"One Hundred Years of Solitude" Post 7b

This book is very odd, but beautiful to read. It's tone is so even, calm, and matter of fact; after Anna Karenina it's quite a nice change. No one is sentimentalized and everyone has faults or makes mistakes: José Arcadio Buendía wastes his time on silly alchemical experiments, Úrsula is domineering and pushes Arcadio to his doom, Amaranta pushes Pietro to commit suicide, Rebeca spurns her lover, and many others. This very up front, clear tone contrasts with the almost dream-like confusing nature of the plot. The relentless sound of the bones of Rebeca's parents, the founding of the town itself, José Buendía's slip into madness, Arcadio's take over of the town, the flying carpet, the power of alchemy, the return of Melquíades from death: all of these events have a mystical aspect to them. Pilar Tenera embodies this idea: not only does she bring out the passion in almost every man, including her own son, but she has the power to read the future in cards. This contrast of real and mythical is the foundation for the novel. One Hundred Years of Solitude also plays an interesting role in literature. For me, it seems much like Absalom, Absalom! by William Faulkner. In Faulkner's novel of a Southern family's twisted history, Thomas Sutpen and his Hundred slaves like devils seem just as mystical, and his family's legacy becomes just as confusing with different relations between members. It also focuses on a patriarch's ensuing clan. However, in perhaps a Southern way it makes things extremely complex and connected, each part of a sentence bringing the reader to the next thought, and then the next, and then back to the beginning, weaving the story in circles. Márquez's novel's writing is much more straightforward, it is the relations between people that become confusing. Perhaps this novel represents Latin American thinking much as Faulkner's novel does.

"One Hundred Years of Solitude" Post 7a

Vocabulary
soporific (72): causing or tending to cause sleep
encyclicals (78): a papal letter addressed to the bishops of the Church or to the hierarchy of a particular country

Literary Elements
'"None of that, because he's alive," was the answer of José Arcadio Buendía, who finished the seventy-two hours with the mercurial incense as the body was already beginning to burst with a livid fluorescence, the soft whistles of which impregnated the house with a pestilential vapor" (79). The use of the verb "impregnated" or filled gives this passage a rather creepy air, aided by the use of the words "livid" and "pestilential". It describes how, as the mercury burst in the body of Melquíades, the whistling sound it gave off filled the house with a rather malevolent air. Impregnated makes the house seem especially full with this sound.
"The Italian, whose head covered with patent leather curls aroused in women an irrepressible need to sigh, dealt with Amaranta as with a capricious little girl who was not worth taking seriously" (80). This simile mocks not only the Italian but Amaranta as well. It undermines her plea and demands to her sister and fiancé, showing her rather selfish nature in doing so. However, the addition of speaking of Pietro's hair perhaps points to a vain part in his nature, as women are constantly admiring him. Perhaps the author is trying to make the point that both Amaranta and Rebeca are too good for him. Perhaps this more of a sibling rivalry than true love.
"She would arrive at any hour of the day, like a flock of goats, and would unleash her feverish energy in the hardest tasks" (83). This simile relating to Pilar seems like a rather odd one. Firstly, other than for milking and such I don't think goats are especially useful, especially not for doing work. Actually, they are more thought of as contrary creatures. Secondly, Pilar is just one person, not a group as suggested by the simile. Thirdly, a group of goats is not commonly called a flock, usually a herd.

Quote
"Father Nicanor Reyna- whom Don Apolinar Moscote had brought from the swamp to officiate at the wedding- was an old man hardened by the ingratitude of his ministry. His skin was sad, with the bones almost exposed, and he had a pronounced round stomach and the expression of an old angel, which came more from simplicity than from goodness" (89). This quote was really representative of the writing style of this novel and the characters within it. They all have some odd quirk, which is explained by the narrator with such a matter-of-factness that it almost stands out more to the reader. Everything is presented with its faults and value, nothing is "sacred" but nothing is criticized more than anything else. It's nice to read in it's straightforward tone, very different from the plot itself.

Theme
Nothing is as it seems.

"Anna Karenin" 6b

The ending to this novel shocked me incredibly. I couldn't believe that Anna truly went through with her suicide, although it had been foreshadowed during the novel. The earlier suicide obviously was pointing to something similar in the following novel, and Anna impetuousness had been shown before, in her abandonment of her life for Vronsky and previous mood swings. I felt that the author did a really good job portraying her state of mind and her feelings leading up to her jump off the station, and then removing the reader's perspective from inside Anna gradually as she jumped: "And exactly at the moment when the space between the wheels dew level with her she threw aside the red bag and drawing her head down between her shoulders dropped her hands under the truck, and onto her knees. At the same instant she became horror-struck at what she was doing... She tried to get up, to throw herself back; but something huge and relentless struck her on her head and dragged her down on her back... A little peasant muttering something was working at the rails" (802). This is a decision that Anna cannot back out of, and is so unfortunate that she felt compelled to take this step. Looking back, a reader might be confused as to why she needed this dramatic finish to her life simply to punish Vronsky. He had never abused her, had given up his career for her, cared for her and loved her; she may have had her doubts about his fidelity, but that often doesn't warrant throwing herself under the train. However, their inability to discuss their differences lead to increasing resentment and even hatred for the other, as their behaviors became incomprehensible to the other. They also had different priorities in the relationship; Vronsky loved Anna but wished for his "freedom", and Anna wanted to make sure that he did not stray, as her position was compromised enough already. However, neither explained themselves fully: their reconciliations were temporary only. The author contrasts this well by ending with Levin, although this section confused me a little. Accepting unfair business practices does not seem to fit with Christianity, and simply living the way you are living because you are living that way just seems a stretch to fit in with the rest of the book. However, I enjoyed that Kitty completely understood Levin's thoughts and was at peace with them, showing how the two as a happy couple could have conflicting interests and still achieve harmony. 

"Anna Karenin" 6a

Vocabulary
morocco (732): a fine pebble-grained leather, originally made in Morocco from tanned goatskin
bailiff (734): a legal officer to whom some sort of authority or jurisdiction is granted

Literary Devices
"He felt as though he were on some unattainable height, from which he painstakingly lowered himself every now and then, so as not to hurt the feelings of the people he was talking to" (749). In this simile, Levin describes his immense joy at his wife having successfully given birth to their son. He is so ecstatic that he feels different from other people, but as to not hurt their feelings he contains himself and lowers himself to their level of happiness.
"And he began pricking up his ears an casting around, and towards the end of the winter he heard of a very good post and began an attack on it, first from Moscow through uncles, aunts, and friends, and then in the spring, when matters had matured, he himself went to Petersburg" (752). This metaphor, describing the process used by Oblonsky to secure a government post for himself, makes it seem truly like a campaign, as his relatives begin the "attack on it". This military characterization emphasizes the importance of him winning this post, for himself and his family.
"... Oblonsky, touching Karenin's hand this time, as if he were sure the physical contact would soften his brother-in-law" (757). This simile talks of how Oblonsky is confident in all social matters, even ones as delicate as extracting a divorce for his sister from her husband after she ran away from him. He touches his hand confidently, as one who is sure that his brother in law can be softened and will be by his charm.

Quote
"But the Moscow significance of the word 'honest was lost on Karenin. 'Honesty is only a negative quality,' he said" (755). The section of Oblonsky's plea to Karenin leaves the reader rather confused about who is right and who is wrong here. Karenin is obviously holding a grudge by not allowing the divorce to go through, but Anna hurt him badly and he feels so hurt it is no wonder. He behaved nicely before, immediately after she left him, so perhaps he is within his rights to not present her with this option now, as she refused it earlier. However, the reader knows the negative affect that this withholding of the divorce is having upon the relationship between Anna and Vronsky, and one wishes that he would just accept that she is gone from his life forever and let her go. However, Anna is being rather silly as well, holding onto the idea of her son although she has already let him go.

Theme
Expectations can never live up to reality.

"Anna Karenin" Post 5b

The section relating to the death of Levin's brother was particularly interesting for several reasons. Firstly, Levin does not wish for Kitty to come along with him, which is an odd thing for a couple so in love. The two of them have trouble expressing their feelings to each other: Levin doesn't wish to show Kitty the squalor he is sure his brother is in and thinks that she is being too clingy; she wants simply to help and show her devotion to her husband by being interested in what he is, and thinks that he thinks that she will simply be in the way. Levin relents and allows her to come along, and they understand each other in the end. This was interesting in that some of the same behaviors were shown between Karenin and Anna, where he was trying to express his concern for her and could not form his thought, and they were both misinterpreting each other. However, in Anna's case the Karenins never tried to remedy the situation, and thus it continued the misunderstanding. The Levins come to see each other's point of views after the agreement, and one is happy knowing that they are a true couple. Vronsky has just left Anna now to go to a conference and they parted each hiding things from the other: this must be foreshadowing their downfall. Secondly, relating to Nikolai's death, Levin's inability and Kitty's extreme ability makes things odd. Levin knows his brother the best but is helpless, whereas Kitty can't know him but is able to make him much more comfortable. However, showing their strength as a couple, they do not feel jealous of the other but complement each other, Kitty providing constant care and Levin being there finally at the end for his brother. It is interesting to note that this is chapter is the only one in the book with a title, it being "DEATH".  

"Anna Karenin" Post 5a

Vocabulary

consecrated (297): blessed, divine, sanctified

onerous (297): difficult, tiresome

Literary Devices

"All that had been swallowed up in the sea of cheerful common toil" (297). This metaphor talks of how the discontent and tension between Levin and the peasants dissipated through the hard work they had done together, and after the plowing and haying was done the conflict seemed nonexistent.

"'How beautiful!' he thought, looking up at some fleecy white clouds poised in the middle of the sky right above his head, like a strange mother-of-pearl shell" (298). Levin's simile here shows the strange mood of reflection he is in, as he is not often apt to come up with such sentimental similes as here. He is an extremely reflective mood and, having just reexamined his direction in the world, is in a way looking at it with new eyes.

"No trace was to be seen of the shell; but spread half across the sky was a smooth tapestry of fleecy cloudlets, growing thinner and thinner" (299). This metaphor of the "smooth tapestry" of cloudlets shows how the world isn't quite as mystical and ideal as Levin thought in the previous section, but it still holds value for him and he still needs to decide a focus for his life. Kitty's entrance in this scene decides where he will  be headed. However, now it's up to him to decide what to do about his obvious love for her. 

Quote

"The singing women were drawing nearer Levin and he felt as if a thunder-cloud of merriment were swooping down upon him. the cloud swooped down and enveloped him; and the haycock on which he was lying, the other haycocks, the carts, and whole meadow and the distant fields all seemed to advance and vibrate and throb to the rhythm of this madly-merry song with its shouting and whistling and clapping... But he could do nothing except lie and look and listen. When the peasants and their song had disappeared out of sight and hearing, a weary feeling of despondency at his own isolation, his physical inactivity, his alienation from the world, came over him" (297). This quote was so descriptive, and is something the reader really can relate to. That feeling of not relating, of being in one's separate world leading to reflection is common to all of us. This quote also sets the scene for the rest of the chapter.

Theme

Once one has found one's direction in life, one must pursue it.

"Anna Karenin" Post 4b

Coincidentally, I recently read "Doctor Zhivago", a rather similar novel. Both books were by Russian authors and related to the time period at the end of the 19th century/the beginning of the 20th century where there was much political turmoil and readjustment of social classes in Russia. "Doctor Zhivago" was an interesting read, but I felt myself rather struggling through it. With "Anna Karenin(a)", I really don't have that sensation. It's not really the writing style; those are actually pretty comparable between the novels. It's truly the characters. Oblonsky and Levin make for extremely interesting narrators: they offer such contrasting view points, the reader can look at situations from multiple perspectives and not feel confined by the narrator. Anna is seeming a little condescending and all-knowing at the moment, especially as she talks of how boring dances have become to her with Kitty, but perhaps her affair with Vronksy will mar her perfection a little bit, in a good way.  I really enjoy Levin viewpoint: he's such an interesting character from the inside and the out. He is extremely independent, in his living in the country and pursuition of different things, yet you can feel how he is so unsure of himself despite his fits of strong conviction. You can also understand how people can be put off by him: in his need to be independent and not to conform, he doesn't afford people the respect of being courteous in most regards. It is also interesting to contrast Levin and Oblonsky in which is the "better" person: Levin with his high standards yet social awkwardness and unsure-ness, or Oblonsky with his more relaxed attitude, skill at putting others at ease, and contentedness  with himself. Oblonsky certainly seems happier, and also as if he will be in the long run, and he makes people happy along the way as well. However, Levin would never betray his wife as Oblonsky did. Who does the greater good? Or the worse damage? Is there a difference? Can one be both?

"Anna Karenin" Post 4a

Vocabulary

zemstvo (38): elected local assemblies in Russia, established in 1864 by tsar Alexander II to replace the political authority of nobles in local affairs after the emancipation of the serfs; these bodies became the core of the revolutions from 1905 to 1917

turbot (46): a European flatfish with a diamond shaped body valued as a fish for eating

Figurative Language

"And indeed, no sooner had he uttered the words than all at once, like the sun going behind a cloud, her face lost all its friendliness and Levin recognized the familiar change in her expression that denoted the working of a thought: a wrinkle appeared on her smooth brow" (43). This simile describes the change in Kitty's face when he begins to hint at his intentions in marrying her. The phrase "the familiar change in her expression that denoted the working of a thought" might lead the reader to think that she is simply surprised by his offer, but the simile of a "a sun going behind a cloud" has a definite negative connotation and helps the reader better understand the feelings of the situation.

"They play at begin a parliament, and I am neither young enough nor old enough to amuse myself with toys" (31). In this metaphor, Levin relates the acts of the men in the zemstvo to men with playthings, mocking their acts and describing his disgust of the councils. He feels that they do not take the post seriously and are not using it to it full power, much like young children with toys.

"Moving in a certain circle where a desire for some form of mental activity was a part of maturity, he was obliged to hold views in the same way as he was obliged to wear a hat" (10). This simile compares, in the circle of Oblonsky, how it is necessary for one to hold views on different subjects, but only in a superficial way, simply for the purpose of holding vies, much as one would wear a hat without really needing it. 

Quote

"But the difference lay in the fact that Oblonsky, as he was doing the same thing as everyone else, laughed with confident good humor, while Levin, not feeling so sure of himself now and then got angry" (30). This is an interesting idea, that not feeling sure of oneself can make one angry, as well as a way of judging life: is it really what you do or the attitude you live with?

Theme

Life in Russia was full of forced situations: because of the time, the fashion, and also inherently the people.