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I am very impressed with how the author has been able to write an intriguing and serious story in "cartoon format." Because the holocaust was a serious matter, the book naturally has a sobering mood about it. Though, I never thought such a theme could be portrayed in the form a comic and still be able to depict the hardships involved in the holocaust. The comic is intriguing in the sense that it keeps the reader guessing of what might happen to the character Anja. The author has already informed the reader that Anja is deceased but does not state whether her death was due to the holocaust.

Through both the illustrations and writing style, the author paints a picture that places the reader in the characters' situations. I remember reading the first two chapters, frequently saying to myself: "Gosh, its one problem after another for these people (mice)." First there was the conflict between Anja and Vladek, when Lucia sends Anja the false letter about Vladek's deceiving ways, stirring up anger between Anja and Vladek. Also, when Vladek is informed of Anja's conspirations by translating communist messages into German, they are forced to maintain a low profile. Then, after Anja gives birth to Richieu, she suffers from postpartum depression and leaves with Vladek to temporarily live in a sanitarium. And finally, the couple is separated again, when Vladek is drafted into the Polish army.

The main characters of the story are Vladek Spiegleman and his son Art Spiegleman.  The name of Vladek's obsessive/somewhat radical girlfriend is Lucia.  The name of his semi-complacent first wife is Anja and his second wife is Mala.

The author does a great job of setting the mood and depicting the emotions of different characters by incorporating shading and facial expressions into the illustrations. Also, each panel has a lot of detail, giving the reader a clearer picture of what is happening.

I am very impressed with how the author has been able to write an intriguing and serious story in "cartoon format."  Because the holocaust was a serious matter, the book naturally has a sobering mood about it.  Though, I never thought such a theme could be portrayed in the form a comic and still be able to depict the hardships involved in the holocaust.  The comic is intriguing in the sense that it keeps the reader guessing of what might happen to the character Anja. The author has already informed the reader that Anja is deceased but does not state whether her death was due to the holocaust. 

Through both the illustrations and writing style, the author paints a picture that places the reader in the characters' situations.  I remember reading the first two chapters, frequently saying to myself: "Gosh, its one problem after another for these people (mice)."  First there was the conflict between Anja and Vladek, when Lucia sends Anja the false letter about Vladek's deceiving ways, stirring up anger between Anja and Vladek.  Also, when Vladek is informed of Anja's conspirations by translating communist messages into German, they are forced to maintain a low profile.  Then, after Anja gives birth to Richieu, she suffers from postpartum depression and leaves with Vladek to temporarily live in a sanitarium.  And finally, the couple is separated again, when Vladek is drafted into the Polish army.  

The author does a great job of setting the mood and depicting the emotions of different characters by incorporating shading and facial expressions into the illustrations.  Also, each panel has a lot of detail, giving the reader a clearer picture of what is happening.

I am very impressed with how the author has been able to write an intriguing and serious story in "cartoon format."  Because the holocaust was a serious matter, the book naturally has a sobering mood about it.  Though, I never thought such a theme could be portrayed in the form a comic and still be able to depict the hardships involved in the holocaust.  The comic is intriguing in the sense that it keeps the reader guessing of what might happen to the character Anja. The author has already informed the reader that Anja is deceased but does not state whether her death was due to the holocaust. 

Through both the illustrations and writing style, the author paints a picture that places the reader in the characters' situations.  I remember reading the first two chapters, frequently saying to myself: "Gosh, its one problem after another for these people (mice)."  First there was the conflict between Anja and Vladek, when Lucia sends Anja the false letter about Vladek's deceiving ways, stirring up anger between Anja and Vladek.  Also, when Vladek is informed of Anja's conspirations by translating commuist messages into German, they are forced to maintain a low profile.  Then, after Anja gives birth to Richieu, she suffers from postpartom depression and leaves with Vladek to temporarily live in a sanitarium.  And finally, the couple is separated again, when Vladek is drafted into the Polish army.  

The author does a great job of setting the mood and depicting the emotions of different characters by incorporating shading and facial expressions into the illustrations. 

Rather than reading the novel, Fight Club, I have decided to read a true story called Lone Survivor. The book is 390 pages long and is divided into twelve chapters. Due to the length of each chapter and time management, I will instead record each blog post based on a summary of two chapters ever four days.

Recently published in 2007, Lone Survivor is the eyewitness account of Operation Red Wing, a counter insurgent mission in Kunar province, Afghanistan against the present-day war on terror. The operation was lead by U.S. Navy SEAL Team 10 consisting of four highly trained navy seals, whose ultimate goal was to locate and exterminate Taliban Leader Ahmad Shah. Marcus Luttrell, coauthor and eyewitness of his narrative, was the sole surviving SEAL of his team.

Throughout the first chapter, Luttrell commends his fallen comrades and their unwavering fortitude. He presents the reader with a summary and background of their lives emphasizing their virtues and unceasing determination to protect their friends and families at home. Marcus Luttrell’s Lone Survivor is indubitably a story of sheer patriotism and love of one’s country. As a former Navy SEAL, Luttrell ideally portrays what it means to be dedicated to one’s own country by putting himself in harm’s way in order to preserve the welfare of his country.

Through Marcus Luttrell’s writing style, he creates an intense story based on heroism and loyalty that directly correlates with the writing styles of many authors during the Age Of Reason.

As of now, the book I plan to read is Fight Club: A Novel by Chuck Palahniuk.  Though, I have another book in mind I am considering to read. The strategy I devised for going about
writing the reading logs is as follows:

1.  Each log will consist of a 4 chapter summary--> reflecting on what events occur throughout the story and recording any significant literary techniques I recognize
2.  A reading log will be recorded every 2 days

I am looking forward to doing this assignment as it will encourage me to analyze and further appreciate a book rather than just reading a book as an enjoyable past time, not recognizing any literary significances.  Though, I am also excited about reading Fight Club and comparing it to the film.

After reading all these excerpts from Hemmingway, it shows his dedication and interest in literary writing. He is always trying to find new ways to improve his writing and intrigue those who are reading his works. He makes a very interesting and true statement when he says, "Each time you re-read you see or learn something new." This is very true since you can always refer to literary works just for the joy of reading or as referance to something, no matter what, a literary work always can always be interpereted many different ways.
A personal characteristic I have noticed with Hemmingway is that he seems very humble and does not give himself enough credit. He writes, "I'm trying to do it so it will make it without knowing it, and so the more you read it, the more there will be." Furthermore, he is always very concerned with his audience and their enjoyment with his works.

What are the themes and ideas that come out in this 1st chapter?
Hwmmingway had used this constant theme of rain and war mixed together in fighting.  Though, he also frequently describes modern machines in contrast with nature and the environment. 

How have they continued in the novel?
He has described both of these aspect throughout the book the same way, still associating rain with war and hardships.

     From reading these excerpts, Hemmingway shows his understanding of literary writing.  He clearly states his talent for writing when he shows his concern for incorporating certain aspects into a story.  He says it must be interesting enough to grasp your attention and keep you thinking, after you are finished reading the piece, that it was real.  When Hemmingway writed a story, he wants the reader to think that they are directly involved in story, in order to experience what the characters are feeling.  Although, he also says that the literary work must be objective, having a two-sided view of it.

2- How can you apply it to our reading and your writing?
     I can apply it to my reading and writing by incorporating an objective rather than a subjective aspect.  Making the story have a multi-meaning, and sophisticated plot.  Though when reading, I can apply these aspects of Hemmingway's writing in order to read "between the lines" not necessarily from close-reading, but by reading insightful.

1- What do you learn about Hemingway

From reading these excerpts from Hemmingway, it shows that he had a precise understanding of the meaning of literature and how it could be used as various tools of instruction. He knows how powerful writing can be and the importance of expressing your opinion through literature. Though, Hemmingway understands the difficulty involved with doing so and why it is important to make your statement clear in order to avoid any misinterperetations. Furthermore, because of his great understanding of literary influence, Hemmingway seems to be cautious about writing.

2-How can you apply it to our reading and your writing?

I think one can apply these aspects of Hemmingway to our reading and writing in order to further understand his writings from both a personal and objective perspective.  Furthermore, one could apply these aspects to their writing in order to make it more involved and complex.

Much Madness is Divinest Sense
First Reactions:  After reading Dickinson's poem, I hardly had an idea of what she was trying to say or express other than the fact that it was gloomy and rather depressing. I am still perplexed at what the main topic/ themes are.

Second Reactions: WOW! When reading the poem a second time I thought of an idea that came from the lines, "To a discerning eye-- Much Sense-- the starkest Madness" and "Assent-- you are sane." Dickinson is stating that the "discerning eye" sees sanity in all things, even in times of "madness," and maintains composure. Her topic is sanity and overcoming madness.

I heard a fly buzz when I died
First Reactions:  Dickinson's poem had an aspect of bereavement to it that was also quite gloomy.  I think the main theme/ topic is death. I interpereted the image of the fly with blue wings as an angel or a mystical creature welcoming the narrator into a light (heaven?).

 Secon Readtions: After reading the poem again, my ideas of what it meant did not change much except the idea that the fly might just be a symbol of death or end.  The narrator could be dying under the sun and he or she is slowly fading away: "The eyes beside had wrung them dry, And breaths were gathering sure." Though my idea of what the theme is has not changed.