Most recent public comments by Irina Groushevaia https://nowcomment.com/users/10902 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25273?scroll_to=293061 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25273?scroll_to=293061 When both had hard times they would look out for each other, it was not a competition, but a union between them. That helped them grow in their personal lives, as well as their political lives. Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:46:08 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25273?scroll_to=293055 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25273?scroll_to=293055 A successful relationship needs support and understanding - what FDR could not get from his mother. So they were very close not only in politics, but in their personal lives as well. Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:46:08 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25273?scroll_to=293046 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25273?scroll_to=293046 It gives authority to the writer, by knowing she has experience in writing and learning about other couples. Also if its her personal interest to investigate about couples in particular it adds more depth to why we can trust her. It also shows versatility of her topics, even though many are about couples, they all have different backgrounds and lives. Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:46:08 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25273?scroll_to=293041 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25273?scroll_to=293041 To let us know, that we are not here for the ordinary background story. It's a hint to know there will more interesting details, than of what we already know Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:46:08 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25272?scroll_to=290561 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25272?scroll_to=290561 Because this is a very valuable source, who was there side-by-side, experiencing the cultural changes with the artist, who can speak from that time. Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:46:05 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25272?scroll_to=290560 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25272?scroll_to=290560 It's ironic because they were two huge cultural icons, which were completely different and instead of working side by side and learning maybe something from each other there was rivalry tension between the two, although, at the end of the day, McCartney pulls through to cooperate with Elvis. Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:46:05 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25272?scroll_to=290559 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25272?scroll_to=290559 It is crucial that there would be credible sources, that can establish authority. This could be a bias, paced from one persons' opinion. But reliable sources can show different aspects of the subjects life, proving that it is a liable biography. Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:46:05 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25272?scroll_to=290558 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25272?scroll_to=290558 It's hard to find a good balance of truth and not crossing the line of the subjects' intimacy. We do want to know some exquisite details, but it could be an extent of bad taste and going through someones' laundry, if not knowing how to see the difference between story and something that is wished to not be remembered. Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:46:05 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25272?scroll_to=290557 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25272?scroll_to=290557 It's always great to know the reaction of who is being talked about. This also establishes the authenticity of the work, and the star of the work can comment his own feelings about - if it's truthful or not. Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:46:12 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25272?scroll_to=290556 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25272?scroll_to=290556 This is highly important to establish authority so the reader can trust the author. Also, it builds historical context of the person/subject, which makes the work authentic and legit. The reader wants the truth, and a chronological story, especially of a well known person, where many rumors might have been roaming around. Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:46:05 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25205?scroll_to=287627 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25205?scroll_to=287627 It creates authority and liability for the author. It demonstrates to the readers that this is a legitimate source, especially this is important due to the controversial life Cowley lived, with many opinions on it as well. Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:46:02 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25205?scroll_to=287626 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25205?scroll_to=287626 Cowley was upset that the true passion for writing has become a soulless business. He wanted the publishing world to go back to it's roots and not be something done only for profit, but for art and honesty. Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:46:02 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25205?scroll_to=287625 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25205?scroll_to=287625 Leaning towards life in an agrarian society, where cultivating land and the economics wrapped around farms, crops and domestic animals are the main means of productivity and labor. Land is seen as a value and is used in it's best natural way. Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:46:02 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25205?scroll_to=287622 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25205?scroll_to=287622 The unstable times brought Cowley to try and find something new and meaningful to hang onto, to reveal new values and ideas that he could make his guidelines to a more fruitful life. However, he did not see how his neediness to find a home for his mind and ambitions lead on for him to become blind to what he was following. Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:46:02 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25205?scroll_to=287620 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25205?scroll_to=287620 It means of the same age and time. And I think it is a very well used word because it shows how peers can be equal regarding the time they lived, but not be of the same opinions. It is used specifically to introduce the equal age, and not to go beyond, so in this context coeval works best. Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:46:02 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25205?scroll_to=287617 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25205?scroll_to=287617 The lost generation is the generation living between WWI and the Great Depression. These people were lost in time and place because of the life they had to live. Many, disillusioned by what surrounded them, had to revisit their beliefs and life choices, which were opposed to the older generation. Also making them "lost" as unexperienced and different, as the older generation portrayed them. Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:46:02 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25204?scroll_to=284562 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25204?scroll_to=284562 less persuasive soothing excuses obfuscating instead of clarifying Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:45:56 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25204?scroll_to=284560 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25204?scroll_to=284560 Hellman did not want to be seen as a member of a group. She was proud to be a woman that on her own could construct a wealthy and recognized life. She did not want to step out of her spotlight, or for someone else to her recognition for her achievements. Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:45:56 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25204?scroll_to=284558 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25204?scroll_to=284558 The author goes into too much historical, political and social content, instead of shining the spotlight on Hellman. Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:45:59 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25204?scroll_to=284557 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25204?scroll_to=284557 Through the biography we explore Hellman as a woman of her time. We are brought back in history to view how it was to be a woman, jew, radical etc. Through the eyes of a dramatist we see the real life drama of those days. Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:45:56 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25204?scroll_to=284556 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25204?scroll_to=284556 That she has authority to discuss a strong female persona in the time of when gender equality was still an issue. Kessler-Harris can connect the world around Hellman to her life and give more background and facts. This helps the reader to understand Hellman's story and her ambitions, how she worked. Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:45:56 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25204?scroll_to=284552 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25204?scroll_to=284552 This quote is all about Hellman, and as Hellman took the stage, the reviewer does not allow for anyone else to indulge on her spotlight. Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:45:56 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25204?scroll_to=284548 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25204?scroll_to=284548 That whatever Hellman did, she incorporated who she was - a dramatist. That life was her stage, and people around were actors. Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:45:56 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25204?scroll_to=284547 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25204?scroll_to=284547 A confident woman, who was not afraid to fight for what she thought was truthful. A woman preaching for equality and justice from her own stage, from where she was seen by everyone. She was an influence. Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:45:56 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25200?scroll_to=280590 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25200?scroll_to=280590 It improves the characterization of the work, giving us the ability to go further into the life of Updike: "“adolescent trauma of religious doubt mixed with the trauma of being moved from a small town to an isolated, unimproved farm.” Even a single word like “unimproved” takes us deeper into the story, into David’s and our own increasingly atavistic feelings." Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:45:54 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25200?scroll_to=280588 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25200?scroll_to=280588 That's a typo, sorry! A good biographer should be able to balance information, truth and objectivity while writing a biography. To share the life and goals of the person and not just general knowledge. To show what the person was like and to explain how he saw the world and what influenced his decisions. To introduce the person, but also let the reader into the persons life and mind. Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:45:53 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25200?scroll_to=280587 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25200?scroll_to=280587 Critics, especially those who have researched the same people, can be seen as judges of the truth. And of course when reading a bio it should not only be truthful, but still entertaining and exciting for the readers. Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:45:53 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25200?scroll_to=279942 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25200?scroll_to=279942 By letting Updike in to his own biography the author makes it more alive and truthful. His words can underline the statements and replace extensive explaining, by brightening up the work with his own words. This also provides authority to the work, we can trust what the author is writing, when we read Updike's comments on the topics. Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:45:53 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25200?scroll_to=279941 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25200?scroll_to=279941 To be able to balance information, truth and objectivity while writing an autobiography. To share the life and goals of the person and not just general knowledge. To show what the person was like and to explain how he saw the world and what influenced his decisions. To introduce the person, but also let the reader into the persons life and mind. Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:45:52 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25200?scroll_to=279940 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25200?scroll_to=279940 More research on the personal and intimate details of Updike's life. It is important to unravel the secrets and emotions of the person you are writing a biography about. More psychological aspects can add more to a biography, fulfilling not only the story of a person, but also sharing the mind, thoughts and feelings. Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:45:52 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25200?scroll_to=279928 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25200?scroll_to=279928 Perhaps it is hard to detect the truth and at the same time have a voice and style, while writing about someone's life. Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:45:52 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25200?scroll_to=279927 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25200?scroll_to=279927 This shows the troubles that Begley had to go through, but also some of his flaws while working on this piece. Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:45:52 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25200?scroll_to=279926 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25200?scroll_to=279926 Biographies matter because they let us understand more about the author and his/her works. One's life path can change the persons writing: style, concerns and values a person might have given the life the person had. These factors contribute to writing and the more we can know about an author, the more we will understand and see in the work. Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:45:58 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25199?scroll_to=275408 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25199?scroll_to=275408 Because it shows the devotion and respect the author put into the work. Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:45:51 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25199?scroll_to=271929 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25199?scroll_to=271929 I feel like this means the reviewer see's the book as if it brings life back to Plath and her story. Meaning, it is truthful, engaging and highly accurate, allowing the reader to live a little bit by Plath's side. Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:45:52 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25199?scroll_to=271926 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25199?scroll_to=271926 the review states the fate of two the women are not quite "sisterly" due to the major difference in their careers. Monroe, as an actress, may have been experiencing a crisis in fear of: loosing her job, beauty and aging. When on the other hand Plath should have not been afraid of said things, because she is not a screen image that she has to keep up to, but a poet, whose age rarely defines an end of a career. Probably, yes, there are overlapping situations with their husbands, that may have caused an effect towards suicide, but perhaps the psychological aspect goes deeper into different directions for both of the women. Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:45:49 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25199?scroll_to=271922 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25199?scroll_to=271922 Something that is used again without change. Meaning the author decided to drop the main text, which was used already by previous authors. Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:45:49 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25199?scroll_to=271921 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25199?scroll_to=271921 I like how this sentence uses "biography wars". The context of this sentence showing how many biographies concentrate on other people influencing her life, gossip and information buried under years of history and how different the information was. It underlines that Rollyson actually wanted to write about Plath herself and her personal ambitions and thoughts. Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:45:49 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25199?scroll_to=271903 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25199?scroll_to=271903 I enjoy the photograph chosen for the book cover. Even though living through depression and ending her life tragically, the cover opposes that and shows joy and a genuine smile. Again, arguing the most known facts about Plath's life and showing how versatile it was. Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:45:52 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25199?scroll_to=271900 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25199?scroll_to=271900 I think the context is that there is more to Plath than what she is famous for. It sounds like the reviewer is going to open many doors of Plath's works and introduce her versatility. Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:45:49 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25199?scroll_to=271899 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25199?scroll_to=271899 Actually I think most people would have heard about Plath and even read some of her works. Just not many people would look into her biography and story, so this works for those who never knew Plath and those that have been interested in her work, but not her life. Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:45:51 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25199?scroll_to=271898 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25199?scroll_to=271898 I like this alluring and strong title. It gives a head-start with the image of Sylvia. The title portrays her as a goddess, meaning that she has followers, authority and power in literature. Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:45:51 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25198?scroll_to=271299 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25198?scroll_to=271299 I think Assia's power fades upon the presence of Hughes being a sexual stalker. He is not looking for love, he is looking for passion and lust. This puts Assia into a position of dwelling, because after trying to abolish his relationship with Plath playing the role of a femme fatale, she falls for him herself. A femme fatal does not love, so she slowly emerges into another woman role for Hughes. Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:45:47 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25198?scroll_to=268715 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25198?scroll_to=268715 How is the intrusion of Assia into Hughs and Plaths life positive? Especially that it ended with suicide? Also I do not think that death can be a negative thing from the reviewer, it is just how it is, since the reviewer did not write the bibliography... Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:45:51 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25198?scroll_to=268608 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25198?scroll_to=268608 This is the big punch at the end. What we thought might have been a femme fatale was just another woman teased and played with, with nowhere to go finding hope in only suicide. This creates a more engaging scenario for the reader too, not knowing right away all the nuances of this story. Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:45:45 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25198?scroll_to=268606 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25198?scroll_to=268606 But don't you feel sorry for Assia? That she also became of victim of his devilish allure? That she became just another "hag", constitutes Hughs unjustified manner of changing women every other time he thinks she's not a femme fatale. but an ordinary housewife. Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:45:44 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25198?scroll_to=268604 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25198?scroll_to=268604 Assia, if so to say "dwindling into a wife", is loosing her first position she had. Maybe the interest of her seduction, became an interest to her heart, when Hughs wanted something he didn't already have (he sounds like a jerk :c ). Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:45:47 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25198?scroll_to=268603 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25198?scroll_to=268603 It constitutes authority, that research has been done, and although it is hard to say what happened for sure, it is a good sign that the story line goes down to a few possibilities of what really happened. Again, the more facts the better to convince the audience that the book is a reliable source or not. Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:45:44 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25198?scroll_to=268599 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25198?scroll_to=268599 Femme Fatal means Fatal Woman in french. This describes a woman who is of a mysterious background, using charm, sexuality and lust to use men for her own needs. Femme Fatals usually are conscienceless and fierce. Assia being considered a Femme Fatale means when she wants something, nothing will get in her way, she will use all weapons to approach her goals, never minding breaking hearts or friendships along the way. Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:45:44 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25186?scroll_to=267378 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25186?scroll_to=267378 I was going to use "convince", but I was looking for a word that is soft. As if the reader feels like a guest, not just an audience. Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:46:10 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25186?scroll_to=267377 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25186?scroll_to=267377 Literati are intellectuals and higher society in the field of literature and similar arts connected. Not only intelligence and academic significance is needed but the ability to prove ones authority and abilities through work, references etc and to influence writers, readers and critiques. Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:45:40 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25186?scroll_to=267376 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25186?scroll_to=267376 I don't believe that paraphrasing will mislead the reader, after all it is YOUR review, so a part of you and a part of the subject will merge into a critique. Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:45:40 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25186?scroll_to=261805 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25186?scroll_to=261805 The quotation in the review opens another dimension to the reader. The quote is a highlight of the subject, showing the reader highly important and meaningful aspects of the topic. It helps the reader to understand more about what it means to be Faulkernian by giving a fruitful quote, instead of trying to explain it with paraphrasing. Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:45:39 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25186?scroll_to=261804 https://nowcomment.com/documents/25186?scroll_to=261804 Sat, 20 Feb 2016 08:46:10 -0500