Translator Notes

In Ward's notes he says "What little Meursault says or feels or does resonates with all he does not say, all he does not feel, all he does not do. (8). This is very powerful and makes the peculiarities of Meursault who he is. As a reader with emotion it is clear when there are gaps in the text. Theses gaps are made clear when there Meursault does not have any emotions that we have. When Marie is telling him how awful it is and you can hear "thuds" from a women getting beaten, it is clear there is something wrong with him. The saying actions speak louder than words helps understand Meursault's character. He action of having sex with Marie but then proceeding to tell her that "it didn't mean anything but that I didn't think so" shows what kind of a person he is. He is detached. We also see his loyalty to Raymond through his actions and how he doesn't go get the police. When he begins to get upset about Maman it is triggered by seeing someone else's emotions.

Camus Blog

 Meursault is very intravtered. I believe since his mother passed away he has become. Rey passive. When emotions are drained, sometimes it's best to look at things simply. Whether he is aware of it or not, he creates beautiful imagery because of his loss. Subconsciously he is more aware of his surroundings. Most of the dialog is from other characters because their life is fine. Meursault is detached. He says things like he asked me if I wanted to be pals. I didn't say anything".  He is very blunt. I think that mirrors his judgmental personality. Even though we believe he is detached, his imagery may show that he isn't! If he was then he wouldn't have a sense of what was going on around him.

Comparing Two Writings - Perks and Writing a Paper

When I sit down to write a three page paper, I am writing to show my teacher my knowledge of a subject. Usually, I try to sound sophisticated because it makes me feel as if it shows I know more than I do. While I know that is not true, it is the tone that I subconsciously set. There is a very clear format when I write a paper for a class. "Zeffireli’s differential choice of not having a crowd in the room detracts from any respect the King may receive and the respect the King has for Hamlet." My writing does not convey my real voice or tone. It almost as if I just know to follow a formula. When author's begin to write stories they adapt a different character for a different audience every time. Stephen Chobosky, the author of Perks of Being a Wallflower, adapted a character named Charlie. Charlie diaries and the reader gets to understand the story through the stories he tells his diary. Since he is only in 9th grade, Chobosky used vocabulary and diction to demonstrate his mindset.  While Charlie is shopping for Christmas presents for his family... "My mom likes old movies and plants. My dad only likes golf...and he doesn't play baseball anymore." The simplicity of the diction mirrors his young and simple thought process.  Chobosky is not trying to get an A or show anybody that he read a book. He is free to write in any style and in anyway. Changing the audience, changes the purpose and tone.

Darwin, Genesis

While Darwin and the authors of Genesis did not intend to convey the same message, in a way they do. Although both address creation. The diction and syntax of the sentences completely changes the tone. Genesis, has a commanding tone, demonstrating power. "And God said", the continuous ands allow for the reader to see a growing evolution of thoughts. The sentences are also shorter and more demanding. There is no question about what happens, "and it was so." Darwin's sentences are more formed, showing a method. He justifies scientifically the evolution of species. Darwin does not start a war with religion. When he says "Creator", the acknowledgment and capitalization shows respect for a G-d. Things evolve in Origin of Species, but there is no intermediate in the Bible. "Let there be light" is demanding in the bible but in Darwin, "light will be thrown on the origin of man and his history" is more evolving. While the portion given is scientific, the last two lines are poetic like Biblical writing.

Metamorphosis Writing Quiz

3. METAMORPHOSIS 

Throughout the novella, Gregor experiences mental, emotional and physical metamorphosis. While the opening line is blunt about his physical change, his mental and emotional changes become more apparent as the novella progresses. "When Gregor Samasa awoke in his bed one morning from unquiet dreams, he found himself transformed into a enormous insect" (Kafka 4). He is large and cannot move places in the same way that he did before. His odor is almost unbearable. Out of shock, fear and pain "in the first two weeks his parents could not bring themselves to come in to see him" (50). Not seeing his parents was a dramatic change for Gregor who, in the Samsa household, was the soul provider. He appears to have been a reliable and dedicated family member and very good older brother. After his physical change prevents him from working, the dynamic in his family beings to change. His family no longer respects his hard work but rather belittles him and acts as if he cannot relate or understand him. While he can understand him the physical changes began to make it so he cannot relate to them. Although it is very difficult for his family to accept the changes that are occurring in their household, all three of them return to work. This results in an attitude change from Gregor's father who had previously been in a bit of a slum. No longer being needed in his family, Gregor's mental and emotional well being begins to demise. At the beginning he appears to be a loving and protective older brother but when he beings to lose his mind a bit, it becomes more apparent that he may be in love with his sister and have deeper feelings. He wants to kiss her neck and hope that she is also drawn into him the same way. Grete, his sister, was the most supportive of him as well but at one point she believes that Gregror's physical metamorphosis is "killing" both of their parents. "You must simply try to rid yourself of the thought that it's Gregor". Gregor is mentally gone at this point.  Physically not returning to the old him and emotionally becoming a monster. Grete also experiences transformations. She goes from being Gregor's main support systems to finally learning how to take a stance for the good of herself and her family. At the beginning of the novella, she does not work and by the end she is independent and working. "At the end of their journey, their daughter rose first and stretched her young body" (96). Therefore, she also experiences mental, emotional and physical metamorphosis.

Finished met

There was something pleasing and disappointing at the end of the book. I had always been intrigued by the brother sister dynamic in the book. I'm glad at the end that she is portrayed as beautiful and blossomed but I was also intrigued  by the fact that he was a BUG! I wasn't satisfied in the end about that. I think I'm going to analyze family dynamic and write my essay about that.

Evolution

I'm shocked and proud of how far I've come as a writer. Just looking at my first essay from the beginning of the year I feel like I'm so much more prepared for college next year. I could barely write 3 pages and now I am thinking of my own ideas and writing for pages. I'm really excited! I know that I can only get better and cannot wait to continue to think for myself and produce those results in my writing.