Mr. Pogreba's Classroom

James Thurber, known for his use of satire in short stories, can most certainly be blamed for Walter’s demise in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.  Throughout the story Walter, the main character, imagines himself as heroic figures in modern society as his wife makes requests of him.  In most stories the male protagonist is portrayed in a better light than poor Walter Mitty.  This is one technique that Thurber uses to mock societal trends.  When Walter’s wife tells him that he is driving too fast he imagines himself as a navy pilot.  When trying to remember what his wife told him to purchase at the store he imagines himself as a character in a dramatic courtroom scene trying to recall an event.  These are only a few of the examples of Thurber’s use of an anti-hero, Walter.

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hohum!  blogs!   How do you know what to write about when you write a blog?  Well, I never know, like ever, so I've decided to write a blog about blogs.  :)  They are actually quite an interesting thing.   Did you know there are different types of blogs, as well as different categories?  No lie, you have your normal every day text filled blogs, but then there are also things like artlogs, photoblogs, sketchblogs, vlogs (video streams), Mp3blogs, and podcasting all classified as blogs!  How nifty is that?!?!  Plus there is this thing called microblogging, where they are just short little blogs everyday or so.  :)  I have a feeling this will turn out to be sort of a microblog.   Also, you've got different catigories of blogs - personal blogs,  corperate blogs, blogs by genre (media blogs, fashion blogs, ect ect).  It's just crazy all the stuff that's out there.  HORRAY FOR BLOGGING, even if it's is required!  ;)

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Well, they both have the initials J.C., so it must be true!

 

Jim Casy, the preacher and one of the main characters in The Grapes of Wrath, is seen by some to be an allusion to a Christ figure.  This is because of Casy’s high spirited character and his love for people.  Steinbeck uses Casy’s character to bring the migrant farmers together as well as to convey the message of love and unity.  He unites the strikers under one common goal, and in the process tries to unite all the farmers and workers.  After Casy’s death his words are spread by others, such as Tom.  Because of these reasons it is reasonable to assume that it was Steinbeck’s intention to portray Casy as a Christ figure.

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Eudora Welty and Flannery O’Connor, the two female authors we read this past week, are both considered modern writers.

Welty lived in Mississippi most of her life, and is known as one of the most important figures of “the Southern Renaissance.” In her writing, she uses a compact style that suggests great depth under the surface. Her use of symbolism, allusions, dialect, and dialogue also play an important part in making her writing her writing rich.

O’Connor was also born in the South, and spent the last 13 years of her life actively writing. During her life, she wrote two novels and 32 short stories. Her techniques included violence, brutality, and horror. She used morally flawed characters in most of her work, but always gives them the chance to experience grace. Her Christian views work their way into her work, which is classified as Christian Realism.

Welty and O’Connor are both considered modern writers, but have different ways of approaching it.

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