal happiness and the nature of morality. Le Guin presents Omelas as a utopian paradise, where the people live joyful, harmonious lives without suffering or poverty. However, this happiness is revealed to depend on the horrific suffering of an innocent child. Through this contrast, Le Guin invites readers to confront the troubling implications of a society that relies on sacrifice and raises questions about collective happiness and moral responsibility. Three examples in the story highlight this contrast and its…
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Week 6’s Blog Post
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Blog Post – How are the themes of servitude and freedom explored through the characters of Ariel and Caliban in Act III of The Tempest?
In Act III of Shakespeare’s The Tempest, Ariel and Caliban’s actions explore the theme of enslavement and freedom. Ariel, a spirit with supernatural abilities, is forced to serve Prospero. He chooses a tactic of obedience, viewing his compliance as the path to eventual freedom. Even though Ariel dislikes submission, he tolerates his enslavement patiently, believing that his loyalty will ultimately lead to his liberation. In contrast, Caliban seeks freedom through rebellion. He actively resents his enslavement and attempts to overthrow Prospero’s control. The contrast between Ariel’s compliant patience and Caliban’s active resistance highlights their different choices and interpretations of freedom under enslavement.
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BLOG POST #3
In the poem “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry,” Walt Whitman portrays a profound connection between individuals and the mass of commuters. He captures this shared experience through the commonality and the ongoing daily commute. For instance, Whitman writes, “Crowds of men and women attired in the usual costumes! How curious you are to me!” Whitman conveys a sense of curiosity toward his fellow commuters, noticing their common clothing and routines. Although these commuters seem like strangers, Whitman believes that they share a common experience, creating a sense of connection that transcends the superficial differences among them.
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Blog Post 1
Throughout “The Soul Selects Her Own Society,” I have gained insight into the autonomy of individual inner selections. The poem suggests that selections are not merely external actions but reflections of inner values. It implies that by making selections based on the soul’s true inclinations, one can remain steadfast and focused on what is truly important. This reflection prompts me to think how to balance engaging with society while preserving my own independent perspectives and integrating into social groups without compromising my personal values.
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Introduction
My name is RongRong Mazzara, although Maggie is a name I also respond to. My pronouns are she/her(s). I earned an Associate Degree in Classical Music with a specialization in Voice outside of the United States. I am a mother of two children. Currently, I am pursuing further education in Early Childhood Education. As a full-time paraprofessional in a public elementary school, I am tasked with assisting the class teacher and providing support to students in need within the classroom setting on a daily basis. Throughout the ongoing 2023-24 school calendar year, I have had the privilege of working closely with autistic children across various age groups, gaining invaluable experience…
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Introduction
