At first glance, one might think that this particular piece of Broumas’ work would be a suitable substitute for Winnie the Pooh while rocking the kids to sleep. However, upon deeper inspection, you would probably think “Oh my God” and thank the heavens above that you didn’t just scar your children for life. While not suitable for small children, this piece does lend itself to some rather intense interpretation based on the word choice, repetition, and allusions presented. As the reader begins to analyze the deeper meaning of the poem, a universal voice for women is heard behind the echoes of pain.
The first sentence reveals little but sets the stage for a lot to come. The simple sentence leaves no limit on place or time. This allows the reader to fill in the gaps with their own experiences. From the very beginning, repetition plays an important role. Faint echoes of pain are heard as the words “old” are repeated, hinting to the reader that there may be some emotional point to this.
The second sentence, while graphic in detail, presents a reason for the pain. The birthing experience, however gory and painful, is a unique bonding process that brings mother and daughter together for life. It is the one thing they will always have in common no matter what. However, the daughter does not have a child to share this same experience with. Even though the process is painful, the whole ordeal seems to be envied because of the bond that isn’t there. An equation of pain is being revealed and everything past this point should add to it.
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…aughter missed the true meaning of what her mother had been trying to convey. Holding her own femininity safe, she has rendered herself barren, unable to have a daughter of her own not because of infertility but because of fear. Sentence ten and eleven reveal the sad state of confusion the daughter finds herself in. She neither understands what has happened nor does she see a way out of her grandmother’s house.
Through the masterful use of words and allusions, Olga Broumas was able to twist the Little Red Riding Hood story into one of her own pain. Using the select words, she was able to create a piece of literature that so many people could relate to. Using the formalistic approach, the deeper meanings of this poem are brought out, analyzed, and understood, bringing a greater appreciation for author’s and their works.
heroarms Frederick as a Code Hero in Ernest Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms
Frederick as a Code Hero in Farewell to Arms
It is the nature of the beast within that fuels our inclination towards conflict and destruction. During the surreal powers of war, life hangs in the balance setting the stage for an elite group of individuals who triumphantly rise above the rest amidst the chaos. As Ernest Hemingway illustrates in his book, Farewell to Arms, the character of Frederick Henry; an ambulance driver, is put to the ultimate test during the madness and atrocity of WWI. His experiences at the front pose a challenge only a Hemingway hero can affront successfully. As the epitome of a code hero, Frederick is a man of action, self-discipline, and one who maintains grace under pressure.
Whenever the situation requires, Henry rises to the occasion taking control of potentially dangerous incidents with quick decision leaving no room for second thought. After Frederick is captured by the battle police, he foresees his inevitable death if no action was taken and instinctively escaped detainment. “I looked at the carabineri, they were looking at the newcomers. The others were looking a the colchel. I ducked down, pushed between two men, and ran for the river, my head down. I tripped at the edge and went in with a splash” (Hemingway, 214). Henry witnessed the gruesome executions of the officers before him and knew he was not going to die without a fight to preserve his precious existence. Being a man of action rather than words, was the determining factor which helped him survive this unfortunate confrontation with death. Regardless of the circumstances, Henry used his authoritative position to make sure others did not engage in any threatening positions that could jeopardize their safety and the safety of others. When one of his ambulances got suck in the mud during a retreat, two sergeants simply tried to abandon the situation but Frederick stopped them in their tracks. “Halt, I said. They kept on down the muddy road, the hedge on either side. I order you to halt. I called. They went a little faster. I opened up my holster, took the pistol, aimed at the one who talked the most, and fired” (Hemingway, 195). The men were given an ample opportunity to obey Henry’s commands and by ignoring them, it suggested that they were challenging their superior’s authority. Such actions are not tolerated by Frederick as he was once again forced to take the initiative as his character is always compelled to do.