Tristan

Layton’s Period 9 class, you know we stay on that annotation grind #2020 #TwitterInSchool #MyClassIsBetterThanYours

[Tristan @shindubitably]

@AlyssaGoldstei5 I agree that some of it was depressing, but I honestly found it super inspiring. Everything that was depressing in that speech was a choice to see the negative; I think he wanted to show us that life doesn't have to be depressing if you turn your default setting off. #laylit20

[Tristan @shindubitably]

@litwithlayton This was eye-opening for me. I think everything he said is true, especially about the worship thing. When you're in competitive classes, you tend to worship intelligence. Because of that you start to feel dumb, "like a fraud", as Wallace put it. I'm sure we can relate. #laylit20

[Tristan @shindubitably]

#laylit20 I think the idea of the Euphio is very representative of modern-day culture. It's very easy to get sucked into technology (especially tv shows) and not care about the world around us. But true fulfillment (in my experience) can only be achieved through work and action.

[Tristan @shindubitably]

#laylit20 I find it interesting that the poem is called Aubade⁠—meaning a poem relating to early morning⁠—because the poem centers more around the late evening of life: death. I think Larkin made this juxtaposition to show how waking up in the morning can remind one of death.

[Tristan @shindubitably]

@krempaskym I think in war ethics, unfortunately, are definitely bent. Kelly is thinking like a real general. If he loses, everyone⁠—including his son⁠—dies⁠. If he wins, then his son would die, but everyone would live. In that sense, his decision makes sense. #laylit20

[Tristan @shindubitably]

@AlyssaGoldstei5 Chess is a game all about tactics and threatening your opponent and tricking them. In this sense, it's a lot like the cold war that was happening at the time. Russia and the US were trying to threaten each other, and because of this "game", people ended up dying. #laylit20

[Tristan @shindubitably]

@debvschool @litwithlayton I think it's really interesting that a common theme Vonnegut's pieces, there's a "messed up society" of sorts. In Harrison Berger, society made everyone equal, but in this piece, society is trying to control overpopulation with radical death and birth control. #laylit20

[Tristan @shindubitably]

@caitLITpark I think that's like a lot of Vonnegut's characters. They have their classic heroic characteristics, but they do socially unacceptable things (like Newt and Harrison). That's probably what Vonnegut is trying to comment on: the absurdity of society and its norms. #laylit20

[Tristan @shindubitably]

@EschbachJackie I thought the school of the blind was an interesting addition. I thought it might have symbolized how, in this space, Newt and Catharine were blind to society and social obligations, or perhaps how Newt seems to be blind to social norms in general. #laylit20

[Tristan @shindubitably]

@Carmen_B22 I KNEW HE SOUNDED FAMILIAR! I think it might be the war that got him thinking existentialist⁠—he does what he wants to with his life regardless of the consequences and the other person's feelings (like interfering with Catharine's marriage). #laylit20

[Tristan @shindubitably]

@ashapatel1122 @litwithlayton I agree that he's not forcing her to do anything, but I don't think that should be defined as masculine. I think he was being very typically masculine in the sense that he made the first move(s) of kissing her and going AWOL for her. #laylit20

[Tristan @shindubitably]

I think one of Vonnegut's main points is shown through Harrison's actions (as he is the titular character). Instead of trying to overthrow the government, all he wants is to dance and express himself. This is probably reflective of communism's suppression of expression #laylit20

[Tristan @shindubitably]

@litwithlayton I find it interesting that the Vonnegut chose to make society equal by pushing all those who are objectively "better" down, while communism is, in theory, more about raising people up. I think this really reflects the American stigma against communism #laylit20

[Tristan @shindubitably]

@sarahliucifer There might be some irony to that because of her profession. Being a judge means that you have to clearly communicate what the ruling is and why you chose it. I think, again, that McEwan chose the perfect profession to compare Fiona's personality with. #laylit20

[Tristan @shindubitably]

@AlanJiDad I think you're definitely right! I think the names might have foil-type connotations, too. This might be a stretch, but Adam has more of a divine connotation (Adam and Eve) and Jack might have a more violent/bad connotation (Jack the ripper). #laylit20

[Tristan @shindubitably]

@AlyssaGoldstei5 I think bridges are a really good symbol for transition. At this point, Fiona and the other characters are transitioning from different mindsets or stages in their life. Bridges could also represent connections; maybe McEwan is connecting her thoughts to her past life #laylit20

[Tristan @shindubitably]

@EschbachJackie I agree. This might be a stretch but Adam’s family could represent godly figures from Christianity (because it’s Adam yk). If they’re overjoyed about going against their religion, it might be indicative of Christian hypocrisy #laylit20

[Tristan @shindubitably]

@Sharon4LitClass @katrinaliuser I agree. I think it's interesting how we all are on Fiona's side at the beginning of the novel b/c she's the main character and appears to be in a one-sided relationship. I think, however, based on how much she time invests in her work, that it might be the opposite #laylit20

[Tristan @shindubitably]

@gracegiordano13 @EniolaAramide6 Exactly. I think McEwan is really trying to tell us not to "judge" people (pun intended). However, I think the fact that Fiona is a judge might represent how, at some level, it is impossible to not judge because, and perhaps not wise to. #laylit20

[Tristan @shindubitably]

@matthew74547622 I think that’s exactly that McEwan is trying to show us. We all think that judges are stone-cold and rational people, but McEwan is showing us even they have turmoil that makes them second-guess themselves. I think that’s why he chose the main character to be a judge. #laylit20