The Soup of the Day is Cream of Beefaroni

"The Minority Report" by Philip K. Dick

Plot


"The Minority Report" features a fast-paced, "need-to-know" basis plot structure. Due to the relative brevity of the work, it starts in medias res with the main character, John Anderton, meeting a protagonist/antagonist and quickly setting up the conflict of his being framed for murder. With this kick off, the premise of "Precrime" is explained in the classic "So we both know this, but I'm going to say it anyway for the sake of the audience without acknowledging the audience." For example, "...Anderton said, 'You're acquainted with the theory of precrime, of course. I presume we can take that for granted.' 'I have the information publicly available,' Witwer replied." (pg 120). Although I won't put the whole quote on here, the "theory of precrime" is explained in its entirety by Witwer even though neither character needed the information. Such techniques drive me up a wall, but in this case is necessary to keep pace with the ever-moving plot line, but is expertly satirized in the best parody of the century in "A Very Potter Musical" as seen here from 0:00-1:00


As the plot continues to unravel, the suspense is clear through the terse action scenes and mind-bending explanation of the theory of precrime.

Point of View


The story is written in third person and stays exclusively to the narration of John Anderton. The omniscient narrator frequently lets the reader into the mind of Anderton as he works out the possibilities of who may have framed him. "His original impulse - to tear open the machines and remove all the data - was uselessly primitive. Probably the tapes agreed with the card: He would only incriminate himself further." (pg 123). This style gives the story a film noir vibe with a sci-fi twist as the would-be detective tries to solve the mystery while traipsing around a futuristic, war-devastated New York with the possibility of knowing the future through mutants. Only in sci-fi. The narration hardly ever strays from Anderton, revealing much about the character. The shortness of the piece almost requires this to fully develop Anderton into a dynamic, round character. Even the other "main" characters, such as Anderton's wife, Witwer, and Leopold Kaplan, the main antagonist, are only discussed by means of interaction with Anderton.

Point of View - get it? (She's pointing!)

Characterization

Characterization, surprisingly due to the story's short length (<--- oxymoron?), was achieved primarily through indirect characterization. This is because of the vast focus on Anderton and his actions and thoughts as a means to move the plot. With direct and outright telling what's what thrown by the wayside, this only leaves room for the characterization of Anderton through his thoughts, actions, and interactions. Each interaction, then, too was utilized as a way of characterizing the character with whom Anderton spoke. "Startled, Anderton backed off. What were the chances of his wife's friendliness being benign, accidental? Witwer would be present the balance of the evening, and would now have an excuse to trail along to Anderton's private residence. Profoundly disturbed, he turned impulsively, and moved toward the door." (pg 124). This is taken from the beginning of the story when Anderton is first contemplating the potential suspects and establishes his paranoia with which he deals throughout the story as he suspects his new assistant and even his own wife.

Indirect + Direct = Characterization

Setting

"The Minority Report" is set in the future of New York City after a devastating war. Anderton marches around the slums, in back alleys, rides in fancy cars, and has his private office in a fancy skyscraper. These locations, plus the dark imagery and mood ("The bus entered the vast slum region, the tumbled miles of cheap hotels and broken-down tenements that had sprung up after the mass destruction of the war." pg 132) exude a retro 1940s film noir. However, this story ain't all super-sluthin' around in fuzzy black and white. The juxtaposition of a far off, science fictional future adds a twist to the story to make the setting fresh and new in both the murder mystery (although in this case it's a hypothetical murder) and sci-fi genres. 

Just in case you were all "uhh, whats a film noir?" please study the above photo. 

Surprise! It's one of them confangled detective-y shows.

And have yourself a fancy theme song for further illustration. 

This was actually considered popular music in the '50s. There's some sweet action!

Theme

"The Minority Report" seems to explore the topic of "Big Brother" and the role he (he?) may play in the future as the government (or some other powerful agency) utilizes technology to better keep tabs on people. It also points out the ethics involved with progressing technology to the point of "Should we be doing this?" rather than "Can we do this?" In the final scene of Anderton explaining the whole hypothetical precrime conundrum, which provides a means for arrest for a crime (usually murder) that hasn't even happened, that started his mess, Anderton is quick to point out that his situation was unique and could only happen again to one person, the Precrime Commissioner, now Anderton's assistant, Witwer, who has access to the precrime reports telling the future. "'Better keep your eyes open,' he informed young Witwer. 'It might happen to you at any time.'" When all the other themes are combined, cooked, processed, wrapped, and shipped to happy children across the world, it really comes down to the addage "with great power comes great responsibility."

Spiderman, Spiderman,
Does whatever a spider can
Spins a web, any size,
Catches thieves just like flies
Look Out!
Here comes the Spiderman. 

(Relevant this time, I promise!)

Ask me about my pentameral symmetry!

"Once Upon A Time" by Nadine Gordimer

So in the spirit of writing fun stories, here's mine!

"Assistant Manager of the Heart" by Christian Powers

Bianca had it all - friends, a beautiful home, an exciting life filled with exotic trips and erotic nights with anyone she wanted. All that was missing was true love, but then she met Roger.

Roger lived a fast-paced life as the Assistant Manager in the Quality Assurance department at Qualcheck Information Services. His taciturn manner was uninteresting, but something about the way his Dockers broke across the topline of his Hush Puppies drove her mad. He was a puzzle wrapped in an enigma - how could a man so boring make her heart race?

Could it be? In her search for true love, all she had to do was wait for her prince to finish monitoring sales calls and take the bus home to her heart....

Truth.

The Croissant: Le do or le don't?

"Miss Brill" by Katherine Mansfield

I don't know why, but it seems like hardcore creeper characters make good literature to someone in high places. If that's the case, I could totally write Nobel Prize worthy stories because when it comes to creeping, I'm A-1. Miss Brill could take a few lessons from me. And she takes an unhealthy liking to having a little "almond surprise" in her cake. AAAANNDD after having her creeping hopes and dreams crushed by the rude little French couple who were two seconds away from doing it in front of the entirety of France she runs into her room and cries. Whether it's her, her creepy animal thing she wears, or her soouuull, it's also pretty emo. I really don't have too much sympathy for her, which may be cold and heartless. However, kids, we must remember she's a fictional character and doesn't have real feelings. And don't even begin to give me a "but she's real in your heart and on the page" kind of crap. This cynic ain't buyin' it.

Truth.

Panda Cube: E-Z 2 Store

"A Worn Path" by Eudora Welty

In answer to a student who wrote to ask her "Is the grandson really dead?" Welty responded, "My best answer would be: Phoenix is alive." What might have led the student to ask that question? How can the author's remark be seen as an answer?

Heh, boy did we have fun with this one in our small group. Well, the question was certainly on everyone's mind. What led the reader to believe the grandson was dead was primarily the unresponsiveness of Phoenix as the attendant asks her if he has died. What gives this some ambiguity is that Phoenix claims he's alive and she only, in her old age, forgot his state. Yet, as the encounter with the hunter shows after she took his nickel that she's certainly wily enough to craft her way through most situations. It's all ambiguous up in hurr. The author's remark is "her best answer" and by not answering the question that is focused on the grandson, then turning attention back to Phoenix, would be her tongue-in-cheek way of saying that whether the grandson is dead or not isn't all that important. It's the theme conveyed by Phoenix and her quest that makes the story what it is.

Truth.

My bologna has first name, it's B-O-L-O-G-N-A...

"Eveline" by James Joyce

To what extent is Eveline's refusal to board the ship based on her judgment and will? Has she decided not to go?

The actual extent of her will is very limited. Again and again, she describes leaving as "impossible" while tenaciously "clutch[ing] the iron railing." She metaphorically fears "he would drown her" in "...the seas of the world tumbl[ing] about her heart." She is even described as "passive, like a helpless animal." All point to this moment transcending the act of deciding and project a situation where she is compelled to stay. This highlights the "spiritual paralysis" of the citizens of Dublin through Eveline. Eveline is essentially "paralyzed" on the deck just as she is about to be free of her burden at home. Her duty she feels she owes to her mother, coupled with her life thus far and the culture of Dublin keep her from leaving.

Truth.

I put the totle in Aristotle.

My next blog will be about a fabulously wealthy singing ballerina who is more pretty than anyone! She will be carrying the child of her uncle who is really her dad, and having an affair with her brother. Then she will find out she's her own mother!

It actually won't but it's fun to think so. Isn't it pretty to think so? I actually really hated that line and eeeeverybody loved it. I didn't like the book though so ehh. I also didn't like Bartleby the Scrivener for the same and different reasons. This heathen book reader demands plot! Aaaand so that's my fully engaging and insightful blog post.

The Midwest's Favorite Igloo!

It's beckoning.

Methyl Ethyl Ether - It's what's for dinner.

"Bartleby the Scrivener" by Herman Melville

Firstly offs, scrivener is a word of utmost cool-osity. Second offs, the story is about the narrator lawyer guy, not Bartleby. Now that we have that established (because it was only asked in every other "critical thinking" question) let's moveth on.

Soooo, this kind of reminded me of The Sun Also Rises in that the whole plot wasn't really a central element, more so the characterization. People even had the same negative reaction to it too! Have we been conditioned as a society that we must have something happening every single second of our lives to get instant gratification? Honestly yes, but who caaaares? Also, the name Bartleby reminds me of the Bartemaeus Trilogy which had the dumbest ending known to mankind. And other fun names like Turkey, Nippers, and Ginger Nut provide me with great amusement. In fact, it would not offend me at all if you called me Ginger Nut. However, it would be more productive and useful to call Matthew Blandford Ginger Nut. I propose this to be common practice. All in favor say "Turkey Nippers." All opposed may leave.

Delish.

Don't Get Scurvy. Thank You.

"Hunters in the Snow" by Tobias Wolff

First, props go out to Lacy Christian for connecting this to the Southpark gag of "Oh my God, you killed Kenny!" 'Twas pretty awesome and worth quite a few laughs. Ohohohoho. Santa.

It could be argued that Tub, on the surface, is a stock character: a cartoon-like obese man who is the butt of other people's jokes. What characterizing details help to make Tub into a fully realized individual?

Well, just the fact that even Tub's name suggests he's a large fellow doesn't do much for him. However, one could connect this to Lord of the Flies in which Piggy is a kind of stock character as well who is overweight and picked on. Both have names that describe their appearances and both are more than they seem. Tubs is more than someone there for comic relief. One of his most profound acts is shooting Kenny out of self-preservation. I don't know about you, but that's not quite so funny-ha-ha. He is further developed into a more serious character as he makes known his preference for not being made fun of for his weight. In addition, the spilling of his STHUPER STHEECRET of that, hey, he just eats more food than a cow each day and that his weight really isn't due to a gland problem. Shockerrrrrr.

Points for finding the most relevant picture!

I'm your little pterodactyl!

"Everyday Use" by Alice Walker

Is Dee wholly unsympathetic? Is the mother's victory over her altogether positive? What emotional ambivalence is there in the final scene between Maggie and her mother in the yard?

Dee, it seems, is actually a sympathetic character in that she's sympathetic to her mom and her sister Maggie and she brings out the sympathy in me as a reader. It can be seen how Dee almost pities her family for living in a kind of "cultural ignorance" and at heart wants the best for her family. In addition, the reader feels sympathy for the now fractured relationship between Dee and her family. The mother's victory is not completely positive either. Dee leaves her house still with her ignorance of her own African-American culture and the mother and Maggie remain content without putting their complete African heritage in the forefront of their lives. So it's kinda like a no-win win-win. Everybody happy! 'Cept the reader.

Saskwatch! For the busy bigfoot on the go. Just because you're hiding in the woods doesn't mean you don't want to know what time it is.

And so to wrap it all up like a taco from Taco Bell that's indeed "good to go," I think I enjoyed Metamorphosis more than these short stories. They were weird. They left a funny feeling in my tummy. Everything was depressing. I don't know about you, but it seems like I'm PMS-ing or something tonight. Most of my answers weren't really analytical either, mostly just my rantings and ravings. I'm okay with that though. And though Metamorphosis was looooong and earns perfect 10s in the weird category, at least it was entertaining and I could read it aloud in my British reading voice to share my disturbed state with all around me. So, at least Metamorphosis had the potential to be entertaining. These did not. Pretentious, pretentious, pretentious.

I'm full of notcaring tonight and it is FAB!

Who needs an iPod when you've got boombox pants?

"A Rose for Emily" by William Faulkner

What are the advantages of first-person plural point of view in this story? What would be lost if it were told in first-person singular, by one of the townspeople, or in third-person limited point of view?

Please note, all questions asked are, in fact, questions. Second, the real advantage I see in using first-person plural is to be all fancy and artsy and "oh I wonder what will happen if I write something in an obscure point of view? Oh, I'll get the Nobel Prize!" Pretentious is what I see. What would be lost if it were told any other way would be some confusing elements and a Nobel Prize. The person might be cool because then you'd get into Emily's inner thoughts...yeah, I'd like to be there. Stream of Consciousness. Pretty sweet. Oh, and can we read a story that isn't incredibly sexual? I know we're all trying to pretend to be mature, but now it's just getting annoying. This has been your time with Kim Iverson....I mean...you know. =D

She talks about sexual things too....=/

Emoticons.

Texting your friends who aren't there is cooler than merely talking to the ones that are.

"Interpreter of Maladies" by Jhumpa Lahiri

So, when I first read Harry Potter and they mentioned the wizard hospital, St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries, I thought it was surprisingly specific in that it only dealt with women because I somehow interpreted "maladies" as having to do with women. Probably something with the word "ladies" in it and kind of sounding like "m'ladies" aaand kind of looking like the word madame. It was then to my surprise that there were male patients there. Thank you, Harry Potter, for teaching me the definition of maladies before I read this short story lest I be utterly confused. Also, Mr. Kapasi was creepin' hardcore on Mrs. Das. That's pretty much what I got from this story. Mr. Kapasi is gross. That kid gets pwnd by some monkeys. Mrs. Das is depressed and ill content. Not that earth-shattering. Hmm.

No longer Peeps, or even Marshmallow Creeps.

I know christen these treats as Mr. Kapasi's.

If your pedantic, you'll love this title.

"How I Met My Husband" by Alice Munro

Discuss the effectiveness of the surprise ending. How does Carmichael differ from Chris Watters? Can it be argued that the surprise ending is also inevitable and appropriate?

First, something I'd like to address, is a little pet peeve o' mine. "Discuss the effectiveness of the surprise ending." is not a question. It is a misnomer to call this question a "question" when the first sentence is imperative. In addition, telling someone, rather abruptly and rudely mind you, to "discuss" as matter-of-factly as this textbook just did gets someone fired. Lucky for people in general, I'm not yet 30. So, it wants to discuss? Let's discuss! I think the surprise ending was effective in making the story be published in an AP Lit. book so whackjob professors can get just a little recognition by their peers and so their head inflates so that it no longer fits through doors. How about you? Oh wait, I can't discuss this because it's just ME! A discussion requires at least two people. If you want a discussion, please join me, otherwise, don't ever in your life ask me to "discuss" something, ESPECIALLY in a QUESTION because that's where actual QUESTIONS go.

Carmichael differs from Chris Watters in that he is not a perverted vagabond looking to corrupt girls much younger than him. It's the conservative husband who will love her that we've all been waiting for!

It can indeed be argued that the ending was inevitable and appropriate. It can also be argued that the moon is made of cheese and I am the Queen of Sheba. But if Edie did end up with crazy Chris, it wouldn't have been satisfying to the reader at all in that she ended up with a total creep who would probably rape her the second time 'round.