Blog #5- Text To Text

Gabby Fernandez

UH3

Gender & Literature

Text-to-Text Response

Middlesex is a book that reveals how Callie views her sexuality and how she approaches it. Callie is very attracted to The Object and we see this attraction grow even more when Callie pretends to be Rex Reese when they are kissing. It is very clear that Callie is sexually attracted to The Object. This sexual attraction is clear when Callie waits for The Object to fall asleep in bed so that she can move closer to her and touch her, ever so slightly. As the nights go by Callie can’t control her desires to touch The Object even more. She says, “I turned the light off. I pressed against the Object. I took the backs of her thighs in my hands, adjusting her legs around my waist. I reached under her. I brought her up to me. And then my body, like a cathedral, broke out into ringing” (387). It’s so clear from how Callie describes touching the Object she is in a state of euphoria. A sort of desire she can’t help but experience more than once.

This reminded me of Adam and Eve from the Genesis we read earlier this year. Adam and Eve are partners, they live together, care for the earth together, and love each other. They express their love for each other through sex, and they have sex a lot! They are driven by desire and in parts of The Genesis it hints that they are having sex a lot and everywhere! Adam, Eve, Callie and even The Object are all driven by sexual desire and their actions reflect that. When The Object allows and reacts positively to Callie putting her hands into The Objects pants. Although we can assume The Object is straight, it is clear that there is some sexual desire that she feels and wants along with Callie. They are constantly with each other- they’ve seen each other naked (well, only The Object) but they are comfortable and love one another’s company just like Adam and Eve! They both didn’t think it was a bad act because they were both blinded by the pleasure of it all- until god punished Adam and Eve and Jerome caught Callie and The Object.

Blog #4- Tiresias in Love

Journal #3- Current Event Response

Gabriela Fernandez

UH3

Gender & Literature

May 1st 2015

Current Event- Response

A few weeks ago, Bruce Jenner, the decathlon athlete and now part of the Kardashian clan, announced to the world that he has always wanted to be a woman. This came as a great shock and surprise to me and many other people because no one expected it. He was a strong masculine figure in the Olympics, raised many children throughout different marriages and never seemed to show any interest in being a woman. The interview with Diane Sawyer, Bruce talked about how he always felt he was different, he said “It’s not that I’m trying to dress up like a woman. It’s that I’ve spent my whole life dressing as a man…” (MTV). Bruce had to hide who he felt he was his whole life because he was afraid people would not accept him for it. Our society is still trying to accept those who do not fall into the standard lines. This reminded me of Cal a little bit. Cal grew up being a girl, expecting girl parts to develop during puberty and whatnot, but at some point in the book Callie discovers who she is and it changes her because when she is older she becomes a man. When Cal dates Julie he mentions that they had not made love yet but also that he wonders what and how she would react if he told her his situation. I think that sexuality and gender is something that people are still trying to figure out these days. It is still very controversial to many people but is also something that people don’t discuss enough to feel comfortable. Cal is obviously aware that Julie would be taken back and surprised if he told her about his situation. Many people are unaware of how everyone see themselves and their gender and sexual preference. It’s important to educate people and make awareness that there are different people out there that shouldn’t be afraid to express and be who they are or want to be.

Works Cited

Ford, Zach. "How Not To Talk About Bruce Jenner." ThinkProgress How Not To Talk About Bruce Jenner Comments. Think Progress, 29 Apr. 2015. Web. 01 May 2015.

"The 13 Most Powerful Quotes From Bruce Jenner's Emotional Interview."News. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 May 2015.

Journal Entry #2

Gabby Fernandez

UH3

April 24th, 2015

Personal Experience

            I remember as a young girl watching Disney channel and watching TV shows about teens. They were moody, argued with their parents, got zits and all that! Before I was close to going through puberty I remember that I was afraid to get my period and wear a bra. I didn’t want boobs! I wanted to keep my child self for as long as possible. It’s interesting to think that even if I wanted to stay a kid, my body was changing and it definitely affected the way I acted. I was more insecure; I didn’t want anyone to know I was growing a pair of boobs! I did not want my mom asking me questions about if I got my period yet and I didn’t want my skin to change!! I remember that I began going through puberty around the age of 12, so 7th grade. As I began to understand that my body was changing, my mentality also changed. I began to wear different clothing and wanted to feel older. At that time, even though I had a training bra I wanted to get a padded bra (even though I probably didn’t need one at the time.) I thought that if I had a padded bra I would fit in more, because most of my close friends had already developed breasts and were using padded fitted bras. When I read the scene were Callie asks her mother for a bra and the argument that takes place after, reminds me so much of the arguments I had and sometimes still have with my mom. They are the type of arguments that are so stupid and wind up about something completely irrelevant. Where you ask shyly about something and then completely shut out anyone who continues the conversation. I remember thinking of the right time to ask my mother to take me bra shopping at Victoria’s Secret (where everyone got their bras!) I remember it taking me a lot of courage to ask her because I was so nervous. We were home after school and I was helping her around the house (I can’t remember exactly) but I was following her around building up the courage. I then quickly asked and looked down immediately. I said something like “Can I get a bra at Victoria’s Secret?” I probably said it in the most quiet and awkward way. After I asked her she told me that I didn’t need one at the moment and the bra’s I had were “sufficient” (I hate when she uses that word). I thought it was so unfair because she couldn’t tell me what and whatnot to wear! When Callie asked her mom for a bra her mom laughed and said “‘I’m sorry, honey. But it’s just you’ve got nothing to...to…’” which Callie yelled, “‘Mom!’” and her mother replied, “‘...to hold it up’” To which “A tantrum-edged scream. Twelve-year0old feet running up the stairs, while Tessie called out, ‘Don’t be so dramatic...’” (288). I can perfectly picture this happening because it happened to me. Being that age, everything is dramatic; you’re dramatic on purpose and exaggerate everything. It was so frustrating when my mom said I didn’t need a bra from Victoria’s Secret because I felt as though she didn’t understand what I was going through! I can relate to this event in Cal’s life very well.

"Middlesex" Chapter- Key passage response

Chapter 3, “Middlesex”, delves into the relationship between Lefty and Callie. As a young child, Callie spent much of her time hanging out with her grandfather, who would take her on exciting car rides, walks around the neighborhood and would always make her laugh. Callie says, “We didn’t need to speak to each other. We understood each other without speaking. But then a terrible thing happened” (261). This quote reveals that the relationship Callie had with her grandfather was unique. They didn’t talk all the time but they had a connection with each other that helped build their bond. When Callie mentions a “terrible thing” that happened, Lefty had suffered a spatial disorientation while taking a walk with her. She notices that she sees fear in his eyes as he is laying down- which is something she hadn’t seen in her grandfather before. She says, “I suddenly can see things about my grandfather I should be too young to see” (262). Callie soon after befriends a girl living in her neighborhood, Clementine. When Clementine was over at Callie’s house one day they took a bath. They began to play innocently yet sexually with each other as they were “I fall between her legs, I fall on top of her, we sink…and then were twirling, spinning in the water, me on top, then her, then me, giggling, and making bird cries” (266). Engulfed in all the fun Callie is having, she suddenly realizes her Grandfather is watching them. Clementine is quick to reassure him they were only playing “water ballet” (266), however he does not move. Lefty had experienced another stroke. Callie was full of regret, she explains “…while in the other a seven year-old girl is also praying, praying for forgiveness, because it was clear to me that I was responsible. It was what I did… what Lefty saw… And I am promising never to do anything like that again…” (267). It is clear that Callie is traumatized by this experience with her Grandfather. As a seven year old she understands that what she was doing with Clementine was wrong, and she instantly felt embarrassed and wrong about it when her Grandfather saw. Because of Callie’s strong bond with her Grandfather she feels responsible for his stroke and promises to never do something like that again. This is an important moment in Callie’s life because she believes the way she was playing with Clementine was wrong and caused Lefty’s stroke. Callie makes a promise that will shape the way she grows up.

Synthesis Paragraph of Oedipus

1. How has your view of Oedipus developed over the course of the play?

          

            Throughout the course of the play my view of Oedipus remained mostly of empathy, however it did change slightly from a man of respect to one of pity. In the beginning of the play I see Oedipus as a strong leader as King for the city of Thebes, he is respectful because he respects his people. He makes a strong statement that gives the impression that he is dedicated to helping his people, he states, “But my spirit grieves for the city, for myself and all of you. I wasn’t asleep, dreaming. You haven’t wakened me-I have wept through the nights, you must know that…laboring over many paths of thought” (74-78). This shows how Oedipus provides a sense of comfort for his people; that he feels the sorrow they feel. As the play progresses, and Oedipus realizes a piece of knowledge is preventing him from moving on and helping his city, he becomes angry and miserable, he say's, “Blind, lost in the night, endless night that nursed you! You can’t hurt me or anyone else who sees the light- you can never touch me” (425-428). It’s clear that the truth got to Oedipus and created a pitiful being. Although many view Oedipus as an angry, disrespectful man, which may be true, this only happened because he was prevented and taunted from not knowing the truth about his life. I can sympathize with Oedipus because it is frustrating not knowing or understanding something hidden. Everyone should have the right to know his or her origins, whether it has to do with a ‘prophecy’ or simply curiosity!

2. Ultimately, what important understandings have you gained about family, society, leadership, etc., through Oedipus and his tragedy?

          

            After reading this play, I have realized many ideas about how the truth is a powerful piece of knowledge that can either destroy you or enchant you, but either way it will always change you and how you perceive yourself. The truth behind Oedipus’ origins in this case were severe, as Oedipus did not only uncover that he killed his father, the King of Thebes, and learn that his wife was his mother, but also unknowingly caused the downfall of his reputation, title and respect from others. I believe that social norms have affected the way we perceive people’s actions and that no matter the circumstances of such actions; people will always have this mentality to judge one.

Important Quotes, Analysis and response of Oedipus

Quote #1

          

           Oedipus’ power and confidence as a King is clearly shown through his tone in this quote. The first sentence depicts Oedipus’ strength as a leader. He states, “you have me to fight for you”, he emphasizes “me” indicating that he is much apart of this problem as his people are. He will be the one to solve this issue, just as he solved the riddle of the Sphinx. He describes himself as “Apollo’s champion” which shows his pride for himself-he believes that because he mentions Apollo to the people of Thebes, they will believe that Oedipus has the same power Apollo does. However, Oedipus sounds very convincing when he states firmly, “I’ll rid us from this corruption”. He displays responsibility for the city and takes this issue into his own hands by reaffirming the people that he will bring balance to Thebes.

Response:

Quote #2

          
  Oedipus is shocked that Tiresias wont reveal the truth to him. Oedipus views himself as powerful king, which ultimately makes him believe that he is able to have everything he asks for. When Tiresias says, “You bear your burdens, I’ll bear mine” he explains that he does not intend to reveal the truth to Oedipus, that his business is his, and Oedipus’ business is his own- ultimately saying that Oedipus should respect his choices. He specifically says “burden” because to emphasize the idea that revealing the truth will be misfortunate. Obviously, this does not settle well for Oedipus. He begins by saying he is surprised and unsettled by what Tiresias has just said to him. However, when he says “…unfriendly too to the state that bred and reared you…” it evokes a sense of anger. Tiresias had grown up in Thebes and he was cared and supported by everyone and to not use his power to help the “state” reveals a sense of disrespect towards Oedipus and Thebes.

Response:

Quote #3

            Tiresias begins by asking a rhetorical question, and quickly points out the faults which Oedipus faces. He sounds very condescending throughout, especially when he states, “you with your precious eyes, you’re blind to the corruption of your life”. Not only does Tiresias infuriate and insult Oedipus, he reveals a small fraction of the truth to Oedipus. Dramatic irony is shown in this part, as the Tiresias mocks Oedipus’ sight by explaining that he cannot see the truth corrupting his life. However, Tiresias is still tormenting Oedipus with the truth. When he says, “who are your parents? Do you know?” Tiresias is taunting Oedipus because he knows the truth behind the questions and Oedipus doesn’t, revealing a sense of power. By saying, “Do you know?” after his previous question, Tiresias emphasizes the idea that Oedipus is clueless and he uses this repeated question to anger him. When Oedipus responds to Tiresias’ insulting demeanor he once again reveals his anger through frustration. He shouts out, “Enough!” which clearly expresses that he is unable and does not want to hear anything bad about himself and cannot handle the anger that boils him up. When he says for Tiresias to “vanish!” he seems to have no idea how to act accordingly and properly voice his thoughts. Filled with pride, Oedipus assumes that everyone will do what he says, and is angered quickly when people don’t.

Response:

Quote #4

          This is Oedipus’ collapse as a powerful King, a father and a human. From once getting what he wanted by stating it, to now begging for it. Creon, a man that Oedipus despised for threatening his rule as King, now rules over Oedipus because, the truth about Oedipus’ past was revealed and ultimately destroyed his rule and reputation. Phrases such as “pity them”, “only hope”, “promise me”, “noble Creon” all convey a sense of sadness and hope. Oedipus expresses his sorrow as he pleads for Creon to provide his children well being. Oedipus argues that they are Creon’s “own flesh and blood” believing that Creon will look after the children because they are “so young” and blood related. However, it seems as though Creon is more disgusted than he is pitiful. This is shown when Creon “draws back” from Oedipus’ reach. This act symbolizes that Oedipus is alone; there is no one to help him now.


Response: