Yo estaba leyendo esa lectura en camino hasta Penticton. Tenia mi mini-diccionario de espanol conmigo y tambien yo estaba con una amiga ecuadorana en la coche pero de todos modos tenia problemas con el lenguaje de ese texto. Al principio no queria leerlo porque tuve que buscar muchas palabras en el diccionario. Al fin yo decidi que no valia la pena busar todas porque muchas de las que no conoci no estan en el diccionario, y mi amiga ecuadorana tampoco las conoce. Decidi que seria mejor leer el texto y intentar de entender el sentido de la lectura. Jose Marti escribio eses cuentos con un estilo muy poetica y por eso creo que no es necesario conocer todas las palabras sino hay que sentir el sentido que el queria expresar.
Parece que a Marti le gusto escribir frases bien largas con mucha descripcion porque hay muchas frases asi en sus obras. Normalmente yo no soy muy interesada en la poesia, tampoco me da mucho gusto leer algo con tanta descripcion. Pero, despues de leer algunos de estes cuentos, me parece que no cuesta tanta trabajo que yo pensaba que iba a cuestar.
Ese parafo del cuento Fiestas de la Estatua de la Libertad es muy interesante:
"Vedlos: todos revelan una alegria de resucitados! No es este pueblo, a pesar de su rudeza, la casa hospitalaria de los oprimidos? De adentro vienen, fuera de la voluntad, las voces que impelen y aconsejan. Reflejos de bandera hay en los rostros: un dulce amor conmueve leas entranas: un superior sentido de soberania saca la paz, y aun belleza, a las facciones; y todos estos infelices, irlandeses, polacos, italianos, bohemios, alemanes, redimidos de la opresion o la miseria, celebran el monumento de la libertad porque en el les parece que se levantan y recobran a sus propios." (183)
Ese parafo explica, como otros que ha escrito Marti, el sueno que tenia la gente a llegar a los Estados Unidos. Aqui tambien Marti habla de los diferentes nacionalidades de la gente y con todas sus experiencias variadas que todos habian llegados a nueva york para empezar una nueva vida. Tambien habla de la estatua de libertad como un simbolo de esperanza y fe, que ese monumento permite que la gente pueden dejar sus experiencias de opresion y miseria en el pasado, en Europa, y que pueden empezar una vida mejor en los Estados Unidos.
La busca para la libertad todavia pasa hoy, que la gente quieren mudarse a los EEUU o a Canada para una vida mejor. Entonces ya me di cuenta que ese texto de Marti es importante para la vida de hoy y entonces voy a dejar de quejar y seguir leyendo.
lunes, 22 de septiembre de 2008
domingo, 14 de septiembre de 2008
the drama continues
I'd say that what has most astonished me from this novel has been Hackwell's ability to manipulate most of the female characters. Hackwell is a very interesting character, he really did become the villain of the novel and quite a player as well. He has wooed Lavinia, Mrs. Hackwell (who dies) and Mrs. Norval however this does not suffice him and he attempts to win Lola. I really do feel sorry for Lola for she is taken advantage of, manipulated and lied to many times throughout the story. I just wish that she and Julian could be together, that's probably the most annoying part of the story. Her relationship with Julian is so difficult to maintain.
It also makes me think about the means of communication that were available in that day. All of the telegraphing, letter writing and traveling is quite comical, it seems that all the characters are constantly writing to one another and taking trains to maintain in contact. Ruiz de Burton does not make much of a fuss of how long these processes take or how they happen, it is simply stated, for example that Isaac goes to Mexico and that he returns. Ruiz de Burton does not romanticize the journeys or the waiting between letters or telegraphs nor does she hint at how long it would take for Isaac to travel to and from Mexico.
Speaking of Isaac, I'm confused about him. When he found the manuscript how did he not figure out that it was about Lola? It's really too bad that he didn't figure it out because it made everything more difficult. But, at the same time Ruiz de Burton did that on purpose to make more of a story I guess.
I enjoyed this novel way more than I would have expected. I thought Ruiz de Burton's use of the narrator that sometimes addressed the reader was clever, it made me feel more involved. While this novel had its share of drama and could be considered to be a little telenovela-like, the ending did not match the rest of the novel's drama. I too was lost by all the political ramblings in the conclusion and would have preferred a happily-ever-after story about Lola and Julian. But I guess the romantic plots of this book were secondary to the political plot that runs throughout the novel.
It also makes me think about the means of communication that were available in that day. All of the telegraphing, letter writing and traveling is quite comical, it seems that all the characters are constantly writing to one another and taking trains to maintain in contact. Ruiz de Burton does not make much of a fuss of how long these processes take or how they happen, it is simply stated, for example that Isaac goes to Mexico and that he returns. Ruiz de Burton does not romanticize the journeys or the waiting between letters or telegraphs nor does she hint at how long it would take for Isaac to travel to and from Mexico.
Speaking of Isaac, I'm confused about him. When he found the manuscript how did he not figure out that it was about Lola? It's really too bad that he didn't figure it out because it made everything more difficult. But, at the same time Ruiz de Burton did that on purpose to make more of a story I guess.
I enjoyed this novel way more than I would have expected. I thought Ruiz de Burton's use of the narrator that sometimes addressed the reader was clever, it made me feel more involved. While this novel had its share of drama and could be considered to be a little telenovela-like, the ending did not match the rest of the novel's drama. I too was lost by all the political ramblings in the conclusion and would have preferred a happily-ever-after story about Lola and Julian. But I guess the romantic plots of this book were secondary to the political plot that runs throughout the novel.
lunes, 8 de septiembre de 2008
It's better than I would have thought
I must admit that when I heard that our first novel was written in 1872 I was a little skeptical about whether or not I would like it. Generally, I do not enjoy historical writing; I have always preferred contemporary fiction with concepts that are translatable to my life and what I know. However this book has surprised me. While I do not love it nor would I choose to read it on my own, I do not find it a chore to read. sI actually might even enjoy it a little bit.
The first few pages were difficult to get through, but then as the drama ensued I began to think of it as a little telenovela. I have read a little bit of what others have blogged and I would have to agree that the characters are not very well developed and that the plot is a bit difficult to follow, however the melodrama is enough to keep me reading. While the novel is melodramatic it is also a very interesting commentary on the society in which Ruiz de Burton lived. I was most intrigued by the way she describes gender and power dynamics in the 19th century United States.
Ruiz de Burton exemplifies the way that women were perceived in that society by the comments made by male characters. Regardless of what the male characters say about women in that time, many of the female characters in the novel are strong and powerful women: Lavinia is a single woman of thirty-two who is a confident and capable of nursing. She is aware of how hard she works and she says this, however she still allows herself to be put down by Mr. Blower and she in turn also puts herself down. Mrs. Norval is a powerful and opinionated woman who demands respect and obedience, however she still allows Dr. Norval to make important decisions even if she does not agree with his choices. Ruiz de Burton offers an interesting look into the place of women in that society and how powerful men, such as the politicians with whom Lavinia and Mrs. Norval interact, perceive these women and shape their views of themselves.
Related to the gender dynamic illustrated in the novel is Ruiz de Burton’s commentary on reputation and power. She makes it very evident that one’s reputation is greatly affected by one’s political views, actions and friends or acquaintances. It is also clear that reputation is a big deciding factor for what advantages ares available to one in that society.
All in all I feel that this novel has done a good job of providing significant drama to keep me intrigued while also allowing me to learn a bit about 19th century society in the U.S. and the U.S. Civil War, topics about which I knew very little previously.
The first few pages were difficult to get through, but then as the drama ensued I began to think of it as a little telenovela. I have read a little bit of what others have blogged and I would have to agree that the characters are not very well developed and that the plot is a bit difficult to follow, however the melodrama is enough to keep me reading. While the novel is melodramatic it is also a very interesting commentary on the society in which Ruiz de Burton lived. I was most intrigued by the way she describes gender and power dynamics in the 19th century United States.
Ruiz de Burton exemplifies the way that women were perceived in that society by the comments made by male characters. Regardless of what the male characters say about women in that time, many of the female characters in the novel are strong and powerful women: Lavinia is a single woman of thirty-two who is a confident and capable of nursing. She is aware of how hard she works and she says this, however she still allows herself to be put down by Mr. Blower and she in turn also puts herself down. Mrs. Norval is a powerful and opinionated woman who demands respect and obedience, however she still allows Dr. Norval to make important decisions even if she does not agree with his choices. Ruiz de Burton offers an interesting look into the place of women in that society and how powerful men, such as the politicians with whom Lavinia and Mrs. Norval interact, perceive these women and shape their views of themselves.
Related to the gender dynamic illustrated in the novel is Ruiz de Burton’s commentary on reputation and power. She makes it very evident that one’s reputation is greatly affected by one’s political views, actions and friends or acquaintances. It is also clear that reputation is a big deciding factor for what advantages ares available to one in that society.
All in all I feel that this novel has done a good job of providing significant drama to keep me intrigued while also allowing me to learn a bit about 19th century society in the U.S. and the U.S. Civil War, topics about which I knew very little previously.
jueves, 4 de septiembre de 2008
hola
Hi everyone, my name is Heather, I'm a fourth year global resource systems (grs) student. That basically means that I get a science degree but that I take a bunch of arts classes :)
I'm focusing my degree on food security/ food sovereignty in the Americas...I think. It seems that my focus changes daily.
I'm looking forward to this class so I am hoping to be able to remain in it, since I'm now registered in 6 classes but really can only handle 4.
You can usually find me in Sprouts, in the basement of the sub...if you'd like to have coffee or soup at sprouts and talk about literatura chicana I'm sure I'd be up for it.
chau
I'm focusing my degree on food security/ food sovereignty in the Americas...I think. It seems that my focus changes daily.
I'm looking forward to this class so I am hoping to be able to remain in it, since I'm now registered in 6 classes but really can only handle 4.
You can usually find me in Sprouts, in the basement of the sub...if you'd like to have coffee or soup at sprouts and talk about literatura chicana I'm sure I'd be up for it.
chau
viernes, 6 de abril de 2007
morning
It is extremely beautiful here on Lago Atitlan...as I had expected.
I´ve let sarah sleep in, on this little upstairs area where we slept on cushions with no blankets...it can get pretty cold up here in the mountains.
Woke up to the most beautiful view of the lake and the mountains...I will take a photo.
Yesterday on the bus I decided to do some reading for my art history class as Sarah was sleeping...I re-read an article about traditional indigenous dress in guatemala that i ahd read in first year, and it was a completely different experience.
She was writing about a city called Chimanstenango...and I looked up from my reading to see that we were passing through Chimanstenago...
I really see the value in learning about other cultures while immersed in that culture.
Already Sarah has learned so much from being here in one day, its difficult not to.
Okay breakfast time!
I´ve let sarah sleep in, on this little upstairs area where we slept on cushions with no blankets...it can get pretty cold up here in the mountains.
Woke up to the most beautiful view of the lake and the mountains...I will take a photo.
Yesterday on the bus I decided to do some reading for my art history class as Sarah was sleeping...I re-read an article about traditional indigenous dress in guatemala that i ahd read in first year, and it was a completely different experience.
She was writing about a city called Chimanstenango...and I looked up from my reading to see that we were passing through Chimanstenago...
I really see the value in learning about other cultures while immersed in that culture.
Already Sarah has learned so much from being here in one day, its difficult not to.
Okay breakfast time!
jueves, 5 de abril de 2007
hospedaje guatemalteco
well
guatemala, here we are, my sister and I!
so after a 13 hour journey from San Cristobal with lots of reading and a fun border crossing I arrived in Guatemala City at 8:30pm...and after hearing horror stories of the capital, was a little weary about getting a cab to my hotel.
It worked out in the end and I got a cheap cab ride with a nice taxista. My bed and breakfast near the airport was adorable, a nice older very catholic couple who gave me a ride to the airport at 5 am...
but her flight didnt get in till 6:30.
so i met this nice guatemalan couple who were waiting for the same flight
sarah´s luggage was stuck in atlanta...and the nice couple took us in their car to Pollo Campero to have breakfast cause we had to be back to the airport at 12 to find her bag.
had a great time with them and then went back to airport, got a taxi and went downtown...but no one was there due to the fact that they´re all at the beach for semana santa.
Long story short we hung out in deserted Guat city for a while and then met our same taxi man who brought us back to the airport, we found her bag and then he took us to Antigua and set us up with a bus to Panajachel, which was to leave at 4.
Hung out in antigua for 2 hours, its pretty much exactly like san cris and i felt at home, sarah loved it.
then we got the bus to pana and met a nice honeymooner couple, marissa and kyle, from San Francisco. Got to Pana at 6:45 or so to find out that we´ve missed the last boat to Santiago Atitlan, where the rest of my group is, where we have a reservation.
Knowing that its Semana Santa and theres no space anywhere, we think we´re screwed. We were offered private boats to Santiago for 300 quetzales, which is like $40 plus its dark and its aobut 30 mins accross the lake...and we didnt feel safe. Marissa and Kyle suggested that we go with them, saying that we could sleep in their room on the floor...what nice people, even though they´re on their luna de miel!
So we got in a boat to Santa Cruz with Kyle and Marissa...to see if there was space at their hotel - when we got off the boat 3 police officers accompanied us on the long walk on a slippery trail in the rain right beside Lago Atitlan. Got to this hotel and they´ve made space for us to sleep on the floor in the main room...and fed us dinner...and have been all around wonderful.
One of the guys who is working and staying here was living in victoria for a while - and sarah knows him from salt spring last summer where he was for the retreat...tiny tiny world it is.
All in all Sarah has had a very adventurous and eventful first day in latin america...and theres 7 more to come...
Tomorrow to the festivals in Santiago Atitlan!!!
guatemala, here we are, my sister and I!
so after a 13 hour journey from San Cristobal with lots of reading and a fun border crossing I arrived in Guatemala City at 8:30pm...and after hearing horror stories of the capital, was a little weary about getting a cab to my hotel.
It worked out in the end and I got a cheap cab ride with a nice taxista. My bed and breakfast near the airport was adorable, a nice older very catholic couple who gave me a ride to the airport at 5 am...
but her flight didnt get in till 6:30.
so i met this nice guatemalan couple who were waiting for the same flight
sarah´s luggage was stuck in atlanta...and the nice couple took us in their car to Pollo Campero to have breakfast cause we had to be back to the airport at 12 to find her bag.
had a great time with them and then went back to airport, got a taxi and went downtown...but no one was there due to the fact that they´re all at the beach for semana santa.
Long story short we hung out in deserted Guat city for a while and then met our same taxi man who brought us back to the airport, we found her bag and then he took us to Antigua and set us up with a bus to Panajachel, which was to leave at 4.
Hung out in antigua for 2 hours, its pretty much exactly like san cris and i felt at home, sarah loved it.
then we got the bus to pana and met a nice honeymooner couple, marissa and kyle, from San Francisco. Got to Pana at 6:45 or so to find out that we´ve missed the last boat to Santiago Atitlan, where the rest of my group is, where we have a reservation.
Knowing that its Semana Santa and theres no space anywhere, we think we´re screwed. We were offered private boats to Santiago for 300 quetzales, which is like $40 plus its dark and its aobut 30 mins accross the lake...and we didnt feel safe. Marissa and Kyle suggested that we go with them, saying that we could sleep in their room on the floor...what nice people, even though they´re on their luna de miel!
So we got in a boat to Santa Cruz with Kyle and Marissa...to see if there was space at their hotel - when we got off the boat 3 police officers accompanied us on the long walk on a slippery trail in the rain right beside Lago Atitlan. Got to this hotel and they´ve made space for us to sleep on the floor in the main room...and fed us dinner...and have been all around wonderful.
One of the guys who is working and staying here was living in victoria for a while - and sarah knows him from salt spring last summer where he was for the retreat...tiny tiny world it is.
All in all Sarah has had a very adventurous and eventful first day in latin america...and theres 7 more to come...
Tomorrow to the festivals in Santiago Atitlan!!!
domingo, 1 de abril de 2007
tostadas, beans and salsa
well, we got back from our 12 day excursion throughout the Yucatan peninsula.
Details of each day in Marv's blog at www.lasom2.blogspot.com.
So basically in a nut shell that trip consisted of lots of learning, pyramid climbing, taking photos on top of pyramids, sweating, sunshine, swimming, beach, hotels, tostadas and tortillas, cans of beans and salsa, vegetable juice in a can, beer, assignments, reading, bus travel, shopping, marella's and karyn's birthdays, tequila, equinox at chichen itza...and generally an amazing time in the warmth and sunshine of the yucatan peninsula with lots of bonding time.
here's select photos from the trip and some from San Cristobal.
The photo in this post is of the castillo at chichen itza, pretty much one of the most if not the most famous classic maya building.
Being back in San Cristobal after those 12 days in other, warmer, less touristy places has changed the way that we all see San Cris, as much as we love it here, we are all sorta missing the warmth and sun, since the rainy season is upon us here in the highlands and its often cloudy and rainy and cold, oh well i still love mexico.
Tomorrow morning i am leaving for guatemala city. I'm gonna stay a night there and pick Sarah (my sister) up at the airport at 5am Thursday.
Then we're going up to Santiago Atitlan to meet the rest of my group for the semana santa festivities there and coming back here Sunday. I'm so excited to see her, its been 3 months already!!!
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