"Untouchable" Thoughts 2

- What caste is Charat Singh originally from? He seems particularly comfortable with untouchables.
- Does Lahka know what's best for Bakha given the circumstances, or is he just a slave to the Indian caste system?
- Has Bakha always felt trapped in his world, or has he just become aware of his condition and the state of his life? He seems to have become more and more depressed as the plot continues.

"Melancholy" (79)

"Untouchable" Thoughts

- Why is Bakha so obsessed with the British? Is it coming from a place of genuine fascination, longing to have their wealth, or a deep dislike/hatred?

- Can "Untouchables" play professional sports, like field hockey, or is that not allowed?

- Is Lahka just a lazy person, or in his age has he essentially "given up" doing the works his Caste is relegated to?

"Refuse" (25)

"A Temporary Matter" Response

"A Temporary Matter" had an incredible depressing tone, with things continually getting worse and worse as the story progresses.  Although there seemed to be a bit of hope during their blackout games, this all comes crashing down, making this short story ever more depressing to the reader.  This melancholy, depressing tone helps to convey the theme, that a lack of communication often results in a broken relationship.  While the relationship does seemingly get better after they communicate and play this game, the damage is irreparable.  Their relationship was never to be as strong as it once was, and a separation was inevitable.  This story is so depressing, because it really is so real, and so plausible. Real people experience this type of thing all the time, something that really brings out the magnitude of this situation.  By the end of the story, both Shoba and Shakumar are completely broken individuals.  This is a truly sad story.

"The Metamorphosis" Response

         Gregor's transformation in "The Metamorphosis" reminded me much of Wikus' transformation into a "prawn" in the much more recent science fiction film "District 9."  Similar to Wikus, Gregor fights an inner struggle between his human thoughts and memories, and his new animalistic physical urges.  Viewing this transformation and its effects over time in this story brought about much dread, as Gregor's complete isolation from humankind as a whole seemed to grow up until the day of his death.  Transforming from his family's source of income into a total burden and drain of resources, Gregor's value to his family disminished greatly, eventually culminating in them turning on him, hoping that he leaves them forever.  Making this story even more depressing for Gregor is Grete's rapid blossoming into a capable young women shortly after Gregor's death, further displaying how much he help back Grete and the rest of the family following his metamorphosis.

- Does the metamorphosis symbolize anything about Gregor's relationship with his family and others?

- Did Gregor kill himself, or was his time simply up?

"Death & the King's Horseman" Reaction

From these early acts, Elesin came off, to me, as bragadocious and errogant, but, also, as a quit captivating and respected speaker according to the people.  It seems that Elesin is sacrificing himself only for the fame that comes before his sacrifice.  He can essentially get any girl he wants, and he is looked at as a hero to the people.  Elesin does not appear in it for the good of the people, but more in it for the good of him.  Elesin clearly realizes that all of this attention he is receiving stems from his upcoming sacrifice, and he is essentially milking it for all its worth.

- My reaction brings up the question: Do you believe Elisen is in it for the good of man, or simply for himself?
- What exactly is the sacrifice for, and why is he going to be arrested for doing this?

Post Colonial Reading of The Tempest

Main Points:
- Prospero is a 'playwright,' as he controls everything and everyone on the island

- Caliban is a representation of oppressed people

- Prospero is driven by colonizing and imperialism
- Prospero and Miranda justify their enslavement of Caliban through his 'savage' nature
- Prospero is an intruder who abandoned Caliban's trust

Questions:
- Is there real confusion between the spelling of 'Caliban' and 'cannibal,' or is that just an assumption?
- During the time this play was written, were their slaves in the New World at the time?

'As I Lay Dying' Questions III

- Why is Anse such a terrible father? Is he just dumb or does he simply not care about his children?

- Why did Darl set the barn on fire? Was he crazy before burning the barn or was his detainment the cause of his madness at the end of the novel?