"The Bridegroom" blog

I found the story, "The Bridegroom" by Ha Jin to be very interesting. Right off the bat we learn that Beina's father has passed away and it was his wish for his best friend to adopt her since him and his wife had no children. He starts off by being worried that Beina will never marry because she is already 23 and has never even had a boyfriend, but then out of the blue she is proposed to. The guys name is Huang Baowen and no one knows why he would ask Beina, considering she is just an ordinary plan girl and he is very attractive and smart.

Even after them being engaged he couldn't help but feel she might get hurt because the whole situation was to good to be true. They ended up being married just two months after he has proposed. I myself think this is way to soon to get married since they have only been together two months. He says, "I'd do almost anything to make Beina's marriage a succuess, because I believed that if it survived the first two years, it might last decades"(page 93). When he says this you can tell that he still has doubt in the whole situation. He wants to do whatever he can to make his adopted daughter happy and to stay happy. There were tons of girls in the office that liked Baowen and would do anything to be with him, which worried Beina's uncle.

Next thing we know Baowen ends up not coming home one night and Beina has no idea where he was. We soon find out that he has been charged, along with many others, in a crime of homosexuality. He says, "According to the detectives' account, it was a bizarre, emotional scene"(page 96). From the description it is clear that no one understands why Baowen would do this and Beina's father finds it very disturbing. Baowen says, "Whenever I'm with a woman my heart is as calm as a stone"(page 97), I found this quote interesting because it shows that when he is with women he doesn't feel anything but he doesn't know why this is.

In the next few pages we see that Beina's uncle finds out about the agreement to the marriage and how rumors spread throughout the office. Beina tells her uncle how she likes being married to him even if he is the way he is because she doesn't have to worry about him looking at other women. We come to find out that Baowen is transferred to a mental hospital instead of being in jail, from what Beina's uncle had done. Then after visiting Baowen at the mental institution and seeing what goes on he says, "My heart was full of pity for Baowen. He was such a fine young man that he ought to be able to love a woman, have a family, and enjoy a normal life"(page 107), this shows Beina's uncles acceptance of Baowen. He knows that he can't help who he is and wants him to be able to be fixed.

Beina continues to make visits to see Baowen in the mental hospital and takes him presents when she goes. Her uncle says, "He was happy to see Beina and even cuddled her in my presence."(page 109) this shows that hopefully the treatment is working some or at least he realizes what a good wife he has for understanding who he is. Soon enough Beina's uncle finds out there is no cure for homosexuality and is shocked. All this time he thought his son-in-law was getting treated so he would love his wife but in fact it isn't possible. "Homosexuality isn't an illness, so how can it have a cure?'(page 111) this shows that even though Beina's uncle wants Baowen to get rid of what he has there really is no way for that to happen. Just like Dr. Mai said there is not a cure for it. Homosexuality is something people just have and can not help how they feel.

"After Cowboy Chicken Came to Town" blog

After reading "After Cowboy Chicken Came to Town" by Ha Jin I felt that it related to many of the other stories we have talked about lately. The story dealt a lot with the clashing of cultures and relationships. In this story we come across both American and Chinese cultures in a some what humorous way that makes the story interesting. I found it interesting when the man at the restaurant had a problem with his meal, "The man looked unhappy but accepted the offer. Still he muttered, "American dogs.""(page 185). I found this quote interesting since he referred to the chinese workers as "American dogs". This seemed very hurtful and uncalled for.

In the next part of the story it was easy to tell that Mr. Shapiro was not nice to his Chinese workers but wanted the best for his customers. He is an American man who has all Chinese workers. I found it interesting when it talks about the American boss being lazy once the business actually became something. "At first Mr. Shapiro worked hard, often staying around until we closed at ten-thirty. But as the business was flourishing, he hung back more and stayed in his office for hours on end,"(page 189-190). This shows that once his business actually got going good he decided to become lazy and not do his job as well. Mr. Shapiro probably feels that he already has the money so he doens't need to work as hard. I feel this is very different from how his Chinese workers are and even those in China today. They all want to be successful at what they do at all times. Also, the part when MR. Shapiro takes some of the girl workers out on dates I found wrong. He is a lot older then the girls and they probably feel obligated to go since it is their boss and they do not want to be fired.

Throughout the next part we learn about the boss wanting to turn the restaurant into a buffet. All the workers except the manager, Peter, think it is a great idea. I liked when they referred to Mr. Shapiro as a "skinflint"(page 193) which means someone who tries to spend as little money as possible. When we find out that the employees are not allowed any discount on the food, I found it unreasonable. They are working for him as hard as they can and all he does is sit in his office and he can't even give them a discount on food.

The funniest part of the story to me was when Peter got a phone call from son of the president of Muji Teachers College who wanted to have his wedding feast at the restaurant. He said, "he wanted something exotic for their wedding dinner, so he picked Cowboy Chicken."(page 199). I think this would be the last place I would call exotic. I don't see who would want to have their wedding dinner at a fried chicken restaurant. This just shows a change in how our cultures work. Somethings we see as being not so great and amazing in their eyes.

The situation of the boss taking the younger girls on dates soon comes up again. Juju tells her co-workers that their boss has "gotten fresh with her the previous night"(page 206). She goes on to say, "He had grasped her wrist and called her "Honey""(page 206). which shows how uncomfortable the girl was with the older man. I feel in our society today this would have not been such a huge ordeal. When the guys are telling her she should report it to the police when clearly the boss didn't even do anything to serious and had also been drinking. This shows another difference in the American and Chinese culture. Although if was wrong of him to grab her wrist she should not feel the need to report it to the cops.

The section of the story when it talked about burning the leftover chicken also struck me as a little ridiculous. The leftovers should not just be burned but possibly given to those who are needy or even given away to the fellow workers. This method of burning the chicken is showing them being wasteful. There are many people in the world who are starving and here they are just burning perfectly good food that could go to those who need it. Americans are seen as being wasteful which in some aspects is very true. In the last part of the story I was able to see another time of the cultures clashing. When Mr. Shapiro thinks the workers' are going to bomb the restaurant this is a clear misunderstanding between the two cultures. The American boss misinterprets what is being done and should not fall to this type of conclusion.

"The Stones of Summer" blog

Today in class we watched a documentary about a man who loves to read and is searching for the author of his favorite book called, "The Stones of Summer", who apparently disappeared after writing his one novel.  Mark wants to find the author so he can ask him questions about his book.  The book is not well known, so he does not have many ways of being able to find the author.  "The Stones of Summer" was written in 1972, which makes it that much harder for Mark to find out about who the author is and what the book means.  Mark realizes the book only has one review, which makes his search even harder.

When Mark got the book he did not read it at first.  He would try to read "The Stones of Summer", and just couldn't get into the novel.  Later on he picked it up again and told himself he had to read it.  He read it over 6 weeks and found that he really enjoyed it and found it fascinating.  Since Mark felt so connected to the story, he decided he needed to find out more about the author and talk about his amazing writing.  He made it clear that the book brought back his childhood.  While growing up Mark loved to read and books themselves are what changed him as a person.  He admits that he does not remember much about his childhood, but could tell you everything about all the books he read.  Mark decided to go see his mom to find out more about his childhood.  After finding out more about his childhood, you can really tell books were a major part of it.  Marks mom even recalled him always carrying a book in his back pocket.

Mark describes how he loved the time spent in the libraries just looking at all the books, but how in today's society many people resort to the computer and internet.  He seems to be saying that everyone is missing out on the true reading experience.  As a child, Mark was happy when he walked 45 minutes to the nearest book store and would just sit on the floor looking at every book they had.  He was able to use his imagination through the books, instead of through video games like the kids today.  I find it amazing how the times have changed over the years.  I for one can say I did not become a fan of reading until I came to college.  I really enjoyed when he said that reading is the only thing that has kept him sane.  Reading is such a huge part of his life he doesn't know what he would do without it.

He starts talking about how his life is stressful with his job, and how he needs the time to just read a good book.  I also really liked when he talked about how the place becomes a book and the book becomes a place.  This shows that even when he is at work he can think of a situation in which it is part of a novel.  Reading has captured a huge part of his life and will always be there.  I find his love for reading really interesting, because he can take a bad day at work and make it a great one just from opening a book.  

Mark goes to visit John who wrote the only review for "The Stones of Summer".  I found it very interesting how much the two men had in common just from reading the same books.  Mark even comments on how he feels like he has known John for many years just from their interests in the same books.  I really enjoyed when John was saying that even if it is a great book that doesn't mean you have to like it.  I also enjoyed when Mark mentioned "The Catcher and the Rye", because I read this in high school.  I could relate to some of the great works he was mentioning.  I am interested to see how this documentary plays out and what Mark will find out about the mysterious book that no one seems to know anything about.

"The Same River Twice" final blog

In this last section of Chris Offutt's Memoir, he discusses where he has traveled to and finally becoming a father.  Offutt starts off hitch hiking and comes to a spot where he finds it takes a long time to get a ride.  Written on the metal sign is past hitch hikers who have waited for days before a ride picked them up.  He says, "facing the flip side of freedom-the numb despair of immobility."(page 154) he is saying how he feels sense it could take him forever to get a ride.  Offutt does not want to be stuck in one place waiting, he wants to move on with his life and keep going.  He finally receives a ride and is heading to Florida, where he gets a job at a park in the everglades.  

When Bucky picks him up to take him to his job at the everglades he tells Offutt, "you don't look too natural for a Naturalist."(page 155)  Looking at his appearance he makes the observation that he does not resemble a naturalist.  Once they arrive Bucky tells Offutt "Don't let the swamp in."(page 156) he is referring to all the mosquitoes that are flying around.  I really enjoyed when Offutt said, "I had voluntarily entered the most hostile environment known to man."(page 157).  On his own free will he has chosen a job that is in some aspects horrible.  He is being attacked by mosquitoes and learning about his new surroundings.  He says,"a hundred and fifty bites per day.  I soon developed something of an immunity."(page 158), he is having to get used to the new atmosphere even if it is less than expected.  

Offutt soon learns that the work at the everglades is not so great and rather dehumanizing.  He says, "We were de-evolved humans who'd chosen proximity to the foundations of our existence, living on neither land nor water, but in a foreign world of both."(page 160).  This is a great quote to show what he is having to live with at the job.  Living at the Flamingo shows the harsh nature of what they live with, the horrible food they have to eat, and the hard work put in everyday.  Although these are all struggles, Offutt makes great effort to continue on.  One of the great visual quotes I found in the reading was when Offutt says, "vulnerable and lonely, as if they'd been beached by tide rather than built by man."(page 162).  Here Offutt is telling of how the buildings look in Flamingo from the sea.  All the buildings seem to be run down and very old.  

Captain Jack soon goes with Offutt on his first boat outing.  After working together Captain Jack invites Offutt over for dinner saying his wife would be thrilled to have company.  We soon find out that they have lost their own son in war.  Offutt is asked to stay the night and after being given the talk about the Captains son he feels bad to be staying in his room.  He says,"I turned off the light and stood beside the bed for a long time...and slept on the floor"(page 166).  From this we can tell that Offutt feels bad for their loss and feels it is wrong to stay in the bed where their only son once was.  

Soon we hear of Jacob, the hurricane that heading for Flamingo.  Offutt has been tracking the hurricane and graphing where it is suppose to go.  He compares his graphing with the one at the ranger station.  He says, "Instead of finding my error, I discovered the ranger's mistake."(page 168) Offutt has found that the hurricane is heading straight for them and not hundreds of miles away like the rangers thought.  Once finding this news out the rangers quickly evacuate everyone from the island.  He goes on to talking about writing up his own will and giving everything to his brother.  Offutt is ready for death and is not afraid.  He soon realizes that he will not be faced with death because the hurricane is over.  He says, " disappointed to be stuck with life."(page 171) which shows that he was ready to go but now seems upset it did not happen.  

After this he quits at Flamingo and leaves with Dirt who also quit.  Dirt takes him to Florida city.  He asks for Offutt's drivers license since he knows people will be after him.  Once giving this to him he says, "I watched the proof of who I was drive into the street, turn a corner, and disappear."(page 174).  This shows Offutt's proof of existence in the world being taken away from him.  After this he ends up meeting Rita.  My favorite part of this section was when he said,"We held hands in that narrow space between the two worlds of past and present."(page 176).  He goes on to talk about how his family loved Rita and knew she would be good for him.  Offutt then says,"I had my goddess.  I had my temple.  The prairie spread in every direction."(page 177) this shows that he has what he wants in his life.  Offutt has a loving wife, a great house, and everything is turning out the way it should.

The baby is now finally ready to come into the world.  After being two weeks overdue, Offutt is worried about how the baby will turn out.  He knows the baby should be fine since Rita is in great health.  Offutt goes on to say, "Only war and birth erupt on their own,"(page 178) He knows the baby has to come at its own time but wants it to happen soon.  He is still worried about not being free but knows the life as a dad will be rewarding.  Rita finally has the babe and it turns out to be a boy just like they wanted.  Offutt says, "His birth was my rebirth."(page 185).  I feel he is trying to say that since he is now a new father he has a new beginning in life.  He wants to start fresh and make sure the baby has a great life.  In the end he says, "Nothing has changed except everything."(page 188) this goes back to what Rita had said earlier on about everything has changed.  He now realizes that his life will be completely different.  Overall I really enjoyed this book.  It has been my favorite read thus far.  

"The Same River Twice" part 3 blog

            This section starts off with Offutt taking about the baby coming soon.  He says, "If the baby doesn't volunteer soon,"(page110), I found this humorous.  Offutt goes on to say, "A month later the brain doubles, increasing its capacity to dream."(page 110), and then goes into a dream he has had the night before.  I enjoyed this quote because he is wanting his unborn child to be able to dream.  When getting to the part about the juice spilling in the bed and Offutt thinking it was part of his wife and something was wrong with the baby he says, "Laughter arrived, always overdue, evidence of life."(page 111).  This was one of my favorite quotes.  I found that Offutt feels there is not enough laughter in their lives but you have to have good times to keep going.  Even though they have had stressful times with the baby, he is glad to know everything is still fine and they are still happy.

         The next part Offutt is talking about wanting a boy.  He does make it clear that if they do have a son he does not want him to turn out like he did.  While he is out thinking about what his child might be he says, "The fox is watching me watch my thoughts."(page 113).  I found this quote interesting.  He sees the fox watching what he is doing, while he still thinks about what his future holds.  Then he says, "Very soon my freedom will end.  No one is perfect but fathers are expected to be.(page 113).  From this he is saying that once the baby comes he will not be free anymore.  He has a responsibility as a new father.  I feel the part about fathers being perfect is suppose to mean that he wants the best for his child and does not want to mess anything up.  The ending part of this chapter caught my attention.  Offutt is telling Rita that he thinks "nothing matters" but she says, "Everything matters now, More than ever"(page 114).  From this I feel Rita is trying to tell him that once the baby comes their lives will change.  They have to watcher every step they make with the baby and be extra careful.  

         The next chapter is when Offutt meets Shadrack, who is his roommate.  He says, "I had quit painting to write, and he was a poet who now painted."(page 115).  I found this somewhat funny because they both just switched places.  They found what they liked to do from each other.  He says, "We were inverted Siamese twins, connected at theintellect."(page 115) this furthers the meaning of the first quote when they switched what they did as a living.  The both found their joy in what the other had been doing.  He goes on to talk about the jobs he had in Salem which included working at a car wash, a landscaper, and even selling flowers.  I enjoyed when he says, "now decayed and gift-wrapped like a mummy's womb."(page 116) this shows how old the town is and what it looks like.  

         The next part I found interesting was when he is talking about not knowing distant relatives, he says, "I had no history behind my father, no love beyond my mother."(page 120).  This shows that he is not familiar with any of his relatives and from this he feels that no one really loves him beyond his parents.  I think he says this because his relatives don't really know who he is anyways.  Offutt goes on to talk about his brother who is getting married and wants him to be the best man.  His brother comes to visit him and sees how he is living, which is not so great.  He says, "You're to young to get married." and his brother replies, "maybe, but you are to old to live like this."(page 122).  I felt this was a great quote because he is allowing his brother to realize he shouldn't be living how he is at his age.  Even though his brother maybe to young to get married he has a steady job and makes good money.  Offutt is barely making it by and still is drinking and partying with his friends instead of sticking with a real job.

         When he is at home Offutt says, "He was losing his family to the outside world and there was no replacement."(page 123).  This shows his fathers emotion.  He knows he is losing his children one at a time and knows the house is soon to be empty.  Offutt is off living his life alone and his younger brother is not getting married.  His father feels that everyone is growing up to fast and does not want to come to the realization that his family is slowly falling apart.  He later says, "Though I'd left first, he no longer needed me. I resented the loss."(page 125).  Here he is talking about his brother and how even though he left the house first he is upset that his brother no longer needs him.  Offutt feels that since he is the old brother his younger brother should still need him, but he has to realize that his brother has grown up much faster than himself.

            He then goes back to talking about Rita and the baby.  When he is talking about the placenta he says, “I hurry home, reminding myself that the placenta is stronger and more complex than a spacesuit.  It girdles the baby as the earth once protected all of humanity.”(page 133)  Although he is worried about Rita he realizes she is really strong enough to take care of herself.  Her body is its own mind with the baby and there is not much he could do for her. I found all the inferences to Rita and the baby amazing.  He uses great language to describe the baby and when it is about to come.  I have really enjoyed this reading so far and can say I fell it is the best book so far.