Topic Brainstorm

Choice 1: Compare and contrast elements of two different texts. For example, explore the similarities and differences between two characters in the texts, or examine how one theme is handled in similar and dissimilar ways in two different texts. You may choose from any of the readings we have done this semester including poetry, short fiction, and drama. You may also choose two texts from two different genres to write about (a poem and a short story, for example). 

This topic is interesting because it allows us to dig deep to the context of the writings. For example, a short story could reveal that marginalized groups were subjects of the double standard principle, or a poem could prove otherwise--that marginalized groups lived in harmony before colonization occurred (I’m basing this assumption to what I’ve seen in Disney’s Pocahontas and Mulan). I completed two Creative Writing classes here in LMC, and I want to immerse myself in different elements and literary devices. I would like to assess my strengths in analyzing literature. I graduated high school in a different country, and the texts of literature that we studied were from our local writers. I want to immerse myself in Western literature, too.

Choice 2: From a piece of fiction (short story, section of novel, or a play) choose a female character on whom to focus, and create a project that discusses some of the following questions: 
• What is the author’s attitude towards her? (how can you tell?)
• What is your attitude towards her? 
• How do (at least 2) other characters view her? 
• How does she view herself? 

I was taught to learn about the protagonists in the stories that I read, and frankly, most protagonists are male characters. There are very little credit given to female characters especially if she was not related to the male character, or if she was not given any romantic interests in the story. I believe that every minor character plays her/his role to help the major characters attain development. If the two giddy women in the story “About the House Girl” weren’t there, Patapir might not be able to overcome his shyness towards women, and he might not be able to see Ifapi in the dance and realize that she’s the one he ought to marry. I want to learn more about the roles of women in history, and how they were represented. As a female myself, I think I would be able to provide insights involving female emotions.

Choice 3:  Choose a reading selection, and write an argument in response to it answering:
How are class differences presented in the work? Are characters aware or unaware of the economic and social forces that affect their lives? 

Since my five siblings and I were enrolled in a private Catholic school from first grade to senior high school, I didn’t realize that my family was poor until I got bullied for having hand-me-downs: uniforms, shoes, books, and backpacks, and recycling materials for art projects. This topic shakes my heart, and I want to delve into it, not because of bitterness, but because I want to learn how the people of upper classes discriminate people of lower classes, and how it is historically relevant. I believe that a child wouldn’t be so mean towards another child if he/she wasn’t taught of their privileges as part of the upper classes. So, is in nature or is it the way they are nurtured that made them discriminate against the “untouchables” (based on the Indian caste system).

Choice 4: Think about a theme you see running through your life (failure is the best lesson, love is eternal, etc). Choose a reading that you think also discusses this theme (even if it reaches different conclusions about it). Explore connections between how the theme plays out in your life, and how the theme gets played out in the reading.

Right now, all I can say is that I am overwhelmed by a six-year long grief. I am forcing myself that time heals wound, but my heart is still bleeding. This might not be a solution, yet I learned to immerse myself in literature - especially about finding your true self. I think the best I could do in this topic is a reflection that may reveal how deep I am into this mourning. I am not sure if I have a strength to bring here, but I will put my best foot forward, and I will keep on moving.