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Le Guin Omelas
Ursula K. Le Guin’s “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas” contrasts the idyllic city of Omelas with the suffering of a single child, forcing us to confront the moral implications of socital happiness built upon ones individual despair. Omelas, initially a picture of idyllic joy, is revealed to be built upon the torment of a child. Kept in a dark filthy room enduring a life of misery and despair. Even though the citizens of Omelas are aware of this child’s suffering. They choose to accept it as the price for their happiness. For example, the story describes the city’s annual Festival of Summer, as a joyous celebration filled with…
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James Baldwin Blog Post
In James Baldwin’s “Sonny’s Blues,” the motif of jazz music serves as a powerful tool through which the author explores themes of identity, community, and artistic expression. Through the character of Sonny, Baldwin delves into the impact music can have on one’s life. Jazz becomes important to Sonny’s identity. It allows him to explore his individuality and express himself. As a young boy, he immerses himself in the world of music, finding solace and purpose in its rhythms and harmonies. His dedication to the piano speaks to his desire to shape his own identity through artistic expression. However, societal pressures and expectations threaten to stifle his creativity. The harsh judgment…
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Toni Morrison Recitatif Blog Post
Toni Morrison utilizes ambiguity by withholding the explicit racial identities of Twyla and Roberta. This forces readers to rely on their own preconceived notions and biases, inviting multiple interpretations of the characters’ racial backgrounds. The opening scene, where Twyla recalls her mother’s comment about the other girls’ unwashed hair and peculiar smell, is begging for racial interpretation. The ambiguity surrounding Twyla’s mother’s racial identity and her attitude toward the other girls further complicates the narrative. Later, as Twyla recollects Roberta’s inability to read but her exceptional skill at jacks, readers may draw parallels to historical contexts of racial inequality in American education, where Black children were often denied access to formal…
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Blog Post: Act 3 Ariel & Caliban: Freedom & Servitude
Ariel and Caliban, embody different facets of servitude and freedom. Caliban, once oppressed by Sycorax, seeks to overthrow Prospero, revealing a distorted understanding of freedom. His desperation drives him to offer Prospero’s daughter as a means of liberation, highlighting the depth of his servitude. In contrast, Ariel, though bound to Prospero, enjoys a degree of autonomy, moving freely and carrying out tasks that demand intelligence and creativity.For example in Act 3 Scene 3 we see Ariel help Prospero further his endeavors by scaring king Alonzo and his cohort by making the dinner that Prospero had the spirits bring in for them disappear. Then delivering a stark cryptic warning as to…
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Blog Post 1
One central theme that both poems explore is the profound impact of the company that we keep , and how it affects our mental well-being. Dickinson emphasizes the importance of choosing our associates carefully, suggesting that our social circle can significantly shape our future. Poe delves deeper into this idea, demonstrating how our choices in relationships can have a profound effect on our psyche, leading us to actions we never thought possible. Ultimately, these poems offer valuable life lessons that transcend time.
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Blog Post 3
Whitman’s “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry” focuses on the shared experience of commuting but might overlook individual differences. The poem’s focus on the collective could overshadow individual perspectives. Additionally, Whitman’s idealized portrayal of the city might obscure underlying challenges and inequalities. A deeper exploration of urban life, including power dynamics, social structures, and personal struggles, would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the human condition in New York City.
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Introduction
Hi everyone! My name is Raymond. I’m a bit of a fish out of water, but I’m hoping to make a splash here! I’m a pretty laid-back person with a few hobbies that keep me busy. When I’m not working, you can usually find me swimming, tinkering with technology, or gaming. At LaGuardia, I’m hoping to make the most of all the opportunities available to me. Whether it’s joining resume writing workshops, attending other workshops, swimming, or simply connecting with other students, I’m excited to get to know people from various backgrounds. One of my biggest passions is swimming.