Author John Updike passed away. Students in my online and hybrid ENGL 1102 courses have read his short story "A&P." The other section will be reading it soon. I had to read Run, Rabbit, Run in a novel course during my college years. Updike's unflattering depiction of Rabbit's wife, Jenny, was one of those descriptions that has stuck with me for years! I would quote it, but I do not have my copy here, and our library does not have one either! :(
I really dislike the term "dissect" when students apply it to literature. A short story is composed of many parts: plot, characters, setting, etc. We can look at each element and appreciate how the author creates, manipulates, or portrays each part. We don't leave each part lying exposed on a table in a lab, though. What I want students to understand is that reading critically may require them to look at the parts, but the ultimate goal is to pull the parts of a story together to make the best sense of it. What good is it to discuss the characterization of Faulkner's Emily Grierson if we ignore the various settings that influence her character and our understanding of her situation?
A few weeks ago, a colleague who was preparing a "why do we need to read lit" sort of presentation for her own class asked me why I read. My immediate summary was "because it reaffirms what I already believe and it challenges me to explore new beliefs." I value both sides of that relationship. I don't want to be merely pat on the head and told I'm right all the time. I want to be challenged to think about issues in new, interesting ways. I'm dumbstruck whenever I'm confronted by others who are only interested in the head patting. Honestly, I often don't know what to do with these types.
Oh, and I don't have all the answers nor do I love all the literature we read in class. That's why I chose some of them!
This weekend I was able to spend time with my mom, two sisters, niece and daughter in a cabin tucked away in Itasca State Park. We worked on our pictures and other various projects. This was all fun, but on the drive home I was thinking about my family and what I admire about each person. Many fine qualities pop into mind, but the one that I kept returning to over and over is that they are genuine. They are not obsessed with unnecessary frills. They are not high maintenance people, and this is a trait I value both in myself and in those around me.
Evidence of frills and excess abound. On my way to work yesterday, I was driving behind a Cadillac Escalade truck. It was, considering the amount of salty, dirty snow on the roads here, very pristine. The pearly white paint truly glistened in the early morning light. As we motored along, I wondered if the driver--a female--felt better about herself for driving that rig. Does she feel superior for having that particular truck and maintaining it in such a way? Is that what makes her happy? Honestly, maybe she doesn't think of it at all. I decided that even if I had the money to drop on an Escalade, I wouldn't want one. I've never driven one; it may have the best ride and amenities, but I don't want one just on principle. I am content to drive my little four-cylinder Compass, Blaze. She left a smudge of white road matter on my black pea jacket this morning. She is not high maintenance and we get a long fine. Truly, if I had the money right now, I would buy an older Jeep Wrangler before I bought anything else.
On such morning drives, I can't crank my music because my daughter is in the vehicle, so I have a lot of time to daydream on the way to "playschool." Yesterday, after the Escalade was out of sight, I started thinking about the uselessness, in general, of earrings. What is the deal with jewelry? In particular, have you considered the marketing for earrings? They are supposed to somehow frame our face or be an expression of our personality. If I don't wear them, then, do I have no personality? Have you ever heard of a girl who said her boyfriend/spouse asked her to dance or loved her because of her earrings? Probably not. I have a colleague who makes beautiful earrings, and I once picked out a lovely green pair, thinking how nice it would be to start wearing them again. I just can't seem to find time in the morning to remember to put on any jewelry. My sisters and mom also are not obsessed with jewelry. We don't typically get it for Christmas or Valentines. I currently have two quality necklaces: one pearl and one emerald. I have worn each only a handful of times. They will, however, one day be passed down to my daughter and that is reason enough for me to keep them.
Maybe all this stems from the fact that I hate shopping in general. I have not been to the mall since the weekend before Christmas. I don't have any plans to go there any time soon either. One reason is just that it's been too damn cold to go gallivanting about town, but primarily I just avoid those places at all costs. If I go shopping, it's pretty basic: I go straight for Eddie Bauer. Not frilly. Not excessive. I sometimes treat myself to something at Cold Water Creek (usually for school-related purchases), but that's once a year at most. Yep, take me to a thrift store or Kohls, and I am content.
Now, however, I have the urge to stop by the Boys' Ranch on my way home to see what kind of sweaters they have in stock. There are a few months left of winter, after all, and with the heat turned down in my office, I am in need of some thick, woolly warmness.
