Most recent public comments by Avery Estephan https://nowcomment.com/users/94638 https://nowcomment.com/documents/231819?scroll_to=2526181 https://nowcomment.com/documents/231819?scroll_to=2526181 To add onto Ella - we see the author introduce what seems to be a theme that's going to be focused on throughout the book. From here is when we are going to see the introduction of marriage and what that means for Janie. Fri, 27 Aug 2021 11:02:11 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/231819?scroll_to=2526177 https://nowcomment.com/documents/231819?scroll_to=2526177 Here we see Janie explains how she recognized she wasn't white since she was always around white kids. Then she saw the picture and the realization came. Fri, 27 Aug 2021 10:58:16 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/231819?scroll_to=2526158 https://nowcomment.com/documents/231819?scroll_to=2526158 The author could've simply said here: "It cooled down outside." Instead, the sentence was enhanced by figurative language such as personification, use of stronger adjectives, etc. This adds structure and character to the text and makes it more picturable in the reader's mind. Fri, 27 Aug 2021 10:48:12 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/231819?scroll_to=2526148 https://nowcomment.com/documents/231819?scroll_to=2526148 The text stays authentic to how the characters speak - without proper spelling/grammar/etc. I feel this helps the text stay true to the reality of the characters and their development. It gives the reader a good picture of their personality. Fri, 27 Aug 2021 10:43:57 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263224?scroll_to=2377523 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263224?scroll_to=2377523 "Everyday spent with you is like having a cesarean section" This is a pretty bold statement for the author to include because it is a very far fetched comparison, but is done with the purpose that all figurative language is meant to do: Moving the audience. Fri, 12 Mar 2021 20:11:19 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263224?scroll_to=2377520 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263224?scroll_to=2377520 Perhaps the audience is specific to those who want to learn a new language one day, or someone who is in the process of learning a new language. Fri, 12 Mar 2021 20:07:17 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263224?scroll_to=2377517 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263224?scroll_to=2377517 It is important to realize the context of any piece or it can be confusing to learn from if you don't understand the "whys." David moved to Paris because he wanted to learn a new language. I feel that is he foundation of this story. Fri, 12 Mar 2021 20:05:32 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263224?scroll_to=2377512 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263224?scroll_to=2377512 In paragraph 4, the author seems spontaneous to me. He also seems like he pays attention to detail. With relation to the tone of the text, it seems to be attentive to detail, a little careless, overwhelming, all based on his emotions. Fri, 12 Mar 2021 20:01:44 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263224?scroll_to=2377503 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263224?scroll_to=2377503 David Sedaris, the author, followed by details about him in paragraph 3 - as this is written in first person. Fri, 12 Mar 2021 19:55:50 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377491 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377491 Allowing kids the ability to have access to a variety of interactive toys is essential for their growth in the same way that allowing them to participate in some extent to their imagination is. School is where this happens the most and like the author said, it should never stop there. Wed, 17 Mar 2021 14:59:49 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377488 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377488 Glitter is a common association with children and playtime in elementary school because it's something almost every child enjoys. Perhaps the author included this, metaphorically, to capture the setting of the poem. Wed, 17 Mar 2021 14:59:49 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377485 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377485 Another rhetorical choice to use figurative language. Here we see an example of a hyperbole, or an extreme exaggeration, which is quite a common one we like to use as a society to REALLY get our point across by making it unrealistic. Wed, 17 Mar 2021 14:59:49 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377479 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377479 I think it is important to acknowledge the author's choice to use "explicit" language in the second line because it displays the author's tone in relation to the poetry. A lot of languages thrive with the ability to add cursing to our speech and I think English is definitely one of them. Wed, 17 Mar 2021 14:59:49 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377473 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377473 James Baldwin is an American novelist, poet, writer, activist, etc. He focused primarily on exploring racial and social issues and bringing them to light in the 20th century. Baldwin is no longer with us as of 1987, but he is greatly admired for his work. Wed, 17 Mar 2021 14:59:49 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377469 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377469 I'm sure every poet can admit they have the tendency to go back and revise their work, and sometimes they have to fight against that because of publication deadlines like he said, and I'm sure even after it is published they may feel a bit frustrated they didn't go back and add that one thought or one detail. Wed, 17 Mar 2021 14:59:49 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377467 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377467 I feel like there is always more to add to any idea or thought because there is generally always a perspective you have not heard from someone and their situation. I think all types of literature/all types of artists has room to grow and develop. Wed, 17 Mar 2021 14:59:49 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377465 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377465 Adding to what was said before and after this, I think he made a good point when he mentioned writing begins when we are alone because that is the time our thoughts are the most heavy. Wed, 17 Mar 2021 14:59:49 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377011 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377011 The growth and development of a child in the womb is one of the most beautiful things to me and this line embraces that. Wed, 17 Mar 2021 14:59:47 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2376993 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2376993 Crawled is an interesting word choice to make the point of how drained the second grader is. You can see the struggle. Wed, 17 Mar 2021 14:59:47 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2376979 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2376979 There is not a single reason why young children should be taking exams this long. I think there are many reasons why students in high school don't get their work done, one being: Where is their support system? Not the school. Wed, 17 Mar 2021 14:59:59 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2376968 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2376968 This is an important thing to talk about within education of children because testing is not an indication of how smart you are, but that is what it being taught to kids. And that's a problem. Wed, 17 Mar 2021 14:59:46 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2376962 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2376962 Its interesting the way the author breaks up the sentences. It adds a sense of attraction to the lines but could be another grammatical choice in the same way the lowercasing is. Wed, 17 Mar 2021 14:59:46 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2376951 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2376951 This is perhaps another example of personification but it might also depend on how it is perceived/meant by the author. Wed, 17 Mar 2021 14:59:46 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2376941 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2376941 Adding on to what Ella said, there is a proportionately low amount of black voices being shared in children's books and movies. My baby cousin is five years old with an obsession of the movie "Frozen" with two beautiful white women. Since then, she has complained about having dark skin (she is a quarter Black, quarter Korean, half Lebanese) and it saddens me because she has little source of relation to any children's entertainment because of the under-representation of people of color. Wed, 17 Mar 2021 14:59:46 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2376921 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2376921 I find this thought interesting because it seems like an oddly specific suggestion of the author and makes me wonder the relationship he has with his baby sister Wed, 17 Mar 2021 14:59:45 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2376913 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2376913 I have noticed the author does not like to write "grammatically correct" which is common now when we read poetry, particularly poetry of young adults since it has become a trend to text in all lowercase. it adds grace but still effect, in my opinion. Wed, 17 Mar 2021 14:59:45 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2376902 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2376902 The author uses personification to describe the way the boys hair interacted with his face. The author uses the word "kissed" which leads me to use a sense of imagery when thinking of the setting. Wed, 17 Mar 2021 14:59:45 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2376892 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2376892 The author uses a form of figurative language as a rhetorical choice for the readers to understand on a poetical level. "Black mouths are black holes" a comparison between two things without using like or as. Wed, 17 Mar 2021 14:59:45 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2376847 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2376847 The wings on the boys may symbolize the innocence in the children who may or may not be aware of mistreatment they are receiving. Wed, 17 Mar 2021 14:59:45 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/262700?scroll_to=2370701 https://nowcomment.com/documents/262700?scroll_to=2370701 "Camouflage worn by bullies who are dangerously harmed but need hugs" A lot of times they'll say when someone becomes a bully it is often because they are hurting themselves. You will see in movies the "bully" in the film is having family problems at home or is insecure about their body image. It's because people feel the need to bring people down to their level of insecurity so they can rise above and be superior. Power brings security. Wed, 10 Mar 2021 13:28:37 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/260954?scroll_to=2362217 https://nowcomment.com/documents/260954?scroll_to=2362217 I think that is a great way of looking at it. Malcolm had the desire to learn more, and I find that very admirable. Prison is a dark place. Tue, 02 Mar 2021 13:14:51 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/260954?scroll_to=2356360 https://nowcomment.com/documents/260954?scroll_to=2356360 Malcolm X, one of the most inspiring of the black American leaders in the time of the civil rights movement, shows the readers how he developed the motivation along with the frustration to learn how to read and write within the walls of his prison cell from just a dictionary. It would be difficult to respond to the social justice issues America is having if he has no sense of analyzing text or using the power of words to make a connection with people. The betterment of his education is what allowed Malcolm X to have a better understanding of literature how to respond textually to the handful of America's issues. Mon, 01 Mar 2021 13:24:36 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/260279?scroll_to=2351872 https://nowcomment.com/documents/260279?scroll_to=2351872 This is where I'm seeing the theme set in place. The women is explaining to the boy that even if you successfully steal something, it wasn't earned so it doesn't matter. It reminds me of the phrase, "what goes around, comes around." Now they have formed a relationship that will maybe even prevent him from doing it again in the future because he won't have that bitterness anymore. Tue, 20 Apr 2021 22:01:28 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/260283?scroll_to=2351798 https://nowcomment.com/documents/260283?scroll_to=2351798 There is one point in the book where Morrie says, "part of me is every age... I am every age, up to my own." I found a connection here with this line because they're very similar. Sandra says she is also 1, 2, 3, 4, 5...10, 11. Wed, 24 Feb 2021 13:50:16 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/258111?scroll_to=2335123 https://nowcomment.com/documents/258111?scroll_to=2335123 This line was used earlier in the poem. The author may have did this to hit on the idea that we are constantly hearing these cases of police brutality, which is a problem. Fri, 12 Feb 2021 14:19:05 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/258111?scroll_to=2335095 https://nowcomment.com/documents/258111?scroll_to=2335095 That's a good point! I didn't look at it that way. I did figure that the "blue" was referring to the police. Neat perspective! Fri, 12 Feb 2021 14:17:10 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/258458?scroll_to=2334974 https://nowcomment.com/documents/258458?scroll_to=2334974 This makes me assume that she might be reminiscing on old childhood memories. She may be making connections as she walks across the path. She does this as she describes the greenery around her. Fri, 12 Feb 2021 13:50:54 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/247092?scroll_to=2308855 https://nowcomment.com/documents/247092?scroll_to=2308855 I agree with you, Ava. Money and power very rarely give you the fulfillment you need in life. Money cannot buy you happiness all the time. There may be certain parts in your life where it can, but this will not last. Love is irreplaceable and can be felt in so many different ways. Money and power is not one of these ways. Tue, 02 Feb 2021 14:19:25 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/247092?scroll_to=2308813 https://nowcomment.com/documents/247092?scroll_to=2308813 If you treat and serve others simply out of the kindness of your heart, you will not feel the desire to be envious of other people. If you go around treating others horribly, you probably hate your life. And you're not gonna like the way things turn out. But what Morrie is saying, if you treat people out of the goodness of your heart, you'll be surprised with how fulfilled you will be. Tue, 02 Feb 2021 13:43:58 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/247092?scroll_to=2308749 https://nowcomment.com/documents/247092?scroll_to=2308749 I like how Morrie addresses these questions. When he is asked if he is ever envious of young, healthy people. His response was that he does, but he already has his time to be 20, 30, 50, and now it is time to be 78. He goes on to say you have to find the value in life NOW instead of looking back, that is what makes you competitive, when it has nothing to do with competition. This really set a good perspective for me because I already know it is going to apply to me when I grow old. Tue, 02 Feb 2021 13:31:40 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/247092?scroll_to=2308714 https://nowcomment.com/documents/247092?scroll_to=2308714 For me, I feel the same way. Death is my biggest fear because I have no idea what to expect. As a Christian, I am supposed to know what happens, but I have doubts, and that itself terrifies me. Tue, 02 Feb 2021 13:24:05 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/246973?scroll_to=2301996 https://nowcomment.com/documents/246973?scroll_to=2301996 People have different ways of coping. For me, detaching is something I find myself doing often when I am stressed out or more anxious than normal. When I find myself worrying, I try to detach from the thing that is making me worry, not engage in it. Morrie said it best. It's not just for those who are dying. Fri, 29 Jan 2021 14:10:03 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/246973?scroll_to=2301970 https://nowcomment.com/documents/246973?scroll_to=2301970 Sometimes someone's presence is all someone can ask for. Especially those who are reaching the end. She reassured him by saying "You ARE bringing him something. He looks forward to your visits." The thought is what counts, that's enough. Fri, 29 Jan 2021 14:07:28 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/246973?scroll_to=2301837 https://nowcomment.com/documents/246973?scroll_to=2301837 I noticed this as well. It's interesting, makes me wonder if its hereditary is some way. I have also heard pancreatic cancer is one of the absolute worse cancers to get. It is very aggressive, generally very deadly. Fri, 29 Jan 2021 13:44:02 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/246973?scroll_to=2301806 https://nowcomment.com/documents/246973?scroll_to=2301806 Family is something so many people take for granted. Morrie has continuously recognized how different his mindset would be if he did not have a family. Like "A bird with broken wings." More people need to recognize the importance of having people that will never leave your side. They're there for a reason. Fri, 29 Jan 2021 13:38:21 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/246973?scroll_to=2301797 https://nowcomment.com/documents/246973?scroll_to=2301797 I enjoyed reading this paragraph specifically because it's so neutral when talking about something that many people would describe as the best experience of their life. Having kids is not for everyone, and it especially isn't an easy decision for a lot of people. Morrie replies by saying "There's nothing like it." I find this to be very authentic because having kids is certainly an experience that you cannot get any other way. We can see Morrie get emotional here as we continue reading, understandably. Fri, 29 Jan 2021 13:28:54 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/246060?scroll_to=2266539 https://nowcomment.com/documents/246060?scroll_to=2266539 Exactly, Ethan. The death of George Floyd was a tragedy and arguably an example of police brutality. Regardless of your opinion on this, we can all agree the force used on George Floyd was not justified whatsoever, but neither is the unnecessary rioting and looting that took place shortly after. This is NOT how things should be handled. I am all for demonstration, but there is a fine line between peace and violence. This was also seen by the people who stormed the capitol. Absolutely unacceptable. Fri, 08 Jan 2021 13:50:49 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/246060?scroll_to=2266529 https://nowcomment.com/documents/246060?scroll_to=2266529 One of the biggest issues that are present in politics today is the complete loss of respect people show to those with different opinions. We see this on BOTH sides. Biden supporters are called stupid by the right, and Trump supporters are called racist by the left. It goes both ways. Both sides have bad people, for example, the people who cross the fine line between peaceful protesting and rioting. The people who stormed the capitol and the people who rioted and looted buildings during the Black Lives Matter movement. The people that were directly involved with that are the ones who should be held accountable. Although there are clear differences, neither situations should be justified. The people who have left-leaning moral values and the people right-leaning moral values do not particularly have to identify with a candidate. We should stop assuming they do. Most importantly, we need to do a better job at accepting people's ideologies that are different than ours, and stop the assuming the worst out of someone based on stereotypes. Again, for BOTH sides. Sat, 09 Jan 2021 16:12:38 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/246060?scroll_to=2266496 https://nowcomment.com/documents/246060?scroll_to=2266496 Even though he is a democrat, which isn't the party I identify with at all, I really respect Andrew Yang because he despises the two party system and the political divide in this country, as well as I do. America has never been this divided and we are seeing more issues come from that than ever. America is a democratic country now, and we all have to come to terms with that, regardless of our views. Fri, 08 Jan 2021 13:27:36 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/240008?scroll_to=2187388 https://nowcomment.com/documents/240008?scroll_to=2187388 This isn't an uncommon issue, especially those who parent someone who is, not just intellectually, disabled. All of your energy goes to taking care of your child because they need that help and you love them. "They'll never not need me anymore." I know this is how my parents feel about my sister. Since she is on the more severe side, she probably won't be able to live alone without assistance. She will always need one of us. That has been rather frustrating for my family because we always have to look extra forward for her. It's difficult. I can see their issues. We relate to them. Fri, 06 Nov 2020 18:24:59 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/240008?scroll_to=2187387 https://nowcomment.com/documents/240008?scroll_to=2187387 This reminded me of how language is contagious when you use it in front of people, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. I'm going to assume he didn't learn this word from someone using it in an appropriate way. He most likely heard it from someone using it against him, which is actually really sad. Fri, 06 Nov 2020 18:15:59 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/240008?scroll_to=2187384 https://nowcomment.com/documents/240008?scroll_to=2187384 This scene truly broke my heart. Referring to what Heather Purlee said in an earlier comment, people who are mentally or intellectually disabled are very emotional and vulnerable people. They can feel overwhelmed, frightened, anxious, etc. very easily. This scene shares with us Lucien's emotion and vulnerability as he's being asked these rather difficult questions that he wants to answer honestly. "It'd be hard," he answers, as the judge asks him if he can depart from a sheltered home. Tony is holding his hand because he recognizes Lucien's discomfort and sadness. He comforts him by holding onto him entirely as he lays his head down on the desk, crying. It makes my heart absolutely shatter. Tony adds love and comfort to their life. Lucien does not want to let go of that. Fri, 06 Nov 2020 18:07:05 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/240008?scroll_to=2186849 https://nowcomment.com/documents/240008?scroll_to=2186849 This, to me, is the most important seen in the entire movie. The look Tony gives him makes me want to think this is something Tony is imagining what he thinks Lucien is trying to say. This is how Tony sees him and his struggle, not very similar to how other people see him. Tony wishes people could understand this. Or, it could be Lucien thinking this, but unable to express it. He almost seems frustrated with himself when he sits back down. In the speech that goes on in, what I think, Tony's head, he says,"But I will not go away and damaged I may be I shall not wither because I am unique and irreplaceable and a part of you all." He is a part of us all. His value does not alter simply because he is mentally limited. Our value is equal. Every single one of us. I will not go away simply because you do not like me or do not find my existence pleasing. "I am a part of you all" Fri, 06 Nov 2020 14:09:20 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/240008?scroll_to=2186745 https://nowcomment.com/documents/240008?scroll_to=2186745 This is Beatrice's Dad form Divergent as well! He looked so familiar as soon as I saw him, I had to look him up. He looks so young here. Fri, 06 Nov 2020 12:46:33 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/240008?scroll_to=2186629 https://nowcomment.com/documents/240008?scroll_to=2186629 My sensitivity to this word has increased recently over the years. It has become such a horrible word used by people who want to find a good word to describe someone as stupid. Mental retardation is not saying something stupid. Mental retardation is not a state of idiocy. Mental retardation is not being ignorant. Mental retardation is a disorder; a developmental delay. It's a spectrum. There are levels. Some people are more delayed than others. It's not our job to determine those levels, and it certainly is not our job to compare our friends to actual retarded people. With my sister, who is definitely on the more severe end of the spectrum, I get pretty offended when people use this word in front of me, especially if they know about her. Definitely better words to use when you joke around with your friends. Fri, 06 Nov 2020 11:40:55 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/240008?scroll_to=2185189 https://nowcomment.com/documents/240008?scroll_to=2185189 This was something I wanted to touch on as well. You brought up a really good point about his potential frustration he may have with God. Jack realizes it is out of his power that they have a mental disability, however, you can kind of sense that frustration he has with God for making them intellectually limited. It's difficult. I feel his frustration comes from a place of love. Not a place of anger or a "Why me?" attitude. Thu, 05 Nov 2020 14:17:48 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/240008?scroll_to=2185149 https://nowcomment.com/documents/240008?scroll_to=2185149 I wanted to add a bit of a personal experience as a way of showing that this is true. Mentally disabled people can be very sensitive, and it is important to keep that in mind. My sister, Andrea, is mentally disabled. If you want to use societal terms (that are extremely misused), you could say she's mentally "retarded" or "slow." We have to pay very close attention to how we speak with her because her understanding is very limited. She can understand very few words, so her attention to our facial expressions are heightened. The one time I saw this, or truly realized we have to be careful with her, is when her teeth started to grow in a bit crooked, more crooked and jacked than the average person's teeth. My dad lowered her jaw and made a certain expression that scared her. She thought something was terribly wrong, when in reality, my dad was just being dramatic. My step-mom reminded him to be careful next time. So yes, you're right. Very fragile. Thu, 05 Nov 2020 14:08:16 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/238756?scroll_to=2176097 https://nowcomment.com/documents/238756?scroll_to=2176097 This is a great point. Seeing a man show emotion is sometimes still looked down upon within society, and I feel that can cause a lot of problems not only for the guy, but for the relationships he creates as well. Hiding emotion will interfere with proper communication. Fri, 30 Oct 2020 20:45:10 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/238756?scroll_to=2176095 https://nowcomment.com/documents/238756?scroll_to=2176095 In line 13, the text uses symbolism to help the audience grasp a better understanding of mental illness, especially if they do not have one. From my understanding, I see the navigation, or lack there of, as a call out for help. The storm is the pain, the loneliness, the sadness, the confusion, the overload of emotion. Fri, 30 Oct 2020 20:39:27 -0400