기본 콘텐츠로 건너뛰기

The Semplica Girl Diaries, By George Saunders (2012)

The Semplica Girl Diaries, By George Saunders (2012)

Rating: 9/10

It was a really refreshing story, I think if I had to choose one story that represents Saunders' writing style the most, I would choose this out of other Saunders stories. Saunders' style of describing wealth and social status is very odd, and creepy which differs from other authors. In this story, the symbol of wealth is Semplica girls, slaves hang on gardens for ornamental purposes. We can notice two types of reactions from people towards this weird so-called, 'culture'. I thought the author wanted us to focus on Eva's reaction, who questioned the morality of this behavior by saying "Just because everyone is doing it, that makes it right?" unlike the father, who tried to justify them. The story ends in an open conclusion, but I do believe the ring that Eva rang on adults who have become numb towards this social practice. Overall throughout the story, I enjoyed the gruesome symbols the author used, and also a tragic, but a meaningful ending that leaves a question mark for the readers.

댓글

댓글 쓰기

이 블로그의 인기 게시물

The Swimmer, By John Cheever (1964)

The Swimmer, By John Cheever (1964) Rating: 9.3/10 I personally think these kinds of stories are what short stories should be like. Very easy to understand, direct, and clear, but also a very unusual way of unfolding the plot compared to other stories. The main character was similar to Blake from The Five-Forty-Eight, they both represent American white men during the era. The devices like alcohol, pool, and season were implemented in a very enjoyable way so that readers can follow them like a clue and reach the conclusion. What I notice from recent stories we've read is that we don't whether the main character changes or not, it's always an open ending, however, we see their environment changing as a consequence of their prior actions. Overall very amusing and I wished I had the ability to write stories like this that can closely touch the readers.
댓글 쓰기
자세한 내용 보기

James Joyce vs Anton Chekhov

James Joyce vs Anton Chekhov First, I would like to define the characteristics of each author, starting with James Joyce. Based on Joyce's stories I've read so far, I felt that his stories are very concise and efficient. And he also manages well to use the advantage of writing a short story and maximize it. Instead, Chekhov focuses on the change of the character's mindset which is also emphasized by the same daily routine that is described differently from each perspective, before the change, during the change, and after the change. Both authors end the story with an open conclusion, but I found Chekhov's conclusion more intriguing to read. In the story <The Lady with the Dog>, Chekhov doesn't imply any ethical messages or moral lessons in his conclusion. For example, writers like Tolstoy would end the conclusion of wrongdoers with punishment, but in this story, Gurov and Anna don't pay anything for committing adultery, leaving the readers to decide. Overa...
댓글 쓰기
자세한 내용 보기

The Lady with the Dog, By Anton Chekhov (1899)

The Lady with the Dog, By Anton Chekhov (1899) Rating: 6.5/10 I didn't really enjoy this story as much as other short stories. The reason why is because, throughout the whole story, there were unnecessary rhetorical devices that were repetitive. For example, the author describes the place 'Yalta' not only at the opening but kept mentioning it whenever Gurov and Anna would take a walk. For me, this style of writing distanced me, the reader from the flow of the theme that this story is trying to deliver. It did enhance the reader's understanding of each individual character's change of thoughts, but interpreting the theme, wasn't efficient. At least the story ended with a totally open conclusion, but I would've enjoyed it much better if the story gave more space to the readers also during the process of reaching the conclusion.
댓글 쓰기
자세한 내용 보기