Red Ryder Nails the Hammond Kid

PLOT
In the beginning, the author depicts a coffee scene to get the story started. He tells of a man (Ralphie) and woman exchanging views on "Disarming the Toy Industry." It is from here where the true plot takes place. On page 475, "I sipped my coffee and remembered another Christmas, in another time, in another place, and a gun." This is where we first come to know of how the plot begins. This was spoken by the main character, Ralphie, about his ultimate christmas gift. The rising action is when Ralphie designs a plan to put little hints all around his house that he wants the Red ryder BB gun. He tries to make it obvious very subtley because he knows his parents will not agree. The climax of the story is of course when he is greatly surprised on Christmas Eve when he unwraps the Red Ryder BB gun. He is filled with joy and cannot believe Santa really came through. The falling action then is when Ralphie takes his gun out to play and within minutes the bullet strikes his face. He starts to panic and cannot tell his mom the truth so he makes a lie about an icicle and his mother believes him. The plot is very well designed because it allows the reader to have anticipation for what happens next. Eventhough the audience knows Ralphie is going to get the Red Ryder BB gun, we still wait in suspense to see if it really comes true.

Point of View
This story is told in first-person point of view. Ralphie is who the story follows and the one who is retelling a story from his younger years. With first person, we do not come to know much about the other characters only by way of little dialogues Ralphie has with these people and also little images we see in the story. By having the story told in first person, I was able to feel Ralphie's true thoughts and extreme hope and joy for his Red Ryder BB gun. While reading, I learned of much trouble planning and gaming up for this present Ralphie took. Ralphie was only a young boy at the time and he was behaving as a young child would behave around Christmas regarding presents. The story stays in present tense the whole time. This also adds to the feeling as if I was actually there witnessing these events.

Characterization
There is really never a time in the story when the author comes out and gives us a briefing on who each character is and what their main characteristics are. Moreover, we never come to know the speakers name until almost the end of the story. Throughout the whole story the only character really expressed is Ralphie. He is a little boy who we come to find out through characterization how much he wants the Red Ryder BB gun. Through indirect characterization, cutting out clippings and dropping hints here and there, we come to know that Ralphie is very persistant. He will not accept no for an answer. We know Ralphie is a hard working kid who makes sure to please his parents. Another character that is briefly mentioned here and there is Flick, a classmate to Ralphie. Flick is portrayed as a bully that is clearly expressed by this line, "I just hope Flick never spotted them, as the word fo this humiliation could easily make life at Warren G. Harding School a veritable hell." Other characters mentioned are his parents. They seem to be your typical parents who look out for the best interest of their children. When Ralphie tells of his Christmas wish, they say "You'll shoot your eye out."

Setting
There are two main settings the encapsulate the whole short story. The first setting is in a coffee shop later in Ralphie's life. However, the setting that has the most influence and pertains mostly to the entire story is Northern Indiana in downtown Hohman. On page 478, "Downtown Hohman was prepared for its yearly bacchanalia of peace on earth and good will to men." Ralphie and his family's home is the key spot, "the lights were lit, and the living room was transformed into a small, warm paradise." While reading the story, I pictured the day to day life of any young kid at Christmas. The story progresses to the build up of opening up Christmas gifts. The place where Ralphie's dream came true was his house on Christmas Eve. THe author shows insight to that setting spot to make it well-known to the reader. As an audience, we come to know of Ralphie's family traditions and how important they are to the setting. The setting is typical to almost any family around Christmas time. This helps the reader relate to the Christmas joy. (really glad I picked this story--it made me start thinking of all the things i want for Christmas :))

Theme
A major theme brought out in this story is the joy of Christmas. Christmas cheer is expressed in presents, decorations, and just people actions. Ralphie experiences Christmas joy in picking out his Christmas wish and making sure he got it. "I had booby-trapped the house with copies of Open Road for Boys...Red Ryder's slit-eyed face." (page 479) For anything to be done, determination and joy are key aspects that need to be identified. Ralphie put his feelings and believings of Christmas on the Red Ryder BB gun. He is an innocent little boy who finds the greatest excitement at opening up a present that he truly wanted. The overall theme of Christmas passion is clearly present. Other christmas movies that have this theme are: Elf, Christmas Shoes, Eloise at Christmas, and Santa Clause.

Miss Brill

As an audience, we feel sympathy for Miss Brill. She is an old and lonely woman who only wants to feel some love in return. Every Sunday she goes and sits on the same bench in the park. On this particular day, she wears her fur. This is something that is close to her and makes her feel protected. However, teenagers see who and make fun of her fur. The only thing Miss Brill wants is company. She has to find it in where she goes, and what she wears. For the teenagers to make fun of her and her fur, makes her feel less of herself and feels even more lonely. At the end when we read how there is crying coming from the fur, we can infer that that is Miss Brill herself and her tears of how she wants company. Putting the fur away symbolizes how abandoned and lonely Miss Brill's life is and will be.

Once Upon a Time

Throughout this story, the phrase "YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED" is repeated. These words appear on plaques outside of peoples houses. The reason for putting these words in all caps is to emphasize the danger that may arouse. This story is told in first person by a narrator who is supposed to write a children's book. The only thing in this story that relates to children is the title "Once Upon a Time", and the last paragraph of how the mother reads to the child. The narrator ends up thinking of a danger story that came from the eerie noises that had awaken her. The whole story revolved around making the house safe. The family had to buy all the new and latest equipment to keep them safe at night and protect them from intruders. However, at the end of the story we learn that their son becomes tangled in the mess and gets hurt. I found it ironic how the narrator is supposed to write a children's story and make it light and sweet but in turn makes it gruesome and scary.

A Worn Path

The whole point of this story is to show the struggles and journeys people go through. Phoenix is an older woman who travels down into town to get her grandson's medication. But we do not find that out until the end of the story. In the beginning, I got the feeling that Phoenix is mentally disabled. We learn of how she sees people (ghosts) in her path and she talks to them. I became really confused as to if she really even talks to a real person. She had to climb down a large hill in to the city. Phoenix seems very confused and absent minded when she enters into the building. The structure of the story is that of a journey and making it to the end. Phoenix encounters many obstacles but she never gives up. SHe is a poor woman and does not have much. But, she never gives up and emcompasses all the endeavors and makes it to the medicine.

Eveline

Eveline is a charcter that is trapped in either staying in Dublin with her father, or turn to the married life and leave with Frank. Throughout the whole story she is in this dilemma. She has the desire to leave because her father is often abusive and she does not want to end up like her mother. However, she begins to think of her old life when they were happy and she gets the feeling to stay. But then, she thinks of Frank and all the promises he has made her. The audience believes she will go with him except for the last couple paragraphs. Eveline becomes frightened as to what she should do and remains emotionless and motionless when Frank boards the ship. This shows her type of charcter and relates to the theme. She can not make up her mind. The author said she was "like a helpless animal." This implies she could do nothing and was just in awe of not knowing what to do.

Bartleby the Scrivner

This story was very hard for me to get into. However, some aspects of it gave me something to blog about. The number one phrase that seems to be a key part of the story is "I would prefer not to" which is said by Bartleby. THis startles the lawyer because noone has ever really refused to do what he has asked. Bartleby refuses to check a document that the lawyer asked. To me, it seems as though Bartleby refused to show that he is not controlled and that its a changing time. This statement affects the routine of the employees and the lawyer because he then has to call in other scriveners to do the job. The lawyer upholds higher respect it seems for Bartleby. He introduces him last, yet the author puts him as the title. THe routine is set off when Bartleby gives the lawyer that response. Yet, the lawyer found it strange in the way that it was said. Bartleby said it calmly and without drastic force.

Everyday use-Dee

Throughout this story, Dee's character was shocking to me. She came home to see her family after years and treated them as if she was better than they ever would be. She changed her name to Wangero and told her mother it was a symbol of new life basically. She was an educated character who contrasted her mother and other sister Maggie who relied solely on custom and heritage. These contrasting character elements created deep tension in the family. At the beginning of the story, we learn of the tragic event of the house fire that has caused discomfort. To me, this was the first sign that the family was in dismay. ALso, Dee is describe as the "model" character practically perfect in all that she does and looks like. However, Maggie is embarrased of her burns and seems she is a nobody compared to her sister. Mama does not help much because she too used to put Dee on a pedestal. THe quilts changed the story. Dee thought she could just take them because she was Dee. Mama however stepped in and put her in her place. Dee realized that was no way to treat her family. Characterization allows for us readers to follow the story and make clear distinctions between each character and see whose side we will take.

Hunters in the Snow

Tub seems to be the character who causes many problems. Kenny and Frank are always "bad mouthing" him and pointing out everything he does wrong. It takes Tub awhile before he just completely unleashes. Kenny is the arrogant character. At the end when they have not killed anything he shoots his gun really with no purpose. Tub in turn shoots Kenny and there is a twist. Now, Tub seems to have to the power of the group. All the characters sort of freak out before they gather themselves and figure out what to do. By having Tub take the shot at Kenny shows meaningful characterization. The whole story we see Tub sitting back and taking everything in, yet in the end he becomes the aggressive character and adds a twist to the story. Frank is the character who seems to be the observer and takes the side of whoever has the most "power".

Everyday Use

The characters in this novel are all in the same family. There is a mother who seems to take special pride in her daughter Dee, and another daughter Maggie. Dee arrives back at home and expects to have things remain the same as they were when she left. This meaning that her mother would adore her and only her. However, when they start to discuss the quilts, her mother stands up for Maggie. Dee says that Maggie would be dumb enough to put them to everyday use. This is where our title comes in. The quilts hold special respect in the household and for the mother to deny them to Dee is a drastic change in the mother. As readers, we start to notice that she appreciates both of her children. Dee is a character who feels as though she runs the show. She has the attitude of what she says goes and thats that. Her mother used to oblige to this rule, however, not anymore.

A Rose for Emily

This story is very strange. I was having a difficult time following the events taking place. The final paragraph truly shows Emily's true character. The neighbors found a dead body in a bed with the smell and dust and a dented pillow. Emily poisoned Homer. SHe left him in her house. What made her the way she is? It seems she went down hill after her father died. This story does not follow a certain order. It jumps around from event to event. We switch from present to past. THis kind of structure only adds the mysterious edge to the story. Another part of the story that I was not quite sure about what the title, "A Rose for Emily." I believe the author chose this title because it is in rememberance of Emily and the life she led. We get a sense that she was well respected and trusted until we find out about the weird actions she took.

Interpreter of Maladies

This story was told in the present and proceeds in order of a typical story. There are no flashbacks or instances in the story where we get a glimpse of what happened before hand. The Das family is taking a trip in India. There tour guide, Mr.K, begins to have a special kind of feeling for Mrs. Das. She takes interest into his job and later confides in him. Mr. K gives Mrs. Das his address which she keeps in her purse. However, at the end of the story, the paper flies in the air and leaves Mrs. Das' posession. He was the only one to see and care that it was gone. This signifies that yes, Mrs. Das did have somewhat of a tie to Mr. K at the beginng, but when he can not solve her problem, she no longer cares for what he is. The note symbolized a bond between them.

How I Met My Husband

The last line of the story reads, "He always tells the children the story of how I went after him by sitting by the mailbox everyday, and naturally I laugh and let him, because I like for people to think what pleases them makes them happy." The readers and Edie know that this is not the truth. The reason Edie waits at the mailbox is because she is waiting to recieve Chris's letter to her. The ending is a surprise to the readers. We, as readers, know little about Carmichael. We know he is the mailman and grows a love for Edie. However, we know Chris Watters because he is in the whole story. I believe they differ because Watters seems like a nobody. He is always traveling never being true. Carmichael seems to be a well respected man and loving. The surprise ending realistic. Edie marrying Chris would just not be right. Overall, I loved this story.

How I Met My Husband

Throughout this story, I was kind of feeling suspense. Every so often I would get an anticipation feeling for what is going to happen next, or if Edie was going to get caught. Suspense occurs in numerous cases: Edie trying on Mrs. Peebles dress and Chris Watters found her, Edie going over to Chris Watters tent, Alice Kelling was asking Edie questions about her being with Chris, and Edie waiting for the letters at the mailbox all show suspense. As a reader, I was curious as to what would happen. The biggest question in my mind was who is Edie going to end up with? Which guy was going to be her husband? Not only did the story reflect suspense, but the title did as well. "How I Met My Husband" implies there is a suspenseful story to be told.