This Blessed House

Sanjeev and Twinkle's love for one another seems to be up for debate throughout the story.  Sanjeev was single, making a hefty income, and was pressured by his parents to pursue a marriage.  When he met Twinkle he was financially prepared and he had finally reached a time in his life where he could settle down and share his life with someone.  Sanjeev found a convenient home for the two of them to live in "...together, forever" (145).  The excitement of finding a wife and a home distracted Sanjeev from the reality of the flaws and downfalls to his future. 

The home and Twinkle share similar characteristics.  Sanjeev is attracted to both the home and his wife, but once the outer beauty has worn off and the interior is revealed, neither seem desirable to Sanjeev.  Twinkle's initial luster fades when Sanjeev discovers her carefree demeanor.  Twinkle is not the "ideal" housewife; she cooks what she wants and cleans when she has the urge to do so.  This lackadaisical attitude sharply contrasts Sanjeev's rigid manor and attention to cleanliness.  The knickknacks left behind by the previous owners of the house anger Sanjeev and his view of a perfect home is crushed.  He is Hindu and does not want symbols of any other religion displayed in his home.

It seems that Sanjeev liked the idea of having a wife and a home so much that he failed to anticipate the negative aspects that followed his marriage.  It is clear that Sanjeev and Twinkle have contrasting attitudes, and certain things Twinkle does gets under Sanjeev's skin.  Whether she is wearing heels or placing knickknacks on the mantle, Twinkle's carefree actions bother Sanjeev to no end.  In addition to his annoyance with his wife, the house that Sanjeev perceived to be a perfect place to live turned out to be quite the opposite.  The objects left behind in the house excite Twinkle, which angers Sanjeev all the more.

Interested about the author of Interpreter of Maladies?  Check out this website containing a reporter's perspective on one of Jhumpa Lahiri's lectures.

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DSLC Conference

We were reminded of the upcoming tornado season at the opening of the DSLC conference.  President Mooney was introduced to speak just as the tornado sirens began to scream outside.  In typical Mooney fashion, she handled the situation gracefully and took the opportunity to educate the audience about the importance of taking safe weather precautions during the spring season.  President Mooney discussed the importance of globalization here at Saint Mary's College.  She explained why the chief focus of the DSLC is to focus on globalization.  The DSLC spreads awareness about diversity and the impact it has in our lives.  Both President Mooney and the DSLC believe that globalization is beneficial because diversity within the classroom allows for more perspectives and therefore richer discussions, which leads to better preparation for the future.  Most women that attend Saint Mary's will go on to work or study outside of the US.  The DSLC prepares SMC Chicks for the future by focusing on the value of bringing together peoples of the world.

On a larger scale, Obama is doing his part to contribute to globalization.  The president comes from a Kenyan father and an American mother, which I assume heightens his interest in international affairs.  Not only has Obama traveled to Kenya and Jekarta and lived in Indonesia, but he also graduated from Columbia with a degree in international affairs.  The president stresses the importance of welcoming free trade and globalization because they will benefit our economy.

I have multiple views on the issue of globalization.  I feel that expanding trade should only be supported if the countries are abiding by proper labor laws.  It would be unfortunate for the US to take advantage of another country's cheap goods if the producers of the goods were not treated fairly.  I also feel that globalization has done wonders for the rising power of women.  Countries, such as Saudi Arabia, that prohibit women from participating are lagging behind.  Modernized countries have finally come around to valuing women.  Societies have allowed women to take part in education and join the work force.  Women's contributions to these modernized societies have led to a dramatic progression both socially and economically.  I am pleased with DSLC for recognizing the issue of globalization and the benefits that come from having a diverse society.

Attached is a short clip of Obama's views on globalization.  Take a look!!

Othello and "O"

The movie "O" has helped me understand the underlying theme of jealousy in Shakespeare's works.  Jealousy has a tendency to bring out the worst in people.  It is clear from the play Othello and the film "O" that jealousy is difficult to overcome.  The opening line of the film is Hugo saying, "All my life I always wanted to fly.  I always wanted to live like a hawk.  I know you're not supposed to be jealous of anything, but... to take flight, to soar above everything and everyone, now that's living."  This quote is a perfect representation of Hugo's overall character; he wants to be the best and will do whatever it takes to get to that point.  I disagree with Hugo's statement.  I don't think that soaring above everyone is always ideal.  Showing support for others and giving them time to shine is important to build character and learn respect.  A true leader recognizes that becoming successful is a team effort, and acknowledgment should be given to each member of the team. 

If Shakespeare Had Film

I find it interesting that modern-day producers transform Shakespearean works into films. Plays are open to interpretation, but I wonder what Shakespeare would think of the films that have been produced based on his plays. Had film been around during his time, what types of movies would he have produced? Would they be similar to The Lion King or O? I'd like to think that his films would have been unique and meaningful. It would be interesting to see what types of filming techniques he would use. We talked about the bed being the center focus in the last scene of Othello. I would like to discover how Shakespeare would place the characters in this final scene.

Othello, Out of Place

We have moved from the topic of "rooms and gender" to "out of place."  The discussion about displacement and what it means made me think of a club I am in the process of starting at Saint Mary's.  The organization is called Invisible Children, and its purpose is to raise awareness about the war in Northern Uganda.  One of the events Invisible Children sponsors is called Displace Me, which is an event where people volunteer to leave their homes and comforts behind and sleep outside in a designated area.  The purpose of this event is to represent the people in Africa that have no homes and or places to belong to.  

For me, displacement has a negative connotation.  It refers to leaving something behind, like a home or a comfort.  I have always been prone to becoming attached to things, and I struggle with good-byes.  I would like to think that displacement is temporary, and that everyone eventually finds a place of belonging.  By joining organizations like Invisible Children and helping others that can't save themselves, I feel that I am doing my part in putting an end to unnecessary displacement.

This YouTube video that I attached explains Displace Me more in depth and it also shows others who have been victims of displacement, including Holocaust survivors and Japanese-Americans.  Enjoy :)

 

Girl, Interrupted

While watching Girl, Interrupted I was reminded of a particular movie we studied in high school, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.  The films were both based off of controversial novels.  Not only do both films take place in mental institutions, but both main characters also form strong bonds with the other patients.  Ryder is put into the institution because she tries to commit suicide, while the ward welcomes Nicholson because of his deranged behavior in jail.  The main characters in the films both seem to be the most sane at the institutions they are staying at, but they poke at the idea of what 'sanity' really means.

Although the films were shot at different times and places, it is interesting to note that One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is set in a male ward and Girl, Interrupted focuses on a female ward.  After analyzing both films, I have come to the conclusion that while there were distinct differences between males and females and their roles in society, it didn't matter in either film what gender an insane person was.  No matter their race, age, or gender, crazy people were placed at the bottom of the totem pole in a class of their own.

Gilman's The Yellow Wallpaper

While reading Gilman's The Yellow Wallpaper, I noticed the woman's growing obsession with the wallpaper. Towards the beginning of this work of short fiction she notices the ugly pattern of the wallpaper in her bedroom. She complains about its irritating pattern and its repulsive color. As her mental illness progresses, she begins to personify the wallpaper. She gives details about how the wallpaper has eyes and a creeping woman stuck behind bars. She becomes overly obsessed with the wallpaper in her room; she loses sleep at night staring at the pattern.  Everything that she does revolves around the yellow wallpaper.

Once I was finished with the reading I set the papers down and reflected upon what I had just read.  I noticed that my eyes started drifting towards the yellow walls which encompass my room.  I tried to put myself in Gilman's shoes by staring long and hard at the patterns on my wall.  I was disturbed when I discovered how easily I could slip into a sickly state of mind.  I have found in the past that after watching scary movies I psych myself out.  Sometimes I will go as far as sleeping with the lights turned on so that I am not constantly worrying about the shadows caused by the darkness.  This made me think.  Am I mentally ill because I, along with  Gilman, see shadows moving in the darkness?  Who has the authority to classify a person as mentally ill?  Deep down I believe that we are all a little disturbed, but in my opinion it is just human nature.