1

Briana

Up Close and Personal

2

Forward

This portfolio showcases my writing in a way that best describes me. The abstract

and unfocused cover contrasts with the sound quality of my writings yet represents the

creative flow of the compositions. Each piece of writing has a direct purpose while still

reflecting my creative tone as a writer.

In each composition, I managed to define a clear purpose for my essay. Also, I

fully addressed and did not sway from the prompt within my essays. First I clearly

established what each author’s purpose was in their own writing. Then, I used examples

of literary devices and tools to enforce how each author expressed this purpose to his

audience. From this, I related the author’s purpose to how it applied to present day while

writing my conclusions.

Moreover, the diction and syntax in my essays were much more complex than

before. I varied my diction and diverted form the typical “be” forms of verbs. Also, I

remained consistent in my use of varied syntax. From compound to complex to even the

occasional simple sentence when necessary to prove a point, I continued to keep my

compositions balanced and exciting to the reader.

Throughout the past year, I have showed consistency in my writing. Each piece of

work has been quality writing. I did not slow in my progress nor did my lack of interest

towards the end of the year inhibit my writing ability. However, there is always still room

for improvement but overall I have been thoroughly and pleasantly satisfied with the

quality “A” compositions that I have produced this year as a writer. I hope only to

continue this trend of writing and to improve and expand even more in the future.

3

Table of Contents

Essay #1- Compare and Contrast- TTTC and SH5 4

Essay #2- Position Paper Short Stories 7

Essay #3- Frankenstein Essay 10

Essay #4- Poetry Response- Small Group 12

Essay #5- Compare and Contrast- Whitman and Hughes 14

Essay #6- Position Paper- Drama Elements- Helen 16

Essay #7- Othello Literary Criticism 18

Essay #8- “The Pawnbroker” Group Essay 19

Essay #9- Prose Response 22

Essay #10- Open Ended 24

College Essay 26

4

Essay #1: TTTC and SH5

Heroes are different things to different people. Moreover, not everyone is a hero

in all aspects. Different faults and failings compose the lives and stories of all true heroes,

along with their admirable qualities. These cowardly faults, as well as attractive traits, are

addressed by both Tim O’Brien, in The Things They Carried, and Kurt Vonnegut, in

Slaughterhouse-Five. Heroes in both novels exemplify courage and cowardice while

attempting to defend their morals, live up to high expectations, and face their eventual

downfalls. However, each of these aspects is portrayed by the authors in different ways.

Moral challenges are necessities that all heroes must face. Tim O’Brien, the

character, acts both courageously and cowardly as he contemplates a war he does not

believe in, in The Things They Carried. “Was it a civil war? A war of national liberation

or simple aggression? Who started it, and when, and why (O’Brien, 40)?” When he

decides that it is better to deny himself in going to war than to disappoint others, Tim

O’Brien makes a decision which can be both rebuked and commended. Most would

admit that remaining true to oneself should take precedence over the needs of others;

however, some would express the idea that selflessness for the sake of others should be

celebrated. The emotion that O’Brien, as an author, evokes from his characters illustrates

this as so. Moreover, Vonnegut presents his main character, Billy Pilgrim, in a way that

makes him both a respectable, yet detached hero. Billy Pilgrim goes against the entire

human world in accepting the Tralfamadorian truth that “everybody has to do exactly

what he does” (Vonnegut, 254). He acknowledges the idea that free will does not exist,

and predestination is certain. However, does Billy Pilgrim appear to be using this “truth”

5

as an excuse to not take part emotionally in his decision making, unlike that of Tim

O’Brien?

Challenging feats, both physically and emotionally, also compose a hero’s story.

O’Brien illustrates this in the imagery he uses while describing Kiowa, another character

in The Things They Carried, during his final moments. Kiowa maintains his dignity as he

dies for and at the mercy of his men while drowning deep into a chaotic and angry

atmosphere. Years later, Tim O’Brien visits Kiowa’s grave and mentions still that “the

place was at peace” (O’Brien, 181). Vonnegut, contradictorily, expresses heroism in the

state of mind of Billy Pilgrim in Slaughterhouse-Five. Billy knows all truth and accepts it

“because this moment simply is (Vonnegut, 79). In the aphorism present, Vonnegut

reveals much about his opinion of a hero without saying much at all. To him, heroism is a

state of mind and not a state of being.

Although many wish to be heroes forever, the human race expects perfection too

demanding for this to be. Both O’Brien and Vonnegut express this unsettling truth

through the antagonists in their pieces. Within The Things They Carried, O’Brien’s

daughter keeps reminding him that the war has ended. There is no need to revisit it.

However even though this reminiscing appears to be an unattractive quality, O’Brien is

still fighting and hurting from a war that ended years ago. He reminds the world that “it

had no memory, therefore no guilt (O’Brien, 143). The simple truth remains that the

world does not want to believe its heroes have emotional flaws. Therefore, the world

refuses to continue to view them as heroic. Vonnegut, as well, addresses the falling of

Billy Pilgrim from his hero status through the workings of his daughter. Billy “struggles

to cling to his dignity as he tries to persuade Barbara that he was devoting himself to a

6

calling…” (Vonnegut, 36). Billy is now viewed only as old and senile. His fervent spirit

is overlooked because people do not understand what he knows to be true. Once again the

authors portray the difference in state of being versus state of mind.

Even though O’Brien and Vonnegut address ideas differently in their novels, they

both portray the stories of heroes with emotional flaws, making them unconventional.

Even at the conclusion of the novels, O’Brien’s O’Brien and Kiowa, as well as

Vonnegut’s Pilgrim, struggle to overcome the obstacle of Anti-American sentiment

which both authors created earlier for them in the thoughts and opinions of flat

characters. “‘All the real soldiers are dead,’ she said. It was true” (Vonnegut, 203).

Vonnegut demonstrates the idea that American soldiers were not engaged in fighting, but

were weak and comical, wanting death and destruction only because it was their duty.

Additionally, O’Brien presents the theme of anti-war sentiment in “the people who were

too lazy to read a newspaper, who were bored by the daily body counts” (O’Brien ,177).

For maintaining their dignity while defending their morals and fighting a war both

emotionally and physically, Tim O’Brien, Kiowa, and Billy Pilgrim should be

commended; however, neither their courage nor cowardice truly matters in the end when

they become yesterday’s heroes. “So it goes.” (Vonnegut)

7

Essay #2: Position Paper Short Stories

Within each era, societal issues rage causing turmoil and conflict within the lives

of its people. Consequently, authors use literature to rebuke society or to illustrate an

alternative method of living. This proves true for Welty, Wharton, and Boyle as they use

theme to convey the importance of stepping out of the shadows of duty and place in order

to live a life that reflects more than pleasing others. Throughout "A Worn Path",

"Atrophy", and "Sin Dolor", each author uses the theme of habit out of love. However,

this habitual love leads to the inevitable unhappiness of each protagonist.

  As Phoenix Jackson wanders about “A Worn Path”, it appears as though she

travels at the expensive of her grandson. However, as Welty reveals that Phoenix’s

grandson ceases to exist, Pheonix’s flaw comes to life. She sees herself only as a function

of her family. Therefore, she continues to make the habitual trip along the path not for her

grandson, but for herself so that she “don’t forget him again, no, the whole enduring

time.” Even though Phoenix partakes on this grueling journey without complaint, she

puts herself through unnecessary challenges and opens herself to vulnerability. Welty

portrays Phoenix not as being unhappy, but rather reproves her for adding meaningless

hurdles to her already overbearing life at the expense of habit.

Out of a habitual love for a man, Nora too makes a journey in “Atrophy”. As she

takes the risk of traveling alone, she defies cultural standards. However, when Nora

simply accepts the fact of the “inappropriateness” of her actions as defined by Miss

Aldis, Nora's passiveness reveals itself. She appears only willing to defy the conventions

to a certain extent and reverts back to “taking their measure, smiling at them, and

conforming.” It is this passiveness that restricts her from rushing upstairs to Christopher

8

because this would contest the societal standards of the time. Instead, Nora’s desire to be

with Christopher succumbs to her societal conscience, and she returns home dissatisfied.

Wharton uses Nora as an example of the typical woman of the time. Moreover, she uses

her to illustrate to women that grief can stem from a habitual love and duty they have for

the standards of society. The author challenges women to refuse to conform to gender

and societal conventions but rather to attain their own happiness through deliberate

action.

  As Damaso wanders the streets with his father performing stunts as “Sin Dolor”,

he disregards his emotions for the sake of his family. However, eventually he no longer

feels human, negating him as part of the family but rather a benefactor. Because of the

duty Damaso feels to support them, he endures the emotional emptiness of numbing

himself of all feelings. This irony stems from the idea that his purpose for performing

comes out of habitual love; however, his disconnection from the world and its

misunderstanding that “he does feel it, he does” illustrates Damaso’s realization that

satisfaction cannot be found in pleasing others if he refrains from pleasing himself. From

this understanding comes the final scene of the story when Damaso commits suicide.

Whether this suicide is intentional or unintentional, Boyle points out that denying oneself

for the sake of others leads to discontent disposition in which people do not live their

lives but are simply present within them.

  Ironically, all three protagonists within these stories have good intentions.

However, the good intentions they possess lead to the unsatisfied endings of their

journeys. The authors use theme in order to demonstrate the circumstances of falling into

societal stereotypes. Also, theme encourages the need for one to develop a habitual love

9

for himself before one develops a habitual love for others. Only when these concepts are

grasped will there be a seamless blanket of peaceful bliss across the hearts of society.

10

Essay #3: Frankenstein

Self discovery remains the focus of many people’s daily lives and actions. This

mystery plagues the nights, complicates the days, and strains the relationships of many.

The creature within Frankenstein struggles with this mystery throughout his entire

existence as well. Mary Shelley set hurdles in front of the fiend throughout her entire

novel. After being created, the fiend must discover the ways of survival, his origin, and

the purpose for his being. By examining the world around him, he can uncover the

painful truths surrounding his existence.

On the first day of which the fiend was created to roam the earth, new challenges

arose to him. He states that he “saw, felt, heard, and smelt at the same time” when he

confronts his creator, Frankenstein, for the first time (70). Upon the discovery of how to

function even in the most basic sense, the creature feels pride in his new abilities. With

this mystery solved, he then seeks to share his joy with another. However, he must first

uncover the cause of why mankind wants nothing to do with him. After realizing this

stems from his hideous exterior, he faces the challenge of accepting the rejection he

receives from the human race. This path discovery of discovery which the creature must

journey mirrors the path which every human must travel in order to succeed. Shelley puts

this obstacle in front of the fiend to enable all people to relate to the monster. If people

are able to relate to the creature in Frankenstein, then surely they can relate to their own

kind, as grotesque as some may appear.

As the creature learns to cope with the rejection he feels from the world, he

contemplates the questions of: “Who am I? What am I? Whence did I come?” (91). The

fiend feels that acceptance from his maker will be a natural response since he has

11

discovered a genuine love for his creator in the beginning. Because of his desire to find

the answers to his questions and to be loved, he has not prepared to accept from his

creator the same feelings of rejection that he has felt from the rest of civilization. Upon

the reception of this rejection from his creator, the creature’s purpose in life becomes

apparent to him: seek vengeance.

Once the creature resolves the mystery of his creator’s opinion, he sets aside the

true nature of himself in order to fulfill what he thinks up as his new purpose in life.

When the purpose of one’s life remains unclear, one finds it easy to think the worst of

himself out of confusion. The creature views himself as “an abortion, to be spurned at,

and kicked, and trampled on” (165). Therefore, he must return this adverse reception to

his creator by performing acts of treachery toward him. However, at the death of his

creator, the fiend discovers that the evil deeds which he has performed in order to seek

revenge, do not represent the real person of which he is. From this, he discovers the

remorseful emotions he has for his past wrong doings. He sees himself as one of humble

sincerity and loving tendencies. Here, Shelley expresses the need to be one’s self. No

unclear purpose, especially one stemming from self pity, should overpower the real

inclinations of one’s self.

From the discoveries made by the creature, the theme of Frankenstein is unveiled.

One can always relate to and feel for another despite differences in appearance or beliefs.

It is right also to question the foundations of one’s self in order to strive to discover one’s

true purpose. Moreover, one should not sacrifice themselves in order to fulfill his

purpose. Within these three conditions in mind, a blissful life is attainable by all.

12

Essay #4: Cross Poetry Response

“Cross” written by Langston Hughes comprises the feelings of a reflective and

accepting young, biracial man. However, the discord he feels in his journey is also seen.

Although these feelings may appear contradictory, they form the essence of the speaker.

Through the use of symbolism and specific word choice, Hughes makes these attitudes

evident in his speaker.

“Cross” is chosen by Hughes as the title of his poem for many reasons. First, the

cross between the white slave owner, the speaker’s father, and the black slave, the

speaker’s mother, is represented. Because of this crossing of cultures, the speaker does

not know his identity. He is confused as he struggles through the trying task of self-

discovery. Moreover, the cross represents the burden the speaker feels due to this

discord. He remains troubled while trying to determine where he is “gonna die, being

neither white nor black.”

Also due to Hughes’ choice of words, the somewhat bitter and reluctant

acceptance of the speaker relating more with his mother is seen. The speaker begins by

setting his “old man” and “old mother” on the same level. He shows no bias to either one

of them. However as he develops in his reflective state, he begins to call his “old

mother”, “ma.” Through this one word, the speaker shows his endearment toward his

mother. He never shows this toward his father. Even though he appears bitter and

reluctant to accept his fate as a black person more than a white, he does finally accept and

acknowledge it.

With reflection and bitter and reluctant acceptance, the speaker finally begins to

find himself. Although he is hesitant to acknowledge it, Hughes conveys the speaker’s

13

attitude through symbolism and word choice. Without these two techniques present, the

resolution of the speaker would remain undetermined.

14

Essay #5: Whitman & Hughes

An attitude is what conveys a poems true meaning. A poem can say one thing but

the tone reflects a different idea. The tones of Walt Whitman Langston Hughes in their

poems of America each differ in their representation of the different stages of the

American ideology. This is conveyed in the organization of their poetry. However, their

tones reflect one another in that they both acknowledge that America is what it is because

of its song.

Whitman portrays America as a beautiful place where harmonious sounds can be

heard. There is no discord. Although each person’s song is clearly different, their sounds

join together to create a melodious message. His tone is one of patriotism and pride in his

country and its citizens. Whitman highlights this unity by only creating one stanza of

poetry to convey his message. His words are one body just as those of America are one

body. There are a few, if any, shifts in “I Hear America Singing.” Again, this is because

Whitman has created an attitude of unity and pride in his fellow Americans.

Hughes, however, portrays an America that has not yet reached its peak. Although

there is a sense of harmony for some, those who can eat with company, it is not present

for all. Rather, Hughes knows that there is a better day ahead for his fellow darker

brothers. He knows that one day America will see that he too sings. His tone does not

demand that of the lighter American but rather acknowledges the growth that he is

capable of undergoing. With Hughes’ divided stanzas, the shifts in attitude are present.

He presents the idea of an unjust America (stanza 1) followed by an attitude of America

resurrecting its attitude of injustice (stanza 2) He knows that America is capable of

embracing the beauty that is himself, and he remains excited while anticipating that day.

15

Although their tones appear contradictory, Whitman and Hughes have written in

ways that parallel each other. They both recognize the song of America. Each is eager to

elaborate on the land that is so near and dear to him. Moreover, they both use

organization to enforce their ideas. With either a united message or a divided one, they

both cleverly organize their thoughts which the subconscious appreciates. This literary

strategy may not be overbearing, but it certainly helps both poets to convey their attitudes

of and for America.

Even while expressing different tones, Whitman and Hughes share commonalities

in their writing. However, each puts his own unique twist on their ides of America to

deliver the different perspectives of the American way. This highlights what each poet

yearned to convey. Although America will grow and change with time, its roots and

foundation will always remain. Its song will forever be.

16

Essay #6: Helen Position Paper

With inspiration drawn from that of the great Aristotle, Rachel Hadas uses

specific dramatic devices with in her translation of Helen in order to deliver her message

and viewpoint. Through both elaborate and multifaceted characters as well as thought and

theme, Hadas makes her point known that it is not the woman who stands in the way of

perfect harmony but rather that of the stubborn man. She challenges the idea of gender

role; moreover, Hadas plays the woman as the clever problem solver while the man is the

destructor of all things civil and also acts as the naïve, self-absorbed ruler.

Helen did not choose to be the beautiful woman that she clearly is. She does not

want to be “the face that launched a thousand ships.” Rather, this “gift” of beauty

bestowed upon her without any heed of warning, is the sole source of turmoil and despair

in Helen’s life. Moreover, Hadas emphasizes Helen’s innocence to the trouble that takes

place by implying that her “beauty was the bait (line 31). She, rather, was the one being

victimized in this situation. Helen had no desire or intention for than wanting men to

cause war with the hope of seeking out her beauty.

Hadas also uses Helen to help exemplify the both the stubbornness and naivety

through man. This combination of untamed power is best seen in Theoclymenus’

character. He underestimates Helen’s wit and ability to deceive such a noble man as

himself. Moreover, he is too preoccupied with building himself up, “I know I’m far too

lenient. I should execute all wrongdoers at once, yet I do not (line 1197-9)” to realize the

actions that are going on around him. Instead of focusing on the matters at hand, he

remains focused on himself and does not see the falsehood in Helen’s eyes nor hear the

deception in her voice. From just this one incident Hadas can express her idea of the man

17

feeling as though he has superior intellect over the woman when in fact, he is the one

who soon becomes the damsel in distress.

Along with Aristotle’s element of characterization, Hadas uses the concept of

thought and theme to convey insights onto humanity and to make her point clear. Again,

the woman does not always need to be the one rescued without pulling her own weight.

The woman, in this case Helen, fairs more than admirably against her masculine

opponent. Not only that but she posses the necessary attitude in which to execute such an

elaborate plan. “The man’s approaching who commands my marriage, holds my future in

his hands – or so he thinks, (line 1413-5)” states Helen as Theoclymenus approaches her.

She does not once falter in her optimism in regards to escaping Egypt with her husband.

Rather, Helen illustrates the strong willed woman which reigns prevalent in today’s

society. Through Helen Hadas conveys the idea that women are equally comparable to

men in all that they do, and in this specific case, can even out shine them. She introduces

their importance and equality within society and illustrates the dire need for them to be

treated as such equals.

Through Helen and Theclymenus, Hadas is able to employ Aristotle’s dramatic

devices of characterization and theme to make her point and purpose known. This point

of equality amongst the sexes remains one that some of the world still struggles to accept.

However, once this ideology becomes mainstream there will be harmony in the world,

and no need for war will present itself.

18

Essay #7: Othello Literary Criticism

Edgecombe, Rodney S. ""Put Out the Light" in Othello." Summer 2008. Literature Resource Center. Gale Group. Roncalli High School, Indianapolis. 18 Feb. 2009 <http://galenet.galegroup.com/servlet/LitRC?locID=imcpl_indy&srchtp=ttl&c=3& stab=2048&ai=U13039269&docNum=A188157381&bConts=269999&vrsn=3&TI=Othello&OP=starts&TQ=TO&ca=1&ste=59&tab=2&tbst=trp&n=10&wi=1097394>.

This passage attempts to interpret Othello’s soliloquy as he stands over

Desdemona’s body. Different scholars attempt to dissect what his ambiguous line mean.

However, after doing so, Edgecombe refutes their theories. He believes that “light” refers

to her sexual behavior rather than actual light or the light of life versus the darkness of

death. Next, he also rebukes their idea of Othello’s “cause”. Edgecombe links the word

“cause” not to the reason for Desdemona’s death but rather to the cause he will bring

before the court after he is charged for her death. Clearly, Edgecombe uses his analytical

capabilities to refute the ideas of others and to try to uncover just what Othello is saying

in his soliloquy.

Cassal, Steve. "Shakespeare's Othello." Spring 2003. Literature Resource Center. Gale Group. Roncalli High School, Indianapolis. 18 Feb. 2009 <http://galenet.galegroup.com/servlet/LitRC?locID=imcpl_indy&srchtp=ttl&c=44&stab=2048&ai=U13039269&docNum=A110802720&bConts=269999&vrsn=3&TI=Othello&OP=starts&TQ=TO&ca=1&ste=59&tab=2&tbst=trp&n=10&wi=1097394>.

Throughout this passage, Cassal explores the concept of the word “honesty”. For

men within the play, honesty refers to loyalty and truthfulness. However, for women it

strictly means chastity. Moreover, he attempts to distinguish between slavish and loving

honesty of wives for their husbands. Cassal debates about whom exactly the line “But

why should honor outlive honesty?” was spoken about as well. He dissects the scenes of

the play and tries to decide why or why not this line would be applicable to a certain

character at that specific point in the play.

19

Essay #8: “The Pawnbroker”

Throughout “The Pawnbroker” by Maxine Kumin, the speaker addresses her

inner and outer worlds and the conflict between the two. She is dealing with the death of

her father and managing her feelings about the event. In her life, her father was a

constant stress. He brought the family negative attention with his crude speech and

actions. The speaker was constantly haunted by the decisions of her father all during her

childhood. Now, however, she is freed by his death. He is no longer there to make rash

decisions negatively affecting her image. Although she is relieved to be free from this

attention, she still feels some loss simply because the man is her father. Through her

reflections, the speaker comes to terms with her inner turmoil but has yet to resolve her

external.

Although an emotional time for the speaker, the death of her father is somewhat a

cleansing experience. While she was growing up, the speaker’s father was a constant let

down to her. From his politically incorrect speech to his lowly job, he was a constant

cause for public scrutiny. The speaker uses verbal irony by saying everything she owned

was secondhand in the beginning and restating that the only thing she was given firsthand

was a love for her father. Even this, though, she says was only a “love ingrown” because

he was her father. He was never a positive role model for her and the negative attention

he brought to her family could not have done any good. After his death, she was finally

free from any lingering judgment passed to her by her father.

In spite of her father’s external flaws, the speaker has “an ingrown love” for him.

Although she has suffered with his choices and actions in his life, he has always loved

her as his daughter. These two opposites of blatant disregard for those whom he feels

20

superior and his unconditional love for his family love have clearly caused an internal

struggle within her. The disdain the speaker has for her father’s action has been at

constant battle with the deep love she has for her father because he is her father. However

eventually, her love for him proves stronger than her disapproval through the metaphors

she uses to describe him shortly after his death. He is her “lifetime appraiser” and “first

prince.” Even after his death, she will continue to seek his love but will no longer have to

overlook the imperfections of her father.

Despite being closely interrelated, the speaker’s external and internal struggles are

starkly contrasting in some aspects. Externally, she never truly comes to terms with her

father and the many struggles his actions put her through during his life. Internally,

however, she has always had an endearing love for the man. With his passing, she and

her siblings felt something of a cleansing, alluded to in religious terms. The scotch that

the speaker drank after her father’s death is the symbolic reprieve from her internal

struggles with the idea of her father, “the sacrament of closing down the hatch/ the

sacrament of easing down the ways.” Her external unrest is similarly expressed in

religious terms. She reminisces on “the grace of work, the sweat of it, the bone-tired

unfolding down from stress.” Thus, using religious symbolism, the speaker contrasts her

internal and external qualms.

Throughout “The Pawnbroker” the speaker conveys her mixed feelings about her

father in a way that portrays him as both loving and callous, hardworking and ignorant.

Her final resolve to forgive and love her father, despite the fact that he is no longer alive

to know what forgiveness, is a mature and moving choice that establishes her as a strong

person. She is relatable character that faces struggles similar to those of many people,

21

and her final decision to move on from her past struggles makes her an example for those

who share her pain.

22

Essay #9: Prose Response

In “Obasan” by Joy Kogawa, the tone of the narrator thoughts is both one of

helplessness yet also power. Her memories stir up emotions which are delivered through

similes, shifts, and allusions.

While the narrator sits in the train car, she sees a “white leg like a cocoon.” This

cocoon represents the narrator’s feelings: Now that the Japanese have been removed from

their homeland, they are not able to achieve their full potential as a people. They are

being suppressed by those who feel they are a threat because of their ethnic backgrounds.

Only once they are liberated from this disheartening stereotype of Japanese tryinf to

undermine the North American people will they be able to break free and beome a people

of butterflies.

There is also a shift within the narrative which the narrator uses to indicate a

change of tone. Between paragraphs three and four, the narrator switches from a tone of

helplessness generalizations of a culture to a more personal account of an individual with

power. The narrator also switches from “we” to “I”. this change in point of view helps to

convey the narrator’s change in attitude as well. No longer does she see the Japanese

Canadians as a weak and hopeless people but rather as a family of travelers who will

support one another.

Also continuing with the narrator’s feeling of family is her allusion to the Gospel

of John. The Japanese Canadians were “born into the world” and were “sent.” They have

a clear and distinguishable purpose now. They are to act as a single family of people with

one clear purpose of supporting one another and bringing a message of hope amongst

23

hardship onto the cruel world. The narrator sees the past not as a people “drowning

specks of memory” but as a story of the “voiceless” being heard.

With the contrast between the general Japanese Canadians and the personal

account, the change in the narrator’s attitude can be seen. The uses of similes, clear shifts,

and allusions help the narrator convey her mixed emotions regarding the past. However

too, she tells her story in such a way that will lead others who are confused and helpless

out of the darkness to see the light of a new day.

24

Essay #10: Open Ended Question

In The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, Holden is torn between doing what he

knows he needs to do and doing what her wants to do. He can either apply himself and

stay in school or fail out like he has time after time. He can either please his family or he

can please himself. However, he cannot do both.

Holden’s first option within The Catcher in the Rye is to apply himself in school.

If Holden applies himself, then he can appease both his family and teachers who wish so

badly for him to succeed. Moreover, he can be a good role model for Phoebe and gain the

respect of D.B. and his parents. However, he will deny himself by acting as a “phony”

because he would be committing to something he does not fully care about. This would

be the ultimate act of self-betrayal for Holden. However, the choice is his.

On the other hand, Holden can be true to himself yet deny everyone who has ever

cared about him. He can choose to continue to fail out of school yet again and spend his

time drinking and being with prostitutes. He can remain true to his young and confused

self but continue to disappoint and disregard every ounce of compassion his family and

former teachers have shown him. He can pay the small price of living a “phony” lifestyle

in an attempt to defy the “phoniness” of the rules and standards if a normal, functioning

society.

While Holden struggles to choose between one lifestyle and the next, the true

essence of The Catcher in the Rye is revealed. Salinger uses Holden to exemplify the

struggle within society to be different while still conforming in order to function in

society. There is a wide range between the far right extremists and the far left

conformists; however, how does one obtain a life of living somewhere in the middle?

25

This is what Holden helps to address. His hat is perfectly symbolic of daring to be

different while still wanting to be a part of something greater. He can take off his hat,

stay in school, and become a productive member of society or he can wear his hat, flunk

out of school, and risk living a life of ruin.

Although one option may appear better than another, self-denial is never healthy

and Holden knows this. The struggle for individuality while conforming is one he makes

present. However, there is an answer to this predicament: Individuality can prevail. One

can conform while being true to oneself. The prefect balance of the two can be sought;

however, the same path does not work for all. One must be persistent in order to succeed

in finding the right path in life where he can live a life staying true to himself without the

burdens and hindrances of living a “phony” lifestyle.

26

College Essay

During the summer before my senior year, while many teens shoes to spend their

days on the beach, I chose to journey to Charleston, West Virginia. Here, there is an area

in the Appalachian Mountains where many people can barley afford to put food on the

tale and live in less than suitable homes. Because there is history of poverty within these

families, many times there is no chance for the next generation. For this reason, Roncalli

High School sends a group of student volunteers to Appalachia every summer. For one

week, we sleep on the floors of the Avesta Community Center and share our meals here.

Fortunately, I was able to be a part of this group this past summer.

The first site of which I worked involved a sixty year old woman Sandy and her

biracial and autistic great-nephew Adam. Adam’s mom was addicted to drugs at the time

of his birth and was not capable of taking care of her new son. When Sandy decided to

adopt Adam, her husband left her because Adam was biracial. After getting to know

Sandy and Adam’s story, we moved further into their house to see what needed fixing.

The back of their house, the part they lived in the most, was caving in. The roof leaked

the floor was unsteady, and the structure was endangering the rest of their home. After

assessing the situation, we decided that the best solution was to tear down the back of the

house. Even though we were tearing off nearly half of Sandy’s living space, she was so

grateful that we were making her house safe for her, but most especially Adam.

Moreover, she continually thanked God for our presence in this one short week of her

life and asked His blessings upon us numerous times.

Next, we moved onto a site which was the home of Patty and David. They has

been married for nearly fifty years and were building a retirement area onto their home

27

when David lost his vision. With David’s vision gone, he as not able to navigate the

upstairs loft that they had created. Moreover, he was not able to fix their uneven floor of

the first story hall, or even walk down it by himself. For this reason, our group’s goal was

to put a new floor into Patty and David’s first story hall, bedroom, and guest room. As we

worked, we could see Patty’s love for her husband as she helped him navigate their main

living quarters. Their love for each other was overflowing and this love was extended to

our group through delicious, homemade meals and prayer as we finished their new floor.

When we reflected each night together after a day’s work, I realized what a

service those I was helping were giving me. Through the examples Sandy, Adam, Patty

David, and the other volunteers set forth, I was able to learn about myself, my faith, and

the goodness and generosity of others. Also, I was able to see in myself the leadership,

teamwork, and outgoing spirit that I posses in action. I learned that helping people was

truly a passion of mine which I want to live out in my eventual profession. By the end of

the week I had realized that it was not I giving up my time in talent to those in need, but

that I was the recipient of a deeper understanding of love and respect for others, God, and

myself.