1.) Dar
Part One:
The Open Boat is the story of four men trapped in life boat and their treacherous journey to safety. Two of the men are from the crew identified as the "Oiler" and the "Cook" a third is the Correspondent (the Narrator) and the forth is the Captain of the boat that sank hence the four of them being trapped in a tiny lifeboat.
Though they are all in the same dire predicament they maintain their social status. No you could argue that the Captain is the still the Captain and is still responsible for what is left of crew and passengers.
He still gives orders to the Oiler and the Cook and they oblige even by manning the ores and powering the boat to hopeful safety. Often the men give suggestions to the Captain in a manner that is actually best for all on board but allow the Captain to appear in charge. The story shows even when circumstances change people tend to maintain their social status.
Part Two:
The character that I had the most sympathy for was the dog in To Build a Fire by Jack London. The story of a naïve newcomer to the frozen wilderness where he sets off on a long journey to meet up with "the Boys". On his journey he is accompanied by a loyal canine companion. The dog followed him in what was described in 60 to 70 degrees below zero weather.
But loyal the dog was and followed the man regardless, the man lack of understanding to the graveness of his journey often sent the hesitant companion to test for hidden dangers like thin ice allowing the dog to fall through and be miserable. I can I identify with the dog in this story because I have spent 20 plus year in the Army and I have often had to follow people who are oblivious to possible hazards and ignored concerns of those following them.
Part Three:
"....If I am going to be drown why in the name of the seven mad gods who rule the seas, why was I allowed to come thus far and contemplate sand and trees." This is asked in a plea that why if they had worked hard their whole life and were a good person why would they stuck in this situation being tortured by their inevitable doom. Why couldn't their end be quick and without suffering. I do agree with this I think everyone has a low point in their life where they don't understand why something is happening to them or someone they care for
2.) Car.
Jack London's short story "To Build a Fire" directly correlates to this week's lesson with regard to the Marxist reading. "To Build a Fire" follows the story of a man and his dog which the story describes as a Husky breed. Some would say that dogs have human characteristics which draw humans into close emotional relationships with them. The dog in this story trusts the man with his life, and the dog is loyal to his master.
Despite this, the man, just simply sees the dog as an animal of no importance and not as a part of his family. The man makes it a point to not consider the life of the dog but is more concerned with his own life. The story uses the humanistic qualities of the Husky to illustrate feelings and to make the reader aware that the dog is somehow aware. The Husky remained loyal and dedicated without reciprocity and remained the man's side until his death.
Part 2: I was emotionally drawn to the dog in Jack London's story "To Build a Fire". I sympathized with him. Let's separate the dog from his humanistic characteristics. Let's say for a moment that the dog is another human.
We have all been that person who is loyal to a fault but do not receive the same from others. Nothing feels worse than to love and not be loved in return. As the story says, the dog relies upon on the man for food and safety.
The man was skilled in what he did but did not take the weather into consideration. He may have expected a different outcome completely. While the man is fighting to stay alive, the dog starts to seem reluctant to continue on in the horrible weather conditions.
The man's choice to continue led to his demise. There were multiple opportunities to go get out of the dangerous weather. The dog even tried to get his owner to go back. I identify mostly with the dog, I am loyal to a fault and often find myself feeling like I have invested more than I have gained in many relationships both personal and professional. I feel the least sympathy for the man as his own decisions and selfishness led to his death.
Part 3: In "The Open Boat" the quote that stood out to me was, "Their back-bones had become thoroughly used to balancing in the boat and they now rode this wild colt of a dingey like circus men". I think that what the writer is saying here is that once you get in the habit of working hard, it becomes a part of you. This is what we call second nature. I agree with this statement whole heartedly. Once you train yourself to do what it takes to work hard and succeed, working hard becomes a part of your DNA.
3.) Rugs
Part One: Compose a paragraph that applies a Marxist reading to any of the stories from this week. Be sure to ask yourself (and answer) the kinds of questions discussed in this week's lecture.
In the story "Paul's Case," he gave false hope in regards to how he lived. He actually came to school in dingy looking clothes. His clothes were worn out and ratty looking every day. He stole from his work and told everyone that he was rich. So, he was trying to live a dream life that wasn't real. Which lead him to making the wrong choices in school. Later in the story his ended taking his life.
Part Two: Which of the characters this week did you feel the most sympathy for? Who did you most identify with? Why? Who did you feel the least sympathy for? Why?
I would say I would show sympathy for "Paul's Case." There was a lot throughout the story the show sadness and depression. He had no support system. He seemed like he was struggling with a lot in his schooling, life at home and life in general. Many children that are going through a hard time in school really need that support at home and even at school. Paul didn't seem to have either of that. He was constantly making the wrong decisions in school, which made him spend a lot of time in the office.
Part Three: In "The Open Boat," lines of philosophy about man's fate and his reward for trying hard are repeated throughout. Quote a line of this story that stands out to you as expressing something philosophical about life. Do you agree with the statement? Why or why not?
"The wel¬come of the land to the sea was warm and generous."(Crane)
This spoke to me because whenever the men return home from overseas, they wives are always there waiting with their arms wide open!