moodle is being impossible

can we ost our final or just email it?

Literature we studied this semester

What have I learned from the literature we studied this semester?

Trough out this semester I have enjoyed learning many important key terms that are important when you want to be a better writer and reader. Literature like Persepolis was something really new to me. However I really enjoyed the book overall. I learned lot from the Iranian culture and some of their history. I found it a bit hard to understand initially but I kept on reading and the discussions in class were also very informative. I’m glad I took the time to read it. The Glass Menagerie was also new and interesting literature to me. I enjoyed the activities in class with the play and I found it very interesting how people can interpret the one thing into many different ideas.  In Dubious Battle was a very sad but true story. At times I found the book boring and also hard to understand but I read and re read it. I found it had a meaningful cause and was actually not that bad. The discussions were also appreciated and I enjoyed hearing the different ways people interpret the book.   One very important thing I learned were the different types of critical thinking theories. We were introduced to 7 of them but the one I always found myself doing was the reader response.  This will help me better understand future literature and essays to come. I also want to take the time to thank all my classmates for great feedback and support when editing my essays.

Peer review for Final

The peer review in class once again was very helpful.  I had two other students review my essay. I got a lot of positive feedback from them however they made me realize that my main idea was a bit unclear. I need to work on transitional sentences. I was told that I jump from one idea to another and that was confusing for the reader. I also had time to dissect my paragraphs and realize that I could add to some and take away from some. I also have to find one more source and add it to my essay. Lastly , I need to come up with my conclusion which for me is the hardest to do without sounding repetitive.

Rough draft of final paper 12/9/11

                                                        Reality Strike                                                  Nancy Duarte                                                                                                          

                                                                                                                           English 1B

                                                                                                                              12/08/11

In the book in Dubious Battle by John Steinbeck the author introduces historical events from apple to cotton strikes in California. Steinbeck was born in the farming town of Salinas California on February 27, 1902.  He grew to be a well known writer that was always engaged with place, social inequality, and human rights. “More than any other writer of the United States in the 1900s, he remained engaged in the struggles of his country. He wrote social histories in the 1930s; deeply ecological works in the 1940s; early accounts of the Cold War when covering the Soviet Union in 1947; cultural studies of Mexico and Mexicans from the mid-1930s to the mid-1950s; and in the 1960s increasingly concerned essays about the people of the United States, including accounts of the U.S. war in Vietnam. John Steinbeck, winner of the 1962 Nobel Prize, wrote as the conscience of his country for nearly 40 years”.

Through the book in Dubious Battle Steinbeck suggest that there is something essentially wrong with an economic system that starves and oppresses its labor.  In Dubious follows Jim Nolan through the quest of finding himself and how he becomes involved with the labor cause that later cost him his life. The story takes place in a small fictional town called Torgas valley. The time era is 1930’s and I think a big reason why he wrote this book had a lot to do with the Great Depression that also took place in the 1930’s. The books ironies and pessimistic portrayal of capitalism leave the reader wondering if there is any justice in our labor laws today.   

In the beginning of the book we are introduced to a young man by the name of Jim Nolan. As the book initiates he is saying good bye to his land lady Mrs. Meer. He is getting ready to depart from his old pointless life and begin a new one by joining “the party”. The first chapters gives the reader a lot of background information on Jim and his family. For example he goes on to tell us his dad had plans to blow up the slaughter house where he worked. But instead he was shot in the chest from a riot bomb. He gives the reader the sense that Jim’s dad was an angry drunk; his mom had no say in anything and basically followed the dad’s rules. Shortly he reveals his mom dies as well, and his older sister mysteriously disappears one evening when they were young teens.

As he continues to tell Nilson about his life I realize that Nilson is reviewing some sort of application Nolan Submitted to join the party. Nilson tells Jim he will submit the application but it’s really up to the men to except it. The author never really tells the reader what the party actually is. But as I read on I concluded it was some sort of organization that stands up for the pickers rights. Jim learns of such organization when he was put in jail for vagrancy. Nilson asked Jim why he wanted to join the party he says, “In jail there were some Party men. Their life weren’t messes. They were working toward something. I want to work toward something. I feel dead. I thought I might get alive again” (8). As I read this quote it gave me a better understanding of Jim’s life and how hopeless he felt. It amazed me how willing he was to just leave everything and try to join the Party. I could tell he really had no real idea of what he was getting himself into but as long as it had a cause he was for it. Jim was just trying to make something of his life. I got the sense that he hated his life and wanted to be a part of something bigger.  In that same chapter Jim says something I could really connect to and understand. He says to Nilson, “Did you ever work at a job where, when you got enough skill to get a raise in pay, you were fired and a new man put in? Did you ever work in a place where they talked about loyalty to the firm, and loyalty meant spying on the people around you? Hell I’ve got nothing to lose” (10). The author chose specific words that perhaps readers now a day can connect to. I really understand what Jim is talking about because I’ve seen it happen over and over in the retail business. It breaks my heart to admit it but most managers are forced to get rid of good workers because of their earned raises. It’s hard to believe but there is always someone out there willing to do your job at a cheaper cost.

In the next few chapters we are introduced to some of the members of the Party. Nilson takes Jim to a cottage where he meets Mac, Dick, and Joy. Mac seems to be the leader in the Party. Dick is describes as very handsome and uses his looks to get anything out of anyone. Joy is and old restless veteran. He just goes on about how he was beaten for speaking his mind.  As soon as Jim arrives he is put to work on typing some kind of letter. It’s hard to say what the party members are up to. Shortly after typing 20 copies Jim and Mac walk out and start looking for mailboxes. As they walk Jim does most of the talking he goes on about why he wanted to join the party, and he talks more about how the Party men are mad at the whole Capitalist system. Then basically Mac tells Jim he is happy to have him as part of the party.

Later on Mac mentions that a Growers Association in Torgas Valley had announced a pay cut to their pickers. Mac thinks this is a good opportunity to head over there and start a ruckus since the pickers are really upset about the pay cut. So they plan to head over and start working as apple pickers all the while they start an undercover plan to eventually start a strike with all the men down there. The idea is to fire up all the apple pickers to get them to strategically strike against the capitalist system. Eventually if they are successful the cotton pickers won’t be taken advantage of in the near future.

Jim's character

How does Jims characteization progress to a point where he is similar to the growers?


One particular scene comes to my head when a young kid was accused of burnung down the barn. and Mac gives him the beating of his life and when Jim is asked about it he seem so heartless about the whole incident. In the beginning Jim seems to be a bit caring but as he works along the side to Mac his character changes drastically. Im really not too sure how he can be compared to the groers but if i had to guess. I have to say its because like the growers Jim is now thinking more like a capatilist and like them he is willing to do whatever it takes to stand up for what he deserves even if it means screwing people over to meet his objective. The growers are doing the same they want to survive themselves but at the cost of the pickers.

RR In Dubious Battle

                                Reader Response on In Dubious Battle

In the beginning of the book we are introduced to a young man by the name of Jim Nolan. As the book initiates he is saying good bye to his land lady Mrs. Meer. He is getting ready to depart from his old pointless life and begin a new one by joining “the party”. The first chapters give the reader a lot of background information on Jim and his family. For example he goes on to tell us his dad had plans to blow up the slaughter house where he worked. But instead he was shot in the chest from a riot bomb. He gives the reader the sense that Jim’s dad was an angry drunk; his mom had no say in anything and basically followed the dad’s rules. Shortly he reveals his mom dies as well, and his older sister mysteriously disappears one evening when they were young teens.

As he continues to tell Nilson about his life I realize that Nilson is reviewing some sort of application Nolan Submitted to join the party. Nilson tells Jim he will submit the application but it’s really up to the men to except it. The author never really tells the reader what the party actually is. But as I read on I concluded it was some sort of organization that stands up for the pickers rights. Jim learns of such organization when he was put in jail for vagrancy. Nilson asked Jim why he wanted to join the party he says, “In jail there were some Party men. Their life weren’t messes. They were working toward something. I want to work toward something. I feel dead. I thought I might get alive again” (8). As I read this quote it gave me a better understanding of Jim’s life and how hopeless he felt. It amazed me how willing he was to just leave everything and try to join the Party. I could tell he really had no real idea of what he was getting himself into but as long as it had a cause he was for it. Jim was just trying to make something of his life. I got the sense that he hated his life and wanted to be a part of something bigger.  In that same chapter Jim says something I could really connect to and understand. He says to Nilson, “Did you ever work at a job where, when you got enough skill to get a raise in pay, you were fired and a new man put in? Did you ever work in a place where they talked about loyalty to the firm, and loyalty meant spying on the people around you? Hell I’ve got nothing to lose” (10). The author chose specific words that perhaps readers now a day can connect to. I really understand what Jim is talking about because I’ve seen it happen over and over in the retail business. It breaks my heart to admit it but most managers are forced to get rid of good workers because of their earned raises. It’s hard to believe but there is always someone out there willing to do your job at a cheaper cost.

In the next few chapters we are introduced to some of the members of the Party. Nilson takes Jim to a cottage where he meets Mac, Dick, and Joy. Mac seems to be the leader in the Party. Dick is describes as very handsome and uses his looks to get anything out of anyone. Joy is and old restless veteran. He just goes on about how he was beaten for speaking his mind.  As soon as Jim arrives he is put to work on typing some kind of letter. It’s hard to say what the party members are up to. Shortly after typing 20 copies Jim and Mac walk out and start looking for mailboxes. As they walk Jim does most of the talking he goes on about why he wanted to join the party, and he talks more about how the Party men are mad at the whole Capitalist system. Then basically Mac tells Jim he is happy to have him as part of the party.

Later on Mac mentions that a Growers Association in Torgas Valley had announced a pay cut to their pickers. Mac thinks this is a good opportunity to head over there and start a ruckus since the pickers are really upset about the pay cut. So they plan to head over and start working as apple pickers all the while they start an undercover plan to eventually start a strike with all the men down there. The idea is to fire up all the apple pickers to get them to strategically strike against the capitalist system. Eventually if they are successful the cotton pickers won’t be taken advantage of in the near future.

To be continue...

Difficulty Paper

Trouble Reading??

Well to be completely honest initially I was hesitant to start the book just because of the time era it was written. When I did push myself to start reading, I found myself lost constantly. I had trouble comprehending their slang. So I found myself having to re read many sections. If that wasn’t enough the topic didn’t really interest me that much. However when I got the middle of the book I was intrigued  as to how Mac a character in the story is not well educated but understand the dynamics of organizing a successful strike. It was interesting to see how he used people for the cause. I do believe his heart was in the right place but to what cost? That’s really the only thing that drew my attention. Also compared to the UFC website the book doesn’t really go into detail as to the conditions were these workers lived. It would have been a little more interesting I think. I’m curious to find out if the strike is effective and if so how? For now that is what is getting me through the book, I’m just hoping for a happy ending. In addition I really don’t understand Jim or his character. Initially he rally has no directive and when he joins the party he doesn’t really have a voice. I can tell he looks up to Mac but I’m curious to find out how he transitions to a man with a cause.

Reflection

Reader Response on UFW

I choose to paraphrase some of the quotes posted by the actual workers who endure the real pain of working in the fields. I went through the website throughlly and was very indecisive about choosing a topic to focus on.  What drew my attention was under the Organizing column and it read “workers voices”. I was really curious as to what they had to say. When I got to view their comments I was astonished when I read what they had to say. One in particular really touched my heart. I worker named Teodoro Gutierrez.

  “Teodoro Gutierrez noticed dirt in what was supposed to be his crew’s drinking water.  He decided to let his foreman know to change it. Instead of providing workers with clean, drinking water, the foreman threw the dirty water out and left the crew thirsty for the remainder of the hot work day”.  “The foreman, they always cheat us,” he said.

I was in real disbelief after reading this. I could not imagine the necessity of all those people that have to put up with such horrid conditions. Some other workers said that their bosses were bothered or got upset when they asked for water. I can’t imagine what kind of human being would deny another one water, especially after all their hard work and dedication. If I were in their situation I couldn’t even imagine how I would contain myself from really giving them a piece of my mind and frustration. There were other comments like one by Pedro Zapien,   “Sometimes full days would go by and they would never bring the bathrooms”, he says. I ask myself how is this going on in the U.S. where are the human rights, and if we have any who enforces them? I have so many questions as to why people still today are treated incredibly unfair at their work place. Even when most of the people working in the fields are immigrant’s gives no one the right to treat them worst them humans.

ufw.org

United Farm Workers

I visited the website and I was amazed at all the great information this website provides.  I quickly noticed that Cesar Chavez was and still is a huge icon in the Farming industry. I learned that he was one of the few people who fought for the rights of migrants workers.  I read that he helped hundreds of mistreated farmers all around the United States.

I also learned that this foundations vision is to “provide farm workers and other working people with the inspiration and the tools to share in society’s bounty”. I found this web site very heartwarming because I also read several articles on the same cite. I was shocked to see the conditions and environments the farmers have to live on and work with. It was heart breaking to see the many farming companies are profiting millions, but won’t offer their hard working employees a decent place to live in or even work at. One article in particular really got me upset it was called “Migrant woes: bed bugs, foul toilets, and illness”. This article was a real eye opener for me. I really never thought of such situations. I can’t believe that such circumstances are not illegal and even more astonished at the fact that there are millions of immigrants that are willing to work under these deadly conditions.

 The site also covers a lot of media coverage like news reports on migrant workers. Mostly everything is emphasizing on human rights but more specifically they show us how severe the conditions are. Overall the site was very informative and I enjoyed how each section was broken down. Also I was able to make more sense of the novel we read. I can see the relevance in the frustration for the farmers.                                                                                    

I choose these pictures because it shows how the workers work really hard to go home to almost nothing. It really saddens me to think of such cruel treatment.

Feedback

                                                       Feedback

I had two other students review my rough draft paper. I’m happy to say that my classmates suggested really great ideas and feedback. Initially I was a bit skeptical about peer editing however I am satisfied with my review. According to one of my classmates I need more work on my conclusion. Also Omar brought to my attention that my essay had no chronological order. He also gave me great tips on were and how to break off my paragraphs. I appreciated his positive feedback as much as his negative. Kevin added that I was missing a title and transitional language to let the reader know I am switching ideas.

I plan to come up with a conclusion because truly I didn’t have one on my rough draft. N my opinion I could probably add more personal connections with the writer. I’m going to need help with transitional language. So I plan on going to the reading and writing center. I am hoping they can be of some help. I know my grammar is not perfect, I plan to read and re read my paper to minimize grammar errors.  

week 6

Rough Draft: 1

Persepolis

 In the book Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi we are introduced to a young girl who is eager to find her place in society. Initially we are introduced to a young and innocent ten year old girl growing up in Tehran. Marjane gives the reader a good sense of what life was like in Iran while the revolution was going on. As Marjane is exposed to the war in Iran, the death of family, and the constant struggle of social injustice, we see how and why she chooses to rebel against her school, religion, and government. We see how her surroundings shape her way of thinking and eventually help defy her personality. She shows us many examples of what life is like for a husband, wife, child and even lower class people. She is a rebel and loves to stand up for what she believes in and that is why I applaud her on her quest to rebel against such a repressive government.

Marjane starts out the book by introducing us to the veil. She quickly states that the Islamic revolution took place in 1979. It shows that even early on she has that rebellions attitude as she states “We didn’t really like to wear the veil, especially since we didn’t understand why we had to”(3).In my opinion I think that not liking to wear the veil is reason enough not to wear it. In this case Marjane uses the excuse of not really understanding the concept of having to wear the veil. It gives the reader an idea of her defiant but also not eve attitude. In addition she adds that it becomes mandatory to wear the veil. Besides all the background Marjane gives us on Iran I appreciated her stance on the veil. It really changed my stereotypical thinking about why women choose to wear it. From personal experience I know that some Christian women wear the veil too. But I always thought that they were forced to put it on once entering a church. My sister in law wears it when she prays and when she’s at church. She tells me it’s a sign of respect. I guess out of ignorance I never really made sense of it. But Marjane brought to my attention that not too long ago (1980) they passed a law that made it obligatory for girls to wear the veil. Another example of her rebelliousness is the time when there in school and it seems that every time she gets the chance to mock the revolution she takes full advantage of it. Here she states “Every situation offered an opportunity for laughs: like when we had to knit winter hoods for the soldiers” (97).  Satrapi reminds me of your typical class clown. She goes out of her way to get attention from her peers and especially her teachers. Even though she is getting herself and her classmates into trouble in her view she was also making a point. Lastly my favorite example is when Satrapi goes to the extreme of getting physical with her principal. If that doesn’t make a statement I don’t know what does.  In this circumstance Satrapi is told several times that she cannot wear jeans or bracelets to school. But being the rebel that she is she decides to test the principal so the following day she wears the bracelet it again. After the principal demands that Satrapi hands over the bracelet she lets her know that she isn’t giving up anything. This is when the principal thinks its okay to grab her and take it from her, however Satrapi won’t have it and she fights back. I think that by her defying her principle she has done the ultimate revolt. In my opinion by defying the highest authority in this case (the principle) she has won a battle. I think it meant a lot to Satrapi to stand up for herself in front of all her peers.

Marjane also shows what her faith is and also how it changes as she grows. In the beginning she talks about becoming a prophet. She keeps these thoughts and dreams between herself, grandma and, God. She doesn’t dare tell anyone else about her aspirations. When she talks about being a prophet she comes off very innocent and it’s almost as if life hasn’t hit her yet.  A little later in the book the whole idea of her becoming a prophet becomes distant and the little by little it dies.  I think as she experiences really bad situations her faith in god slowly disappears. Moreover, I also think that Anoosh Marjanes uncle is really important character in Marjanes life. In the following chapter Marjane says “So my father was not a hero…If only he had been in prison” (54). There’s also a picture of her telling her friends lies about her father being tortured. She seems to take pride instantly as she learns that uncle Anoosh has been in prison. He later shares his life story with her. He tells her how he ran from the Shah, later to be imprisoned for 9 years, and lastly he told her about his failed marriage and kids he had. In addition, later in that same chapter uncle Anoosh says to Marjane “I tell you all this because it’s important that you know. Our family memory must not be lost. Even If it’s not easy for you, even if you don’t understand it all” (60).  This quote really intrigued me because from what I can tell he realizes that Marjane is still a child but it’s almost as he chooses to tell her all these stories so it’s not forgotten or people like him are not forgotten. I think that uncle Annosh is a very important character to the story because Marjane sees him like a hero. When uncle Anoosh is arrested and later executed Marjane feels really sad and lost. I think that Anoosh was big support and living prove of what Marjane believes in. After he is executed I think that she is angry and she shuts everyone out of her life including God. After she learns that uncle Anoosh was captured and in jail and Marjane has the honor of being his last visitor. I think this scene had a huge impact on Satrapi. I think she feels that it’s very unfair that they execute him too. This is when Marjane loses her faith in god. That night when she gets home she’s in bed and god comes to see her and ask “Marji, what seems to be the problem?” Marjane responds “shut up, you! Get out of my life!!! I never want to see you again! Get out!” (70). I think that Marjane is once again very disappointed in god possibly because she thinks that her situation is unjust and god does nothing for her. I think that Satrapi is still a little young to understand why these things happen. And being young and gullible she says these horrible words. After this scene Satrapi doesn’t really talk about god or any other type of religion she becomes more involved in the demonstrations and standing up to her government. She even compares herself to Che Guevara and Fidel Castro.

 One of the quotes that got my attention was “For a revolution to succeed, the entire population must support it” (17).  This is said when Marjane is trying to convince her parents to allow her to attend a demonstration. Her parents won’t allow it because it is too dangerous. But Marjane won’t have it she is tired of demonstrating in her garden and wishes her parents would understand. I felt that this is a very direct and strong statement, almost like it was being said by an adult. I think that this situation shows her maturity and how she as a young individual wants to support her country. However, I much understand why her parents won’t allow her to attend. I think that Marjane is really mad at this stage of her life. This quote helped me better understand Marjane because her statement is very strong and confirms her position as a revolutionary. These are strong words used by Satrapi when she is trying to persuade her parents to allow her to join them in the demonstrations. However as hard as she tries her parents agree that she is too young and the demonstrations are far too dangerous.  Despite her parents warnings Satrapi later on decides she understands the reasons for the revolution. She makes the decision of disobeying her parents and goes out to demonstrate with her maid Mehri. Here Satrapi shows us that despite her parent’s rules she must stand up for what she feels is right, even if it means getting slapped in the face by her mother for disobeying.  Later on she tells about the time her mom actually allowed her to come to the demonstration. As she was passing out flyers a fight broke out and she says, “For the first time in my life, I saw violence with my own eyes” (76). I think this scene is also life changing for Marjane. She gets to see firsthand what it’s like to be out demonstrating and how bad a situation can get. That was the last demonstration they attended. I think that it had to have a huge impact on her as a child but also was good because in a way it helped her mature and after this she is no longer the innocent 10 year old girl we were introduced to. Another way Satrapi rebels against her repressive government is by listening to punk music, wearing sneakers, jewelry, and tight jeans. She evens puts herself in dangerous situations when she has to go to the black market to buy herself two Kim Wilde and Camel tapes.  In this situation we see how she goes out of her way to get the stuff that is banned. To me it’s like she’s doing these things because it goes against what the government allows. Her parents are also very supportive of her westernized ways. More so the mom than her dad Marjane states “for an Iranian mother, my mom was very permissive, I only knew two or three other girls who could go out alone at thirteen.”(131). I think her liberty also gives her some sense of pride because like she said she didn’t know that many other girls that were allowed to do the things she did. I think this was a positive thing and it also added to her rebellion because she it gave her a sense of maturity and capacity.  Her parents too put themselves at risk when Marjane asked them to bring her back items like, denim jacket, two rock posters.  She goes through the trouble of sowing in the posters to her husband’s jacket and they somehow smuggle them back into Iran. That is very risky business if you ask me. I think that Marjanes opinion on her government has to do a lot with how she is raised by her parents. They lead by example and they have created a very smart and opinioned young girl. Her parents realize what a rebel she has become and how she is in danger in Iran.

Week 4

Persepolis Prompt 1

Reading “Persepolis” by Marjane Satrapi was a new experience for me. At first I did not comprehend what I was reading. I found myself reading and re-reading the first few chapters. I guess what threw me off was that I had very little prior knowledge of the history of Iran. After reading the beginning of the book and really understanding the author, I thought the book was really fun.  I enjoyed her detailed pictures, often found myself trying to read deeper through her descriptive pictures. I don’t think that I’ve ever read any book that between fiction and nonfiction. Reading this book I learned many valuable things about the Iranian culture. I enjoyed how in the beginning the main character is only a 10 year little girl. I appreciate how through the story we see her grow and mature as an independent intellectual young lady. Marjane gives the reader a good sense of what life was like in Iran while the revolution was going on. She shows us many examples of what life was like as a husband, wife, child, and even lower class people.

Besides all the background satrapi gives us on Iran I appreciated her stance on the veil. It really changed my stereotypical thinking about why women choose to wear it. From personal experience I know that some Christian women wear the veil too. But I always thought that they were forced to put it on once entering a church. My sister in law wears it when she prays and when she’s at church. She tells me it’s a sign of respect. I guess out of ignorance I never really made sense of it. But satrapi brought to my attention that not too long ago (1980) they passed a law that made it obligatory for girls to wear the veil.  I support and applaud Satrapi in her quest to rebel against such a submissive government.  

Another topic in the book that really changed my perspective was wealth. Eventhough Marjane is telling her life as upper class girl. She shows us many examples of how having money changes certain situations for her family. On Page 110 “their faith has nothing to do with ideology! A few bills were all he needed to forget the whole thing” says Marjanes father. Here the family was at close risk at getting caught with alcohol in their house. However money comes to the rescue when the father offers the officer a couple of bills to forget the whole ordeal. That is all it takes for the officer to leave the family alone. Another example is on page 99 “They gave this to my son at school. They told the boys that if they went to war and were lucky enough to die, this key would get them into heaven” says Mrs. Nasrine. This part of the story really shocks me. First of all I could not believe that they would do such a thing at a school. Bu t what topped it off was what they were telling the young boys in order to get them ready for what was ahead of them.  In that same chapter as their maid is going through disaster of possibly losing her son, Marjane is on the phone getting invited to a party. It’s almost as if Marjane doesn’t completely understand the severity of the situation.

……..

week #3

Week #3

I think that what happens in the chapter The Heroes has a huge impact on Marjanes life. After Marjane hears all the violent stories that Siamak and Mohsen share of how they were tortured. I also think that this experience has made her mature in a way. To be more specific I think when Marjane hears how Ahmadi was tortured, whipped, burned, and finally cut into pieces it really disturbs her. Moreover, I also sense some envy by Marjane towards Laly because her father was considered a hero. For example on page 52 on the bottom left Laly is standing big and tall in front of tiny Marjane. I think this picture says a lot more than “Maybe, but my father is a hero” says Laly. I think that this is how Laly is making her feel (tiny). To get back to the theme, I think that the stories that she heard had a negative impact on her. For example on page 53, where she is playing with her friends after the torture stories she talks about playing games like mustache on fire,the twisted arm, and mouth filled with garbage. She even goes as far as saying “Back home that evening, I had the diabolical feeling of power.” I believe that after she hears the cruel stories she thinks of the torture games to play on her friends.

 Moreover, I also think that Anoosh Marjanes uncle is really important character in Marjanes life. In the following chapter Marjane says “So my father was not a hero…If only he had been in prison.” There’s also a picture of her telling her friends lies about her father being tortured. She seems to take pride instantly as she learns that uncle Anoosh has been in prison. He later shares his life story with her. He tells her how ran from the Shah, later to be imprisoned for 9 years, and lastly he told her about his failed marriage and kids he had. In addition, later in that same chapter uncle Anoosh says to Marjane “I tell you all this because it’s important that you know. Our family memory must not be lost. Even If it’s not easy for you, even if you don’t understand it all.”  This quote really intrigued me because from what I can tell he realizes that Marjane is still a child but it’s almost as he chooses to tell her all this stories so it’s not forgotten or people like him are not forgotten. I think that uncle Annosh is a very important character to the story because Marjane sees him like a hero. When uncle Anoosh is arrested and later executed Marajne feels really sad and lost. I think that Anoosh was big support and living prove of what Marjane believes in. after he is executed I think that she is angry and she shuts everyone out of her life including God. Lastly I’ve been trying to make sense of the meaning of the swan made out of bread. He gives her one when they meet and the last one in the prison visit. Is the swan supposed to represent some kind of symbolism? If so what? 

Character Description

Character Description

   One of the quotes that got my attention was on page 17 where Marji says “For a revolution to succeed, the entire population must support it.” This is said when Marjane is trying to convince her parents to allow her to attend a demonstration. Her parents won’t allow it because it is too dangerous. But Marjane won’t have it she is tired of demonstrating in her garden and wishes her parents would understand. I felt that this is a very direct and strong statement, almost like it was being said by an adult. I think that this situation shows her maturity and how she as a young individual wants to support her country. However I much understand why her parents won’t allow her to attend. I think that Marjane is really mad at this stage of her life. This quote helped me better understand Marjane because her statement is very strong and confirms her position as a revolutionary.

Page 33. The reason for my shame and for the revolution is the same: the difference between social classes.” Her e Marjane realizes how important social classes are. It really takes her by surprise. She is upset that her maid Mahri and some boy can’t be friends because she is only a maid and the boy is of higher class. I thought this quote was important because she explains her excuses for a revolution, Or at least one of the reasons. I also think that Marjanes likes to practice her rights as an individualist. And deep down she doesn’t want to live a life that is forced upon her.  

Page 39. “But in fact it was really our own that had attacked us.” This quote I liked because I think its ironic how she and Mahri lied to her mom and go to a demonstration. However, when they get home her mother greets them both with a slap in the face. I believe that Marjane is referring to not being hurt at the demonstration by her enemies; but by her own mother because she was upset because marjane went out to protest and stand up for what she believes in.

Page 86 “I wish he were alive and in jail rather than dead and a hero,’ says Pardisse her classmate. This quote is not directly from Marjane but I think it was important. I think it makes Marjane think of her father and how she would feel if her dad did go out and fight and actually be the hero she wishes he was. It really makes me think what I would prefer if I was in her shoes.

Page 75. “But let’s be fair. If women faced prison when they refused to wear the veil, it was also forbidden to wear neckties (that dreaded symbol of the west).And if women’s hair got men excited, the same could be said of men’s bare arms. And so, wearing short-sleeved shirts was also forbidden. There was a kind of justice, after all.” This passage I thought was really important because here not only is she standing up for her right as a revolutionary but as a woman too. I think this quote shows her maturity and I think she is very young however she knows what she is fighting for when it comes to justice. And at the end when she says “there was a kind of justice, after all” I think that it shows a little bit of hope and victory at the same time. This quote helped me confirm that Marjane is persistent and she will stand up for her rights regardless the situation.

Page 87 “If the stores were closed for a single day, you’d probably eat each other! And you call yourselves civilized people! If everyone took only what they needed there would be enough to go around. “says Marjanes momPage87”Hmm.Well go to the store across the street and try to get more. You never Know”

Promt #3

Prompt 3: Persepolis

On page 46 Marjanes mother says, “It is not for you and me to do justice. I’d even say we have to learn to forgive.”

Here her mother is telling her this because Marjane had intentions to hurt Ramins father. Ramin being a 10 year kid tells Marjane that when his dad was part of the Savaks he killed millions of people. Marjane being the revolutionary that she is has an idea to avenge all those dead innocent people. Her and some friends grab nails from her dad’s toolbox and put them between their fingers with the idea of beating Ramins dad to death. While on t heir way her mom sees her and brings her home. Then she tells her it is not up to either of them to input justice to him. That she should even learn how to forgive. This comment confused me because it’s a bit contradicting. I little further in the book there is a similar circumstance and her mother says that god will serve justice to all those inhumane people. I believe her mother has the right intention when she says this to her. I understand she doesn’t like the idea of her daughter inputting justice with her own hands. That could be really dangerous and looked down on. But when she says God will serve justice to them.  It contradicts the idea of forgiving.  From what I understand when one forgives they no longer hold any anger or revengeful thoughts against them. I think it is a big confusion for Satrapi as well. I would think that it affects how she will see her friends or their parents after the whole ordeal is over. I think it would be great for everyone to forgive the Shahs followers so that they will be united as one nation. But I know that is probably impossible I guess it’s the idea that counts.  I believe that her mother’s contradicting statements are making her have mixed emotions.  As a ten year old girl I think that Marjane Satrapi is very politically involved. At this age I don’t recall being this involved so deeply in anything. It really interests me because you would assume Satrapi is just a child and her opinions and thoughts can easily be influenced.  I was surprised to read all the thoughts that she had at the age of ten. I really admire her enthusiasm with the whole topic on revolution and her right to be different. I never really understood the Islamic religion so it was nice to get the insight of the life they lived and the battles they fought.I do think it’s really important to be involved because it helps shape her life and personality. However, I think that the whole subject overwhelms her at times. Her parent’s stance in the whole ordeal has everything to do with her take on things. I think that as kids we all look up to our parents. I feel like even some kids today see their parent’s role models.   

  

I am

I am Nancy Duarte. I was born and raised in Los Angeles California .I am 23 years young, married and mother to one beautiful 2 year old girl. I enjoy spending my time with family and friends. Most of my time revolves around my daughter and family. I have an unhealthy weakness for sweets. I enjoy meeting new people and visiting new places. I consider myself to be very open minded person. I’ve learned not to take things for granted and, I am thankful for all the great people in my life. I've always liked the quote “live your life like it was the last”.  My parents have been divorced since I can remember. My mom is of Christian religion my dad is catholic and, I don’t attend church much. I believe in god however, I am doubtful when it comes to religion.   At the age of 14 my mom decided it was time for me to live with my dad. So before I turned 15 I was moved to San Jose Ca. This was a difficult transition for me as I was just becoming an adolescent. I started high school at San Jose High Academy, where I met my husband, and quickly made great friends. I graduated in 2006.And immediately moved out of my dad’s house. I attended college the following year at National Hispanic University. That didn’t last too long after two long semesters I dropped out. I was interested only in making money wasting all my time in a regular 9-5 job. As time went on I grew tired of working all the time. At one point I was even working two jobs. This is when I became tired of this routine I asked myself “What are you doing with your life?".I hated the idea of working the same job with no opportunity for self growth. I’ve had many retail jobs since I turned 17. Now I am manager for Sunglass Hut in valley fair mall. Through my job I have had the opportunity to work with great people. I really like what I do, however it’s not what I see myself doing for the rest of my life. The money is good but I like the idea of being passionate for what you do and truly this is not. I want to break the chain and set an example for my daughter. She motivates me to be a better person and parent. Because of her my life has changed completely for the better. I’ve been a student here at San Jose city for a little over a year. I plan on finishing all my general education classes then acquiring my BA in criminal justice. At least it’s what I think I want to do. I’ve never taken any criminal justice classes yet. However, the subject of crime, violence, and justice really draws my attention.  Would it be a good idea to take a criminal justice class before actually finishing my general education? I guess I’ve never really pondered the idea.