The Scarecrow

I found the short story The Scarecrow interesting in many aspects. I felt that she was connected to her father in many ways including fulfilling the role of a son that the father wishes he would have had. The similarities between Joan and her father (not liking to be touched, and having their place outside of the home and in nature) showed the relationship between the two and not needing words. While the sisters of Joan made fun of her, maybe wishing they had that connection with their father also, Chattie did seem to stand up for Joan over and over. The character that Tony began was a very creepy character to me. It seemed that he forced his self on Joan, and in my opinion what happened that night was not exactly consent. The way I perceived that particular scene was that he accomplished what he was trying to do by having sex with Joan whether she liked it or not. The symbolism with Joan and the scarecrows, how the sister described her as bringing the crows in and then pushing them away was much related to how she treated Tony. The scene was very confusing due to that fact. The reader perceives that she was raped but there was some clues that might have pointed to it being consensual. Overall, Joan never seems to fit in with her mother and her sisters. It seems her place is outside with her father and even till the very end of the story her father stands up for her about the marriage saying she does not have to do anything she does not want to do.

Sandra Cisneros resource page

Sandra Cisneros. "Old Maids" and "Las Girlfriends."

Tillie Olsen. NPR article and excerpt

You may either read or listen to the article introducing an excerpt of Olsen's work "Tell Me a Riddle." The article is by lawyer/novelist Scott Turow (One L and Presumed Innocent) and it provides some background on Olsen and this story, as well as his responses as a reader of her work.

The House of Mirth Drawing-Room

I think that although she wants to be able to make up a drawing room, it would only work for her if she is married and is "able to make up a man's drawing room." She looks down on Gertie, but Gertie is able to do her own drawing room on her own terms but without the need for a man. Lily doesn't have to be married in order to have a drawing room to express her artistic soul, she is just too afraid of having to be alone and create her own living space around the drawing room. I think that symbolizes that women are able to be given an illusion of power by being able to do over a man's drawing room, but they really are just disillusioned as it is the men who own the house and the objects that make up the drawing room. It leads back to the caged bird analogy.

The House of Mirth

I thought it was interesting that she takes part of the title of her book from Ecclesiastes which is more or less dedicated to Solomon. He broke 3 of the rules of kings mapped out in Deuteronomy. He sins by multiplying his gold and his horses and chariots. He also idolizes other Gods. In response to this, God announces that he shall tear Solomon's kingdom in half. I found this interesting as a part of foreshadowing by showing that Lily wants to have more money and more material things and she well idolizes the social status she is trying so hard to stay in with. I think that may well be the reason Wharton decided against titling her book "A Moment's Ornament" or "The Year of the Rose." I think she did this because of the heavy symbolism and meaning behind the house of mirth, it leads to a fuller understanding of the follies of the mannerisms of the main characters.

Domestic Challenges

This is me.  And I love that it shows how far we have come!

Casey's post re: "The Yellow Wallpaper"

Casey says: This link is to another blogspot page. It has a really great painting depicting "The Yellow Wallpaper," I really think this painting sums up the grief and emotions of the main character in the story. There is also some more information regarding the story, like the meanings and symbols present.

Angel in the House images posted by Ambivalent

http://leapandtwirl.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/domestically_disabled.jpg?w=400&h=395
http://www.halen.com/images/uploads/the_truth.jpg

Images of Angel in the House posted by Bookworm

Jewett, Sarah Orne. "A White Heron."

New Yorker article on Harriet Beecher Stowe

This is an abstract of a longer article that considers Stowe's influence and the tremendous worldwide impact of Uncle Tom's Cabin. I am happy to provide copies of the full article to anyone who is interested.

Article on Uncle Tom's Cabin

Grace King. "La Grande Demoiselle"

Scroll down to read the story "La Grande Demoiselle."

Coventry, Patmore. "The Angel in the House"

Virginia Woolf. "Professions for Women."

Welcome to our class blog!

Welcome to the class blog for ENGL 3117, American Women Writers, at Columbus State University. This class will meet Monday through Thursday from 9:20-10:45AM throughout the summer term (June 13-July 28) in Howard 202. On this blog you can find the syllabus, course readings, and other links. You can also post comments on the readings, class discussion, and anything else you deem relevant to our understanding of American women writers. Feel free to visit me during office hours, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays in Woodall 163, or contact me via email (green_angela1@columbusstate.edu) or via the blog. I look forward to an engaging and enjoyable class!

American Authors resource page

Alcott, Louisa May, selections from Hospital Sketches

Read chapters I and IV

Edith Wharton Society Page