Sonia Sanchez Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Sonia Sanchez - Essay Example She started with Homecoming in 1969 and with the passage of time, created a wonderful collection of child books, dramas and essays. In her sixties, Sanchez, together with her colleagues, actively participated in the black studies movement after black studies were banned in the San Francisco State College. She served as the head of the Afro-American Studies Program in the Amherst College. Sanchez did not ever try to be just an essayist or a dramatist or a poet. She has served as an excellent teacher in addition to these. She made several trips to China, Cuba and Scandinavia. Sanchez is known for a dazzling performative manner. Instead of reading her works like a slow-paced British professor, Sanchez would inculcate the African and African American cadence into the performance. In 1984, her volume, homegirls & handgrenades emerged (Gates, 2004). One year later, Sanchez’s literary skills were appreciated with the American Book Award. She has written 16 books in her lifetime (soni asanchez.net, n.d.). The topics of Sanchez’s poems originated in the societal worries and her articulate manner made them a fundamental source of instigation and tenderization of the Black Arts movement. References: AALBC.com (2011). When one reads Sonia Sanchez, one knows the state of black America. Retrieved from http://aalbc.com/authors/sonia.htm. Gates, H. (2004).

The Things They Carried by Tim OBrien Essay Example for Free

The Things They Carried by Tim OBrien Essay Rationale The intention of the following text is to elaborate the use of meta-fiction and narrative layering in Tim OÊ ¼BrienÊ ¼s The Things They Carried through writing a narrated interview with Tim OÊ ¼Brien regarding Part FourÊ ¼s study: Literature and Critical Study. Using quotations/transcriptions of Tim OÊ ¼BrienÊ ¼s statements within the fictional interview will support the structure of the text accordingly as a narration of an interview. First, I will address Tim OÊ ¼BrienÊ ¼s brief biography regarding his career, education and works. The narration will continue with an introduction from the interviewer, briefly regarding his works and the incorporation of observed application of meta-fiction and narrative layering. Then, a personal acknowledgement of the use of meta-fiction and narrative layering in his work, The Things They Carried, will be mentioned discreetly and indirectly. Several techniques used to break down Tim OÊ ¼BrienÊ ¼s work in aims to identify the usage of these literary devices will be addressed – then the narration will be preceded by several questions and answers addressing the application, role, and purpose of the usage of meta-fiction and narrative layering; this will be supported by direct contextual examples from the text studied. A brief re-cap on the definitions of both literary devices will be addressed. The closing of the interview aims to emphasize the coherent application and purpose of these techniques in the intervieweeÊ ¼s work. Narrated Fictional Interview Tim OÊ ¼Brien, an American citizen, is acknowledged as a novelist and/or a short story writer. He is highly recognized for his work, The Things They Carried. His works are under the genre of memoirs and war stories, more specifically those correlated with the Vietnam War, or as he would refer to it as the Vietnam Conflict. Neal Conan and Michiko Kakutani defines his work, The Things They Carried, as â€Å"a critically acclaimed collection of semiautobiographical, inter-related short-stories inspired by OBriens  experiences in the Vietnam War.† A stellar student, he was the president of the student body and earned his degree in Political Science in 1968 – after he graduated, instead of paving his own career path, he was drafted to join the United States Army. Sent to Vietnam, he was on duty until the 1970s. After his duty, he continued his studies in Harvard University, which lead him to his career as a writer. After being drafted and earning his graduate school degre e, Tim OÊ ¼Brien wrote in his memoir, â€Å"Can the foot soldier teach anything important about war, merely for having been there? I think not. He can tell war stories.† And so he did just that, he told war stories. Having the privilege of interviewing him personally, I addressed and accredited him for his excellent works – both for serving in Vietnam and his works as a writer. I planned to ask him regarding his work, The Things They Carried, to ask him regarding the observations of the usage of meta-fiction and narrative layering. I thought to myself in the beginning of the interview, how ironic it was to ask him about his experiences in the Vietnam War (or Vietnam Conflict) while I already read an entire book based upon his personal war stories. I decided to address my ironic thoughts and he responded, â€Å"DidnÊ ¼t you realize? The Ê »TimÊ ¼ I mentioned repeatedly in the book, is not based on me, Tim OÊ ¼Brien, itÊ ¼s a fictional character I embedded within the book! I honestly, did not refer to the real experience I encountered, instead I referred to my own fictional narratives.† Before I asked him my scripted questions, he led the interview towards the two topics I was t o talk about, narrative layering and meta-fiction. Based on everything2.com, the characteristics of works that use both these literary devices include the reference to itself as well as the creation and/or discussion of fictional works by fictitious characters. Tim OÊ ¼BrienÊ ¼s works can be broken down when aiming to identify the application of meta-fiction and narrative layering. Within Speaking of Courage, a character Ê »TimÊ ¼ is present. Written in third person narrative, and having the same name as the author, I personally thought that Tim, the character, was Tim, the writer. Though the literal Tim OÊ ¼Brien addressed that â€Å"I am Tim, Tim OÊ ¼Brien, but Tim is not me.† I gave  him a blank stare, attempting to understand his point then I realized that he used narrative layering within his work. The first layer can be considered as when Tim, the character, heard about BowkerÊ ¼s story, then the story lead to the second layer at which Tim, the writer, made it seem like Bowker is retelling the story. In fact, the whole story itself, is narrated by a fictional narrator, this discovery is and can be seen as the third and final layer. This discovery proves both the application of meta-fiction and narrative layering as it writes fiction based on fiction and is narrated by layers of fiction characters. Even within the beginning pages of the novel, though insignificantly mentioned, it is stated that it is a â€Å"work of fiction† and â€Å"lovingly dedicated to the men of Alpha Company, †¦ Jimmy Cross, Norman Bowker, Rat Kiley, †¦ and Kiowa†. â€Å"Did you realize? I schemed the writing of that page to enhance the fact that this entire novel is a fictional piece. Tim, the character – the fictional character, wrote this page, not Tim as in myself,† he smirked while explaining. â€Å"Within Notes, I began writing by referring to Speaking of Courage, that in itself can show that I referred to my own fictional work – that is meta-fiction,† he clarified. Whilst in On A Rainy River, a statement brings upon the reference of itself – as stated above, this technique can be used to identify the usage of meta-fiction. The narrator of the story explains, â€Å"Now, perhaps, you can understand why IÊ ¼ve never told this story before.† (Pg. 54) – the narrator addresses the story within the story. The story How to Tell A True War Story is the epitome of a meta-fiction-filled work. It starts off stating, â€Å"This is true,† (Pg. 64), then leads to the confusion of readers that if a war story â€Å"seems moral, do not believe it,† as it is a â€Å"very old and terrible lie.† (Pg. 65) Every definition of a Ê »trueÊ ¼ war story within is alternatingly opposed through the differing versions of the fictional characterÊ ¼s narratives. Patricia Waugh declares that meta-fiction-filled work â€Å"selfconsciously and systematically draws attention to its status as an artifact in order to pose questions about the relationship between fiction and reality,† at which is all present within this story. Evidently visible within his work, Tim OÊ ¼Brien demonstrates the usage of both literary decices. Acknowledging the help of these literary devices, he states that narrative layering makes â€Å"the source material stronger and the core story more engaging.†1 While the other literary device, meta-fiction is defined as the act of writing about writing, acts as a tool to remind readers that even though the narratives he writes are fiction, â€Å"sometimes stories can be more real than reality itself.† Using it to the extent of â€Å"foregrounding the fiction of fiction and reality,†2 he applies meta-fiction as how John Barth defines it. He writes based on the imitation of novels/narrative fictions rather than writing fictions based on reality, undeniably present, his works show self-conscious examinations of fiction by referring to itself. Written with excellence, Tim OÊ ¼BrienÊ ¼s works uses both literary devices – he explores thoroughly, the purpose of writing. 1 Goldhammer, G. (2013). Layered Narrative Storytelling: A Journalistic Standard for Creating Content. . Last accessed 23rd May 2014. 2 Waugh, Patricia. Metafiction: The Theory and Practice of Self-Conscious Fiction. NY: Routledge, 1984.

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the single stage converter is introduced in the proposed work. The output from both the systems are given to the fly-back converter it will give the constant dc voltage as the output. By controlling the switching period of the converter switch the output can be controlled. The figure shows the interfacing of hybrid system using individual dc-dc converter. Fig.6 Hybridization using individual boost converters VI.SIMULATION RESULTS The Fig.5 shows the block diagram of single stage converter for the proposed hybrid system. In the existing system two individual dc-dc converters were used for controlling the power flow; which will increase the number of circuit components. To reduce this, single stage conversion is used. The output from both wind and solar system is given to the fly-back converter unit. This will carry out the proper conversion for the required output. In this hybrid system Solar array is considered as a main source and wind will operate parallel to this. The conduction period of the switch is varied accordingly to the output required. In the single stage conversion no ma...

Falling in Love with Fall Essay

A cool, crisp breeze with just a tinge of warmth brushes my face. The pearl-grey sky and sound of leaves twisting and twirling – I watch as they dance carelessly through the air. My favorite season is autumn because of the many changes and feelings of gratitude it brings, the festivities, and fashion. One of the main reasons I enjoy autumn is because of the many festivities and activities. Not only is the weather cooler, especially in Texas, for outdoor fun but people’s spirits seem brighter. Every year there are so many things to do, festivals and carnivals to picking pumpkins and haunted houses. For me, it’s the sound of kids crunching through the leaves with laughter filling the air; their excitement is contagious and reminiscent of my childhood. The competitive feeling of who can get the most candy and the anticipation of shuffling through it all and scarfing down the best pieces. Because fall allows me to socialize with loved ones and new friends alike, it is my favorite season. Another reason I love the autumn are the feelings of change and gratitude. It might seem like a New Years idiom, but for me autumn is the most perfect time to mark new beginnings and reflect on the year that’s gone by. Maybe it’s the transition the environment makes, the colors of the leaves and the warm air turning cool. It’s intoxicating. As I crack open my bedroom window and curl up on my bed draping a cashmere throw over my legs, the smell of the leather from my journal mixes with the cool air and aroma of a newly opened bottle of wine. I sit and write about the year behind me, the memories and thoughts the ideas of my future. A nice counterpart to enjoying time with loved ones, it’s a perfect atmosphere to enjoy time alone; this is why it is my favorite season. I’ve saved the best for last, another great reason to love fall – fashion. Gone are the days of strappy tops and sandals, fall bring in a fresh cozy style. It’s a new excuse for shopping! Every year, come mid-September I make my way to the mall. With a delicious pumpkin spice latte in hand I fill my arms with an arsenal of clothing and accessories for fall. Tall boots and heeled booties are first on my list then its flowing cardigans,  poncho and double breasted jackets. The warm tones of purple and gold fill my bags and I can’t wait to show off my new collections at the many gatherings and festivities fall will bring. It is especially because of this, that autumn is my favorite season. With so many reasons to love fall, the best are those that engage your heart. It’s magical that even with the cool air; autumn can make a person feel warm. New beginnings at school and the gathering of loved ones, the smell of burning fireplaces hitting the cold air, watching as the trees shed their leaves. You can’t help but to feel a calm sense of hope this time of year.

Sandra Cisneros’ Eleven

Eleven or One hundred and Two? Sandra Cisneros’ short story â€Å"Eleven† describes a young girl that is at a loss for words when her teacher embarrasses her in front of the class. How does Rachel convey her feelings on Mrs. Price’s authority? Rachel says in the third paragraph that she wishes she was one hundred and two instead of eleven and in saying so she thinks that if she was that age she would have known the words to answer Mrs. Price when she made her put on the ugly sweater that was not hers at all. She adds the two to the hundred as it makes the impression that one hundred is normal old but by adding the two she would be really old and know what to say. We move on and find that Rachel has a very difficult time dealing with the embarrassing fact that Mrs. Price is forcing her to put on the red â€Å"cottage cheese† smelling sweater and instead of standing up for herself she puts her head down and starts to cry, she thinks about her school friends like Sylvia Saldivar who she says is stupid but will probably tease her in the playground about the sweater. Rachel calms herself down with the thought of her parents waiting for her at home with her birthday cake and candles and her papa coming home to sing happy birthday, To summarize we find that on one hand Rachel is a very mature girl that talks about age in a very distinct manner and on the other hand she has a very passionate way of describing her feelings and the situation that she is in.