The House on Mango Street P. 25-57

Summary

The next couple of chapters talks about her neighborhood and the lives of the different people that live there. Like Marin, who lives in louie's basement and dreams of leaving the town one of these days. And the Vargas's children who gets in so much mischieve, that people stop caring about what they do. And Lucy and Rachel who are friends of Esperanza. Lucy and Rachel starts trouble with Esperanza by calling her ugly and then start talking about her mother. Then they all start throwing insults back and forth about each other. After the arguments though, they all still remained friends even though Esperanza threatened not to speak to Rachel and Lucy ever again. Esperanza also got a new job, which her aunt Lola help her get at the Peter Pan photo finisher place on Broadway. But in order to get the job she had to lie that she was a year older than the was. The end of the section came to a close after Esperanza found out from her father that her grandmother was dead. Therefore leaving Esperanza with the hard task of telling the rest of her siblings the news since she the oldest.

Quotation

"One day you wake up and they are there. Ready and waiting like a new Buick with they keys in the ignition" (Cisneros 49).

Reaction

This section of the book was when Esperanza was talking about the power that having hips gives her. And also how she teaches her sister to use her hips when she is walking, and also how to move them the right way. There is a simile being used with comparing the new Buick car to the hips. There is also a sense of womanhood or growing up I think for Esperanza because having hips is a representation of growing into a real woman. And being able to carry or handle situations that you could not handle while you where a child.

The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros (pg.1-25)

Summary

The story opens up with the main character Esperanza describing their house on Mango Street and how they came to live there. Before moving to the house on Mango Street her family live in several other apartments but the last one was on Loomis street which they left after the pipe broke and the landlord would not fix it. In her family there are six people including herself, her parents, her sisters Kiki and Nenny, and her brother Carlos. In the book opening Esperanza struggles with accepting her name because she feels it does not fit her personality. Also because people do not pronounce it the right way when they call her. So, she plays with others names that she feels represents who she is like Lisandra, Maritza, or Zeze. Esperanza had a best friend named Cathy until she moved away. Her new neighbors Rachel and Lucy tells her to invest a dollar in their bike if she wants to ride it. A new family then moves into Cathy's old house by the name of Meme Ortiz and to make extra money Meme's mother rents the basement floor to the louie familiy. After Loiue cousin comes to visit in his new stolen cadillac he gives the neighborhood kids a ride, but ends up speeding away after hearing a cop car.

Quotation

" I would like to baptize myself under a new name, a name more like the real me, the one nobody sees"( Cisneros 11).

Reaction

I feel a great connection with the quote because I sometimes feels the same way. Like my name is not who I am or what is reflected about me. Sometimes after people hear my name the first thing that comes to their minds is like I am Ghetto and uneducated, which is not true. So by Esperanza wanting to change her name, to something more likable basically, she is trying to break the stereotypes that people think about when they hear her name.

American Costume, 1915-1970 by Shirley Miles O'Donnol (pg.210 -270)

Summary

Styles in the sixties was a mix of the past fashions and innovations of styles from different countries. The sixties was a time when everyone was closer and the nation and the rest of the world came together. The mix of styles that now became common in the United States included beads from Africa, fur and boots from Russia, and jackets from India. This new style was credited to the idea that people became more interested and curious in the places other than the United States. The fashions of the Sixties were very eclectic, different, bold, and some might go as far and call it "weird". Mens styles were more tough and serious, like the leather motorcycle jackets, and dominant black suits. There was also a playful side in mens style with the hippie look. This included tunic shirts with bright print, long hair, big hair, and a rock and role look. For women they experienced all the fashions which included, kimonos from China, muumuus from Hawaii, and caftans from the Middle East. The Sixties was known for its provocative fashion, and swinging lifestyles.

Quotation

" The human race forsook its firm foothold on the planet Earth during the decade of the 1960s and thereby changed its perspective for all time"( O'Donnol 211).

Reaction

The quote in my interpretation is basically saying that the sixties was the decade for experiments. It seemed to be the time when everyone wanted to try something new and change their old ways. I agree with it because from what I heard and seen from the sixties things were very different than any other decade before it , or even after it. Even from comparing the sixties to our current decade there were wilder and crazier times during the sixties.

American Costume, !915-1970 by Shirley Miles O'Donnol (pg.160-210)

Summary

Following World War II, America went through major changes. With the war no longer in mind, fashion once again became a great deal of focus. since the economy was flowing, Americans started living lavishly. The wars seemed to change a lot of things, for example, women were no longer housewives, they went out and earned money for their families. Fashion became more daring with designers from Paris constantly creating art. Christian Dior's line for women was very outrageous because the waistline was hardly visible since it was so tiny. Heels Several inches higher than what was being worn before. The years after World War II was when women reclaimed their feminism with fashion. This for them meant wearing tighter clothing that hugged all their curves and show the world their sexy side. For the men the jackets were now single breasted, and the the shoulders of the jackets were less padded. Hair for men was worn short, and usually included a parting on the center or on the side. There was very high demands for mens high silk hat, which was worn to formal White-Tie events. The years following the war, brought a new wave of fashion for men and women.

Quotation

" The resulting loss of identity sent many people ( if they could afford it) to a psychiatrist's couch in the search of their lost selves"( O'Donnol 150).

Reaction

I understand what drove the people to see a psychiatrist after the end of WWII. When an event like that occur, you question yourself and the world as to why things like that happen. I can relate from a personal experience, when my grandfather died, I questioned why God would let that happen, if he was the being that was suppose to protect us. Then after talking to some people I calmed down a little because I knew that he was in a better place, and that things happen for a reason.

American Costume, !915-1970 by Shirley Miles O'Donnol (pg.110 -160)

Summary

As the thirties came to an end, things were not so good for the United States. World War II began and America once again was in war even thought they wanted to stay out of it. That changed after Japan dropped a bomb on Pearl Harbor. This got American furious, and therefore they prepared to go to war. With fashion ever changing, new uniforms had to be made for the men and women who joined the army. The uniform for the men didn't really change that much from WWI. For the women they had to wear trimmed short skirts, thick jackets, and hats with the names of their armed services on it. The people that remained home continued with some of the styles from the thirties. However, women clothing got more darker in color, more dramatic, and the dresses were worn in different ways. Men clothing changed a bit due to the new jobs that required comfort over style. Like jobs in the offices, talent scouts, and lawyers began to dress more conservative rather than extravagant.

Quotation

"Although scientific development was focused on the war effort , some advancement occurred in the world of everyday living"(O'Donnol 112).

Reaction

I have to agree with the quote which is basically saying that technology evolved with cause. If there were no wars or other traumatizing events in the world nothing would change. Technology helps a lot in wars because its very efficient, but technology also help in everyday life. Without technology the world would not change as much or as fast.

American Costume, !915-1970 by Shirley Miles O'Donnol (pg.50 -110)

Summary

As the 30s rolled around there became a great depression. a lot of people might not know this, but since there was an decrease in the economy during that period, there was also a decrease in fashion. People started to wear more unattractive clothes since they could no longer afford the usual elegant costumes that they use to don. It became very dangerous for the rich living during the depression to war nice clothes on the street because people who couldn't afford it terrorized them. The Great Depression deserved a lot of recognition in the fashion world because it made swim wear with lesser material. Because of the depression we now have bikinis, and clothing with less material on them. It was a very slow period during the 30s for fashion because there was no new trend, it was the same trends used in the 20s that was used in the 30s. With fashion came music, and at that time Frank Sinatra was one of the most popular current singer. Thus, the classic look of men entertainer was created ( fitted black suit with a bow tie).

Quotation

" the stock market crash in the late 1929 ushered in a desperate era in America that prevailed throughout the following decade"(O'Donnol 71).

Reaction

Its kind of weird to think back to that time and see that the same thing is happening today. Right now we are in a recession due to the market crash and in the 30s America was in a great depression also by the same cause. Relating to fashion, the same thing is happening when money is tight people tend to wear their old clothes and or make their own original outfits. I find it very interesting how parallel these two periods are.

American Costume, !915-1970 by Shirley Miles O'Donnol (pg. 1-50)

Summary

The book starts off the fashion before the first world war in America. The first world war was ironically the inspiration for the new fashion revolution that took place. While some of the men were away fighting in the war, the women started to take the jobs of the men. Some of the jobs that women took over were running the elevators and driving automobiles. And that required them to dress like the men used to in order to move more efficiently and get more things done. This included the women to wear trousers, mens' jackets, and manly shoes. With the ever changing weather, fashion evolved to accommodate whatever the seasons brought. These fashions included day wear, evening wear, sportswear, coats/wraps, and uniforms. The uniforms were especially important since there was a war going on. The uniforms were made so the soldiers would be able to move, have easy access to anything, and feel relaxed in it. A new wave of fashion rolled in during the 1920s. Jazz music inspired what everyone started to wear. The music brought an urge to want to do something you wouldn't normally want to do. For example, men began to wear larger pants than before, dressing more formal to go play golf, and were very daring when they started wearing the color black more. As for women, they began to dress more masculine. for example, they would wear men shirts usually with a belt, the size of their heels increased in inches, and they were also more involved in more sports which called for women sportswear. The 1920s flourished with every type of fashion.

Quotation

" one might almost say that the idea of equality with the male had gone to a girl's head as she bobbed her hair to look like his; borrowed his shirt, tie..."(O'Donnol 33).

Reaction

The quote is basically trying to say that Women are becoming more evolved. And along with their evolvement, they are starting to take more roles of male. So if they could look like males, they could perform like males. And it doesn't hurt to look good while doing it either. Metaphorically speaking women dressing like men, means women doing what men do, and doing it better.

the wedding p. 180-240

Summary

After reminiscing about his ancestry Shelby's father drives back to the Oval. He is faced with a problen though becuase his girlfriend that he was having an affair with for 19 years finally called it quits. she (Rachael) felt that their relationship wasn't going anywhere becuase Shelby's father still didn't ask his wife for a divorce yet for over 19 years. In order to avoid his daoughter Shelby from making the same mistake he adviced her not to marry her fiance Meade. He felt that she was only doing it becuase she doesn't want to get involved with an African American man. since he made the mistake of not marrying an African American Woman when he had the chance he didn't want his daughter to make the same mistakes. Upon hearing what her father had to say, Shelby became outraged becuase she felt her whole family wasn't supporting her marriage to Meade. So Shelby decided to take a chance to see if she was missing out of anything by going to see Lute Mcneil. Lute being obsessed with Shelby even though he was still married to another woman lied to her that he was already divorced on the day before her wedding. on her wedding day things starts going wrong. Lute's wife came to the Oval to confront the woman who she thought was going to steal him away from her. Lute being a man of great anger beat and pushed his wife and shoved her into the car because she was going to ruin his plan of marrying Shelby. Lute shoved her into his car and drove, and while not paying attention to the road hit his daughter Tina and she died. Shelby witnessing this knew that Lute wasn't the man for her and decided she was going to stay with her fiance Meade.

Quotation

" he suddenly noticed the quality of the air in the car-through the closed window on his left the sun's lancing rays seemed to shimmer before him"(West 191).

Reaction

This is a scene describing the reactions that Shelby's father had after he found out that his girlfriend Racheal didn't want to be with him anymore. this qoute means that after all that time he realized that he has been doing things wrong all his life. The quality of the air is describing how he suddenly woke up from this dream that he has been living in all that time in his life. And gave him new found hope that he can change his daughter's life before she can make a decision that she's going to regret for the rest of her life.

the wedding p. 120-180

Summary

As Shelby's father walked on the beach he reminised about the his family ancestry. It all started with a man named Old Sir who marries an Ebony Woman and they gave birth to a butternut woman. The butternut woman lived in the south and one day a man came by and he was a preacher. they both had isaac who was Shelby's father's grandfather by the name of Isaac. Isaac became a doctor and married a schoolteacher. Both of them were very involved in making the community more advanced and enriched by helping black and colored people. Isaac was very set on the idea of changing poeple's lives that were less fortunate than he was. He took a vow to do God's work becuase that was what his father the preacher would have wanted. offortunately though, Isaac died one night in his bed asleep, and his wife found him there like that when she woke up next to him. leaving his boys and his wife alone without a father or and a husband.

Quatation

" she brushed a fingertip softly against his cold forehead, and then she turned and walked from the room"(West 179).

Reaction

This qoute is describling the actions that take place after Isaac dies and his wife is attending to his body. The quote is using a metaphor becuase it's comparing something hard to something soft. The use of the of fingers to the touch of her husband's hard forehead. This qoute sums of the Way Isaac was last seen by his family. It was very sad becuase the family lost a husband and a father.

The Wedding p.60-120

Summary

Shelby starts to get a lot of drama from her family about marrying Meade. Her sister Liz disapproves of her marrying Meade becuase she thinks shelby is in denial from being more attracted to black men. Her mother also disapproves of Meade becuase he is poor and his family in not well known in their society. As ayoung family Sheby had always thought that she had a perfect family until her sister told her the reality of their family. the reality was that their dad was cheating on their mom with a black woman who worked in his doctor's office as a secretary. The weird part is that their mom is affair of the affiar that the dad is having with the secretary from his job in the hospital. Shelby' father arrived in Cape Co for shelby's summer wedding and ends up reflecting on his life so far. He almost didn't marry Shelby's mom becuase when they met in college he was in love with another girl named Sabina and she was black. Because shelby's mom's father was the president of the college her father felt like he was obligated to marry her mother. Mostly due to the fact the if he wanted to stay in that college and become a doctor that was the sacrifice he was going to have to make. Ever since Shelby's parents had her and her sister they began to drift apart becuase they were in love.

Quotation

" The ferry landing was behind him, and he could just make out a boat in the distance, coming with a fresh brace of day trippers from Cape Cod"(West 102).

Reaction

the description of the scenary sounds really pretty. Especially since i have been to Cape Cod i can see what the speaker was seeing while standing on the beach. I think that the boat in the distance can foreshadow the following issues that are going to follow what is going on. The quote itself speaks to me becuase it sybolizes what her father is leaving behind by kind of abandoning her family even though not in a physical sense.

The Wedding By: Dorothy West pg. 1-60

The Wedding is a book surrounding a colored family and their lives from slavery through the 50s. Written by Dorothy West, the story is about the Coles family and their last daughter Shelby who is soon to be married to Meabe Wyler, a white jazz musician. The story starts off at the oval where the Coles are occupied for the summer for Shelby to be wedded. Lute Mcneil and his three daughters are also introduced in the story with Lute braiding his daughter's hair. Shelby starts to think about when she was a young girl and got lost by trying to return a lost dog back home. Shelby's great-grandmother who is a white woman, her dying wish is to see Shelby marry a white man so that the next generation of their family could be whiter looking. Shelby's great-grandmother had a daughter named Josephien who was very sick and ended marrying a black man named Hannibal because she was poor. Josephien and hannibal had a baby which was Shelby's mom. Shelby's mom married a white man and then they had Shelby and her sisiter. Is the summer wedding really going to take place?

"So they slowly rocked in their chairs, staring at the incomming tied and praying it held no cruel surprises" (West 64).

The quote speaks to me because it is describing an action. I love when authors use literary devices to place a setting. And the word slowly can impact the rest of the book dramatically. But I wonder if there are going to be any cruel surprises.