Brandon's journal #1: Crime and Punishment

Crime and Punishment: the dreaded book of the summer assignment because of its length. When I read the back of the book, my opinion changed to “Hmm, perhaps I was being too harsh.” As I started reading the book, I was certain it would be a good read. One filled with suspense, and was hoping it would live up to its “thriller” expectations. It started out in a spooky/ obscure way, where the reader was introduced to the shady character (a name I don’t think I could pronounce), Raskolnikov. Dressed in shabby clothes, and apparently poor, we are introduced to his situation, one where he must avoid his land lady since he hasn’t paid his rent for some time. I noticed quickly how difficult and advanced the prose were, and realized at times I would have to go back and re-read a section. I thought it was interesting how the author kept the story suspenseful, withholding information and details before revealing them. For me the book has been rather dark and depressing. The author, I believe had foreshadowed death and the murder, yet I was still shocked when Raskolnikov murdered the old woman and her sister. He has almost, a split personality, where one side of him detests the idea of committing such a crime, while the other side of him rectifies the act. This book certainly takes a lot of thinking… and patience.

Amy's journals: Crime and Punishment

journal #1:Okay… Crime and Punishment is the worst book I’ve ever read!!!!
This book is very confusing. Sometimes I have to read the same paragraph at least two times to understand it clearly. I feel like the storyline isn’t so clear. It’s all over the place. Dostoevsky included a lot of useless details that are not relevant to the story. To me, the most confusing thing is the characters’ names. The names are so hard, and they have more than one name to refer themselves. I have to peek at the translator’s note every 2 minutes to check the characters’ names.
The tone and the mood of this book are very dark and depressing. The main character, Raskolnikov, seems to be a very depressed character. (He acts like a psycho too). On the other hand, I think he is pretty intelligent. He planned out everything to murder Alyona Ivanova and her sister. I was astonished when he escaped Alyona’s apartment without getting caught. He was smart enough to go inside someone else’s apartment to hide in there for a moment, and then run back out. I also felt bad for Alyona’s sister. There was no reason for her to die. Lizveta was killed because Raskolnikove had to cover up his trace. She was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. As I was reading the book, I realized that poverty could cause major corruptions. One reason why Raskolnikov killed Alyona was because he was poor. If he weren’t poor, maybe he would’ve not killed her. The theme “poverty” comes up a lot throughout the book.


journal #2:I guess Raskolnikov isn’t so cold hearted. He feels guilty of what he had done. He even threw out all the things he stole from Alyona’s house. Though I found it a bit ironic how he became “ill” after he committed the murder. He had a fever and didn't even have any strength to move his body. He was also scared whenever people talked about the murder case. After committing such crime, I was surprised with Raskolnikov’s reaction.
In part two, Luzhin visited Raskolnikov’s house. Luzhin seems really conceited and arrogant. When Zossimov and Razumikhin started to discuss about the murder case, Luzhin tried to show off his cleverness by interrupting in their conversation. However, Razumikhin finds this disrespectful and did not like it. Therefore, he criticized him. Just then, Raskolnikov comes in and announced that Luzhin wants to marry his “poor” sister. This statement offended Luzhin, and he left the house. Although I feel bad for Luzhin, I understand Raskolnikov’s hatred towards Luzhin. Raskolnikov’s sister, Dunya, is sacrificing herself to help him. She decided to marry Luzhin because she knows Raskolnikov needs financial help. Even I would not allow this marriage if I was Raskolnikov.
Zossimov realized something about Raskolnikov. He told Razumikhin that every time they talk about the murder, Raskolnikov gets irritated. Zossimov sensed a suspicious behavior of Raskolnikov. I wonder if people will find out that it was Raskolnikov who killed Alyona Ivanova and Lizveta.


journal #3:The book was not about murder and the consequences, but it was about human nature, how one reacts and feels based on the situation. Crime and Punishment is a murder story, told from a murderer’s point of view. I don’t think I’ve ever thought about a murder story from the murderer’s point of view. I always thought the murderer is the bad one, and I would feel pity for the poor victims. Because Raskolnikov was the narrator, it opened my eyes to a new perspective.
After killing Alyona Ivanova and Lizveta, Raskolnikov had to deal with his conscience and the guilt inside of him. He couldn’t sleep, eat, and was afraid to meet people. I think what Dostoevsky is trying to portray in the book is that it is easier to commit a crime or get punished for what you have done, than to hide your feelings and feel guilty inside you. Raskolnikov had proved this. It was easier for him to kill Alyona and Lizveta. Though, what made him go insane and ill was the part where he tried to trick people and pretend that he hadn’t done anything.
Towards the end of the book, religion plays a significant role. Right before Raskolnikov went to the police station to confess, Sonya gave him a cross. The cross symbolizes Jesus. Jesus died on the cross to forgive us our sins. The cross depicts that Raskolnikov can be forgiven once he confesses. It also symbolizes that he can come back to the world with no worries, and no feeling of guilt. He can forget about his crime and start a new life.

Sky's journal #2: Crime and Punishment

Journal #2 Raskolnikov murdered the pawnbroker and the pawnbroker’s sister. The Funny thing is the reasons or motives for murder are not known at first. I see the author building suspense to the murder. We hear the murders thoughts the preparation, is disturbing to hear. In chapter five we see a little bit of foreshadowing when he recalls a childhood incident we see out murder emotions left quite ambivalent. He was trying to fight off the innocence of childhood memories and the gruesome thought of murdering old women. Might I add still no motive has made itself clear the suspense is clearly building and I as I read a million questions are scrambling in my head. The big one is simply WHY? He kills the pawnbroker in my opinion mainly because the man is insane, he thinks he is a tool of fate and it’s his destiny to kill her. I predict that most of the book is Raskolnikov trying to convince himself that was he did was just and guilt eating him alive. Nothing around him is forcing him to commit this crime, I can’t wrap my head around that I can’t understand why he would want to kill this poor lady the only reason I came up with was he’s crazy. Especially the fact that he kills her with an axe, that shows a lot about how much he’s involved with actual murder, the blood the scene the guts. When he killed her sister that was a much more selfish act not him being an instrument of fate and destiny that was a murder killing the only witness.

Kristina's comments:

(To frances - street car named desire..)

Okay Franny !

I agree with almost everything you say except the fact that you don't like Blanche ! How could you not? she is who makes this play ! I do however 100% agree with your classification of Stanley =) I hate him as well (due to his womanizing ways)!! I also think it would be a great movie to see just so we could juxtapose the two. The most interesting part of your journals for me was when you analyze how it was all stanley's fault that her and Mitch ended. I also feel that he could of been her "savior" (per say).

(To gabe : street car named desire)

I found it really interesting how many connections you made to other pieces of literature we have read. I never even thought to make the connection between Stella’s ostracize of Stanley’s alcohol problem and Linda in A Death of a Salesman. I find that by reading your journals i got a better outlook on how to connect different literary pieces with one another. I also noticed that we had alot of things in common when it came to characterizing the characters.

(To Lenny: street car named desire)

Lenny!!

I found out that you and I my friend had alot of similar predictions while reading this amazing book! For example how her and Mitch would not last because of Blanche's web of lies. I also completely agree with your statement int Journal #3 :"This book was great, although the ending was rather predictable. I felt bad for Blanche; after Stella left, she lost everything. She couldn't handle being alone so she looked for comfort from strangers and children." This qoute in itself sounds exactly like what i was trying to verbalize in my journals. I must say though that although it was a predictable ending, throughout the book i had hope for Blanche and really wanted things to turn around for the better.

(To rey- street car named desire)
Rey,
i found your first journal to be very interesting ! lol just being on the blurb and art of the cover (bold move my friend) lol. (Okay back to proper writing). I also completely agreed with your relation to Blanche YOU ARE HER MY FRIEND ! But seriously i liked your analysis on Blanche more than anyone else's because you didn't judge her for her past mistakes. (I also made a connection with the Mexican lady selling the flower's, but i said it signified the end of her lies not sanity ? :)

Rachel's journal #3: Crime and Punishment

Finally OVER! Now that’s a serious weight lifted off my shoulders.
Everyone was such weasels back then. Svidrigailov is the biggest of them all. I’m actually glad that he committed suicide. Yes, I know, it’s terrible to feel schadenfreude, but in this case, it’s natural. He was such a scumbag, that I was happy to see him go. I wonder if there ever was any money for Dunya. Also, why in the hell would his dead wife that he supposedly murdered leave any money to her husband’s crush? That seems like a forced act. Perhaps on her deathbed Svidrigailov forced her to add the money to her will. I wouldn’t put it past him.
I’ve been confused so many times in this book over names that I’ve decided finally to never read this book again and save myself the headache.
Was there really that much disease back then? Both mental and physical? Because it seems strange that what killed Ivanovna also killed Ivanovna’s wife, and made her tear and beat at her children’s clothes.
In total, Svidrigailov publically committed suicide, and told a cop right before he was going to do it that if anyone asked, he was in America. Raskolnikov’s guilt ate at himself until he finally turned himself in (with Sonya’s help), and went to prison. Nikolai is not in jail because of Raskolnikov. Razumikhin is no longer friends with Raskolnikov, after learning that he’s a murderer, proving that he wasn’t really friends with Raskolnikov after all. Katerina Ivanovna is dead, along with her husband, leaving her children orphans. Sonya and Raskolnikov are in love. Dunya and Luzhin are not married.
I just realized the similarity between this book and Hamlet. The main characters, both male, are recovering from traumatic experiences in which an innocent person died. Both carried that around, until finally it ate away at them, and they killed people. However, in the end of Crime and Punishment, Raskolnikov is paying for his crimes by doing time, whereas in the end of Hamlet, Hamlet pays for his crimes with his life. Also, only in Hamlet did he drive away the love of his life. In Crime and Punishment, they “lived happily ever after”... sort of. This was a good book, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to someone with a lot of free time.

Rachel's journal #2: Crime and Punishment

Unbelievable! I was right! Raskolnikov did kill people! And, because he’s INSANE (which I also predicted), he accidentally killed more people than he meant to! He killed the pawnbroker and the pawnbroker’s sister. I’m a little amazed that he would be so brutal as to use an axe instead of a gun, but maybe it was a spur of the moment type thing. When are the police going to find out that he killed them? Because he doesn’t seem like the kind of guy who can keep secrets for long. He seems like the kind that would be eaten alive by his own guilt. And weren’t the police investigating him before he killed the two women? Gosh this book is getting exciting!
I think everyone knows a person like Razumikhin. They are caring, loyal, super friendly, passionate, and stone cold stupid. He cares for people so much that he doesn’t have any room in his mind for intelligence. He has street smarts, but no useful knowledge. I think I can safely say that he will not be finding out about Raskolnikov’s murder streak unless he is told directly. He’s just not smart enough to deduce.
Oh God I haven’t cried over a book since Lovely Bones. But why did Raskolnikov as a child call a dying woman, forced to carry a cart full of heavy drunk men like a horse, a nag, even after her death? I bet the reason he felt compelled to kill the pawnbroker and the pawnbroker’s sister was because the memory of this incident was clouding his judgment, and forcing him to make up for the fact that he couldn’t save the woman from dying, and he couldn’t kill the men for murdering her. He’s got serious issues that still, after all this time, are not worked out, and are manifesting themselves in his current life. There’s a good chance he’s going to kill again, if he isn’t caught for the first murders. Because in a study I read somewhere, it says that murderers often play out a tragic death from their past, and won’t stop reliving it until he changes the outcome, which is impossible, or perfectly recreates the initial incident. Good luck with that! Basically Raskolnikov is a sociopath with a plagued memory in a volatile time in Russia’s history. He’s destined to kill again, basically!

Rachel's journal #1: Crime and Punishment

The last time I read a book this big was in the 8th grade, when I read Harry Potter. After reading pages 1-10, however, I can tell that Crime and Punishment is going to be a lot more suspenseful and a lot less specific than Harry Potter. We’re introduced to a character named Raskolnikov, who has some pretty scary inner demons that he’s toying with letting out. I wish Dostoevsky could have been straight forward with Raskolnikov’s intentions. Is he going to kill people, is he going to kill himself, is he going to join a radical group, what? However, in leaving out Raskolnikov’s intentions, Dostoevsky forces the reader to read on. He basically hooked the readers with something he didn’t tell them, and made the book more likeable by adding suspense. He’s a good writer.
Just read up to page 40, and I’ve come to the conclusion that whatever Raskolnikov is planning will have something to do with the marriage of his sister to this man, Luzhin. I wonder what kind of man he is, because he is described as having money, but nothing more. So far there is Raskolnikov, his sister, his mother, his future brother-in-law, his landlady, a pawnbroker, and the pawnbroker’s sister. I wonder how all these people are going to tie into his “big scheme”. The anticipation is killing me!
Raskolnikov is an idiot. A complete idiot. An idiot, not in the sense that he knows nothing, or is unintelligent, but an idiot in the sense that he makes HORRIBLE decisions. What was he thinking? He’s a poor man handing out money so a drunk girl can go home, and making policemen think he’s crazy, and making enemies with a man who wants to rape the girl, who’s obviously violent... the only decisive conclusion I can come to is that his “terrible deed” that he’s planning on doing has something to do with money, and his imminent insanity. Hopefully I’m right. Reading on!

Sky: Journal #1: Crime and Punishment

Journal # 1:
When I first saw the title of the book I thought of Law and Order the television series. Ying yang title so to speak Crime and Punishment and Law and Order, not that the two have anything in common but the balanced titles rang a bell. You do the crime and accept the punishment and you break the law and must follow order of trials and judges and so forth. As I started reading I got overwhelmed with tons of long confusing names, sort of like when we read “the Jungle”. This book also reminded me of Shakespeare all of his tragic books Hamlet and King Lear. In those books we knew when people died we knew who killed them it common, almost. I remember at the end of King Lear we counted all the characters who died it like it was no big deal.
Just this once the spin on things to look at a murder from the opposing side is fascinating. To hear the murders torment of what he has done. And for once not look at death as something someone had to do to get a throne or get ahead. Maybe this also has to do with the different time periods in which the books are taken place and when they were written? I am not sure why Raskolnikov killed who he killed maybe for the same motives as in Shakespeare. But at least this time we can see the murder suffer some sort of punishment.

Rey's complete journal #3 reposted: A Streetcar Named Desire

Journal#3
I know I’m not supposed to use anything except the proper English language but OMG! The play was absolutely brilliant! Where do I begin? There are several things I want to discuss such as Blanche and Stella’s relationship, Blanche and Stanley‘s relationship at the end of the play and Blanche and Mitch’s intense dialogue scene. Also, several other significant points that I want to bring up was the vendor who was selling flowers for the dead, Blanches late husband, Blanches life prior to her visit and of course the ending.

The relationship between Stella and Blanche is very delicate and intricate. The tiniest upset could break them. Throughout the whole play, Stella took care of Blanche. She fetched her soda whenever she wanted it and helped her accommodate to her tiny home. She even spoke out of turn towards Stanley for Blanche. That shows that Stella truly cares and worries for Blanche. However it seems as though Blanche completely acts as if its Stella’s job to wait on her hand and feet. Blanche and Stanley’s scene was very thought provoking! The sexual innuendo was too much to handle at 2 A.M while I was reading it. I can not believe that Stanley raped Blanche. However this raises several questions and concerns. Can it really be called rape? Although Blanche made a fuss of the ordeal, the entirety of the play made me assume she was a sexually frustrated woman and was willing to get it from anyone. When Stanley said “we’ve had this date for a while now”, it almost blew my mind! My instincts from my previous journals were right! I had said earlier that there was a huge “fireball of heat and tension”. I just didn’t know that tension would lead to sex. Also it was Stanley who came on to Blanche, not vice versa. Blanches relationship with Mitch was kind of awkward I felt. I felt as if Blanche only wanted to be with Mitch because it was the easy way out. Clearly Mitch was enthralled by Blanches faux-aristocratic exterior and I feel Blanche took advantage of that fact because since she couldn’t have her husband, he was the next best thing. They ended on an awkward note though.

Blanches late husband is also intriguing! The story of Blanches late husband was a key part in understanding Blanche. Her insecurity most probably comes from the fact that her husband had relations with a man while they were married. That must have been a huge blow to her self-esteem. I understand how Blanche must have felt as a similar scenario happened with me. After an ordeal such as that, it explains why Blanche went on a spree with men around her town. After their family died and she lost the plantation, what else could an insecure woman do but to chase down every temporary high to satisfy her. To quote Blanche, she repeatedly calls her late husband a “young boy”. Perchance she uses the term young boy because when you are young, you don’t know exactly what you want. Because he got married to Blanche and had an affair with another man, Blanche calls him a young boy because he still did not know exactly what he wanted despite the fact that they were already wed.

The one part of the play that confused me was the old woman who was selling flowers for the dead. I don’t understand exactly why she was there. However perhaps the woman can be a symbol for the death of Blanches sanity. This is because directly after that scene, Blanche is “raped” by Stanley. After her and Stanley have their moment, it becomes completely apparent that Blanche is insane. There were several points throughout the book that hinted Blanches insanity however by the last scene, it became blatantly apparent. Their would be music that would play from the blue piano, depending on the mood of the situation (ie. The music would go from fast to slow depending on what was going on). I’m pretty sure that the music was only heard by Blanche. Also, by the last scene, Blanche was convinced that her ex-beau was going to come for her even though clearly he wasn’t. When the doctor and nurse came, she broke down on the floor struggling. Clear signs of insanity. It was unfortunate that Blaire had to go like that. What im not sure of was Stella saying that she could not live with Stanley if what Blanche said were true. Since she sent Blanche away, does that mean she took Stanley’s side?

One last thing that was a point of significance was the variation between the play and the movie. (which might I say, was really good. Marlon Brando was a 18th century Adonis) At the end of the play, Stella returns to Stanley after Blanche is taken away. In contrast, the film ends with Stella running up the stairs to Eunice’s apartment vowing never to return to Stanley. What I would like to open up to discussion is “why would the directors want to make such a dramatic change from the play to the film”.

Lenny's journals: Crime and Punishment

Journal # 1
The title of this book, Crime and Punishment, makes me think that this book will probably involve someone who commits a crime and struggles to overcome its consequences. As I start reading Crime and Punishment, I find the main character Raskolnikov very peculiar. His clothes are worn and he hides from people, making me wonder what happened with him that would make him act this way. He has probably has went through many hardships. Although his talk of his "crime" is also rather strange; I wonder what it is. He also talks to himself a lot, so he probably doesn't have anyone he can talk to, but based on his surroundings, I wouldn't want to get too close to anyone either.
I wonder what his plan is. Hes really hesitant to do it, but it seems like hes going to do it to the pawnshop owner. Raskolnikov probably doesn't really want to commit this act because he keeps thinking it over. I predict that Raskolnikov will probably get drunk or something and do it eventually (because of the name of the book.)

Journal # 2
So far, I'm guessing the book's message is that the greatest punishment of a crime is knowing that the person did the crime and living with that guilt. I think the murder was completely uncalled for, especially the second murder! If everyone started chopping people they don't like with axes, we wouldn't have many people in this world. Raskolnikov should have just dealt with his dislike of the pawnbroker. And the pawnbroker's sister was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Although Raskolnikov killed the 2 people, I don't think he is completely heartless. He donated money to a family who recently lost a life, although the money wasn't his to donate in the first place. He was at least trying to do some good. Clearly Raskolnikov is not sane, which is probably why his dislike of someone made him murder that person. Now, whenever he hears of the murder he gets tense and faints. This is probably making his mental condition worse.
I predict that Raskolnikov will probably go insane and start seeing things that are taunting him and then he becomes the direct cause of his death. And only after his death does everyone find out it he's the murderer; something that is unexpected.

Journal # 3
That was an unexpectedly bad ending; this book was a little too long and boring for an ending like that. I didn't expect Raskolnikov to just turn himself in. One thing that was rather surprising is that the police officer said that he believed Raskolnikov was innocent just before Raskolnikov told him that he actually did kill the people. If Sonya wasn't waiting outside the police station, Raskolnikov would have probably ran away, not confessing to his crime. This shows that in the end, what his sister thought of him meant more to him than himself.
I don't understand why Raskolnikov thought he would be like Napoleon if he committed the murders. Raskolnikov's action didn't really benefit anyone, it only brought pain to people. Raskolnikov's initial plan was to spread the wealth; unfortunately, he hid the items he stole and nobody got any of it. Even if he gave the items to the poor, it would be obvious that he was the murderer, thus making the crime pointless unless he was willing to go to jail or die. In the end, his plan was only half thought out and rather childish.
After thinking about the book, I noticed that a major theme is sacrifice. Raskolnikov sacrificed Alyona for the poor (although it failed.) Sonya and Dunya's sacrificed were much more noble. Sonya sacrificed her body to get money for Marmeladov's family. Dunya sacrificed herself by marrying a man she didn't love in order to get her family more income. In the end, Raskolnikov also sacrificed his freedom for his reputation.

Lenny's journals: A Streetcar Named Desire

Journal # 1
As I began reading scene one of A Street Car Named Desire, Blanche and Stella are well characterized. Upon Blanches arrival, she is instantly disappointed by where her sister lives and jokes about it by saying that she could only imagine such a place to be in a work of Edger Allan Poe's. She seems shy because she doesn't say much to Eunice. Once Blanche leaves with Stella, she is no longer taciturn; she barely lets Stella speak a word as she leads their conversations and talks mostly about herself. I wonder why Blanche is showed up in New Orleans, even though she doesn't like it. I also wonder what happened in Belle Reve and what she's hiding.
Stella is characterized as a pushover and a very passive character. She enjoys watching her husband bowl and when Stanley isn't there for a while, all she can think about is him, showing that she doesn't have much of a life aside from her husband. When Stella is with Blanche, she mostly listens to what Blache has to say. "You never did give me a chance to say much Blanche. So I just got in the habit of being quiet around you" said Stella, as Blanche replied "A good habit to get into." These lines demonstrate the relationship between the sisters; Stella supports Blanche, while Blanche is used to having control. I wonder if, or rather, how Stellas personality will effect her relationships.

Journal # 2
After reading about half of the book, more is revealed about Blanche. She deeply cares and worries for her sister. For example, the night when Stanley attacked Stella, Blanche stayed out all night worrying for her sister. After reuniting with Stella, she scolds her sister for staying with such a brutish man and plans an escape for Stella. However, from Stella's point of view, Blanche might be taking too much control of someone else's life. We also learn that Blanche is very lonely after most of the people in Belle Reve have died. Blanche fell in love with Mitch, who she believes is the best man out of Stanley's group. However, she often lies to Mitch, saying that she is younger than Stella and that she doesn't drink alcohol much. She also says she needs things like a chinese lantern over a light and flashy clothes to make her feel beautiful. At the end of scene five, she also flirts with and kisses a young boy who was collecting donations. I think she did this because she was feeling lustful and nervous before her date with Mitch and needed to feel like she was beautiful enough to do whatever she wanted.
I predict that Blanches insecurities and lies will lead to more pain for her. Mitch is bound to find out and lying is never a way to keep a relationship together. Stella might get tired of being bossed around by her sister and might keep her distance from Blanche. Blanches need to feel beautiful is probably one of the causes of her financial hardships as all she has in her wallet is change while she has dozens of fine dresses.

Journal # 3
This book was great, although the ending was rather predictable. I felt bad for Blanche; after Stella left, she lost everything. She couldn't handle being alone so she looked for comfort from strangers and children. Because she was so desperate for comfort, she lost her reputation, her job, and her home. When she was with Mitch and imagining the same polka music as when her husband died, I predicted that someone was going to die, but what really died was her relationship with Mitch as the tense moment brings the truth of Blanche's past to light. Blanches paper lantern symbolized her ability to hide, but when Mitch tore the paper lantern off of the light bulb, Blanche must have felt weak, as she could no longer hide her appearance or her past. At the end of scene ten, Blanche lost her pride as she was raped by the man she despised the most. During scene eleven, Blanche lost her sister as she chose to believe Stanley over Blanche. I find it also significant when Stanley tore Blanches paper lantern from the light bulb right before she was taken away. She stopped running away and followed the doctor.
This book is also interesting because of the way Williams uses instruments to support the story. I could imagine how tense a situation is when I imagine trumpets following scenes, such as when Stanley attacked Stella.

Kristina's journals: A Streetcar Named Desire

Journal #1:

My first impression of A Street Car Named Desire was literally “Oh no, not another book about love and tragedy.” This of course was me judging by only the title and the half naked man on the cover. As I read the first few scenes however, it became evident that this book was nothing like any books we have read so far. Although many themes we explored in the past were clearly present in this book, such as love, death, intermingling of races, sex, and delusion, each was explored in a whole new light. Each character within the first scene was already established and each seemed to have their own dilemma. Stella the sensitive housewife who lives under the wing of her husband, Blanche the delusional sister who seems to be too high maintenance, and Stanley, the much to macho man who seems to have a violent and shady side to himself.

As scene one unfolded we learn nothing more then each person’s relationship to the other. As I read I felt especially interested in Blanche. Her character was seemingly stuck-up and rude I remember noting this especially after reading pages 19 and 20 when she states, “What are you doing in a place like this? ... Why didn’t you tell me you lived in these conditions?” I also noted that in contrast to her sister, Stella seemed to be a much more humble and delicate character. I also found Blanche to be a very flirtatious character especially on page 80 when she addresses Stanley. After seeing how the two reacted to one another I predicted that there would be a sexual relationship between the two.

Scene three was not as interesting to me, all I noted was the eager suspicion that Stanley had towards Blanche when it came to Belle Reve. Scene three was the scene that completely bobbled my mind. It was when I began to strongly resent Stanley for what he did to Stella. I also took note of how this scene brought me back to “A Doll’s House” when it came to the superior role of the husband in the marriage. I also remember loosing all pity for Stella when she went back to Stanley. This completely annoyed me because I felt that he was just going to do it again. Stanley had just been recognized as my least favorite character!!! The last thing I took note of was the connection between Blanche and Mitch. Scene four was when I decided that Blanche regardless of her strange ways was my favorite character. This is because I completely agree with her views of Stanley which she speaks of on page 77.






Journal #2:

Okay so first thing I must say is that I read this entire book in a total of like four hours. Once I was presented with the lunacy in scenes 1-4 I knew I had to keep reading. I also felt a bit foolish for my first impression of the title and cover ( =/ ). As I read scene five I became a little perplexed. I began to realize that Blanche (my favorite character) is not a straight shooter and is clearly hiding something. This is evident on page 77 when Stanley mentions a man name Shaw and she suddenly becomes defensive. I also pick up on Blanche's drinking habit and the way in which she conducts herself around men. This all sadness me and I almost feel guilty about declaring her my favorite. However I decide that although she is a drunk and a bit of a whore she is the character which draws me in more and more.

In scene six I realize that Blanche has still not confessed her age to Mitch and I predict that this lie will be the end of their romance in the end. I am slowly becoming more and more disappointed in Blanche. I also find her story of her husband committing suicide hard to believe and wonder if this woman who seems to be obtaining a reputation of a liar for herself is actually telling the truth. Scene seven completely startles me! As I learn slowly about the life Blanche left behind I feel disappointed and find it hard to believe, but mostly because I don’t want to… I realize however, it is all very possible. Scene eight is one of the most intense scenes so far. Blanche’s past is revealed and all secrets are out. My prediction was right about Mitch and her being over however, I didn’t think Stanley would actually be the catalyst to it. As Stanley’s violence and cruelty is again observed I question not only Blanche’s sanity, but his mental stability. I thought it was ironic that such an intense scene could end in such a pleasant way…The baby is on its way!!

Journal #3:

Before I read scene nine I looked at the last scene to see how many there were. I was devastated to see only eleven ( = ( ). At this point I was contemplating putting the book down just so I could have a good read the next day, but I didn’t… I was too anxious to read on. Scene 9… WOW! It is simply mind boggling how I thought the scenes couldn’t get any more intense. I felt like I was watching a soap opera! This scene defiantly signifies the end to Blanche’s secret life and the end to her lies. This is even symbolized by the Mexican woman who is selling “flowers for the dead.” Although I know the past that Blanche has lived and that she is the least honorable character in the book I still feel that her insanity is not her fault. It has to do with the unfortunate losses she has suffered in her life, her father, her husband, the Belle Reve, and even the abandonment she suffered by her sister. I also feel bad for Mitch at the end of this scene because I can tell he really wanted to pursue their relationship.

Okay I was annotating the whole time while reading and when it came to scene ten all I wrote was “Holy “shrimp” what just happened?! Did Stanley just rape his wife’s sister?!!” This play is absolutely ridiculous! As soon as I think the action is done with this happens! I realize I am undeniably in love with this book . As I approached scene eleven (dreadfully) I wonder what could possibly happen now. The first thing that catches my eye however is the opening narration of this scene “It is some weeks later, Stella is packing Blanche’s things.” Now I just have thoughts racing through my mind… Why didn’t she leave sooner? Does Stella know what happened? Where is Blanche going to go? I decide to read on and find out. I read the scene and I must admit I was a bit disappointed. First I was disappointed that Stella did not believe her sister, although I knew it was unlikely due to her mental state. I am then devastated that Blanche is going to live in some loony house with doctors and nurses. I feel that all Blanche needed to end her fantasy life was love and care. Till the end she remained my favorite character who I feel was undermined by those surrounding her. A Street Car Named Desire would be nothing without Blanche.

At the end of the book I go back to the cover which I once found…well you know weird. I then decide that the man on the cover is Stanley… (Whether it is or not) and that the title is actually a good fit for this play. A Street Car named Desire is not only the name of the train in the book, but it also symbolizes who Blanche is. Her greatest quality is shown through this title, her desire for a new life, for love and care, and for someone to accept and forgive her.

Frances' journals: Streetcar Named Desire and Crime and Punishment

Frances’ Journal # 1: Crime & Punishment

My first impression of this book was a good one. I was instantly attracted to the title, because it sounds like a riveting drama. Then, as I delved into the book, confusion soon followed. For starters, the names of the characters are too complicated, and when their names begin with the same letter (like “R” for example), I start to lose track of who’s who. This book reminded me of The Jungle in that way, because I remember when I first started reading it; I was aggravated by the weird names that were continuously introduced. It seems like new characters with strange names keep being introduced. Upon studying, I’ve discovered that this book is quite comparable to Dostoevsky’s own life (aside from the murders, I would assume).

Raskolnikov also reminds me of Dorian Gray, because he is characterized as handsome, with an evident touch of lunacy. Just like Mr. Gray, he may be aesthetically pleasing, but mentally; he’s hideous (too bad there’s no portrait to reveal his inner psychosis). Also similar to Dorian Gray, Raskolnikov seems to have a love interest that is concealed by all the issues that he is dealing with. I think the author is trying to convey a message of insecurity and uncertainty to the reader about Raskolnikov’s character. Though he committed an unjust, awful act, he isn’t a complete criminal. I think the best description of Raskolnikov’s behavior is the fact that desperation can often lead to duplicity; which seems to have the ability to ultimately result in demise.

























Frances’ Journal # 2: Crime & Punishment

The only illness Raskolnikov seems to be plagued by is guilt, well-deserving, rightful guilt. In fact, I think Raskolnikov is plagued by three G’s: greed, gloom, and guilt. His greed and desire for money sank him into an abyss of depression, ultimately inspiring him to commit an atrocious act. After doing so, he realized it was completely unnecessary, and obviously wrong; thus ensued his guilt.

After reading further, the book slightly reminds me of Marquez’s Chronicle of a Death Foretold. More and more people are finding out about what Raskolnikov did, my curiosity lies in finding out if anyone will confront the authorities and turn him in. Even though he’s been daintily talked into turning himself in, it isn’t enough. It seems like soon everyone will know what he did, and everyone will be too timid to relinquish the truth; or at least force him to do so. However, I am assuming eventually Raskolnikov will be punished for his crime; otherwise the title would be for naught, yes?

I also think Raskolnikov’s surroundings may have contributed to his maniacal actions. The people that he surrounds himself with, willingly or unwillingly, don’t seem to be coherent either. His location seems to be the setting for misfortune, psychiatric malfunction, and blatant misdeed. The psychological aspect of this book is also very strong. There seems to be a lot of dreams and nightmares involving death and disgust. “They [dreams] are a completely valid psychological phenomenon, specifically the fulfillment of wishes; they can be classified in the continuity of comprehensible waking mental states; they are constructed through highly complicated intellectual activity.” From a Freudian perspective, dreams are a continuation of the actual mental state; it is no coincidence that Raskolnikov suffered from nightmares after committing murder.





















Frances’ Journal # 3: Crime & Punishment

"If he has a conscience he will suffer for his mistake. That will be punishment-as well as the prison." (Dostoevsky, 230) I think Raskolnikov’s true punishment was being locked away for several years without human embrace or ability to receive tender love. This reverts back to his initial introduction as a character, a wily, isolated man. His crime was remaining isolated and wanting to avoid the world. Being able to love someone and to share intimate feelings for someone legitimately allowed him to express his emotion, and clearly acknowledge his wrongdoing. This then allowed him to finally repent, after many moments of ignorance and an all too long period of evasiveness.

A large theme in the book is irony. Though Raskolnikov minutely questions his motives, when he eavesdrops and hears that the world would be better off without the pawnbroker, he feels justified in what he wants to do. Then, when he hears that she will be home alone, he feels extremely justified and even believes that circumstances have been manipulated for him to do what he wants. That instance correlates to real life, because oftentimes people want to do something even though they realize it’s wrong. When they receive what they perceive as even the slightest bit of justification, they run wild with the concept.

“…but those sick pale faces were bright with the dawn of a new future, of a full resurrection into a new life. They were renewed by love; the heart of each held infinite sources of life for the heart of the other." (Dostoevsky, 471) In the end, though Raskolnikov was rightfully imprisoned, I think it isn’t an outlandish statement to say that his soul was set free by the truth and by being able to acknowledge his love for someone else. His longing to be with the one he desired and to no longer crave isolation paved the way for his release from eternal upset.






















Frances’ Journal # 1: A Streetcar Named Desire

I’m thinking this story’s going to be awesome. Look at the title. Look at the good-looking fellow on the cover. What could possible go wrong? I open it up and look at the character list. I can already tell it’s set in an older time. I can tell so by the picture and by the fact that two of the characters are “a Negro Woman” and “a Mexican Woman.” Before I get to the character list actually, the author has me laughing when he says that he “…mistook the chocolate sauce for gravy and poured it over the sirloin steak.” So, now I’m thinking that this guy is cool and he clearly stumbled upon affluence, probably with this book.

I immediately formed my impression of the characters. Stella is a humble lady; she lives a modest life, yet enjoys every second of it. I didn’t like Blanche from the very beginning. She came to see her sister, yet at every chance she got, she seemed to belittle the new life she made for herself (and seemed to actually like). The loss of Belle Reve seems to have made Blanche bitter, probably also because they’ve lost all their relatives as well. I think Blanche has more issues than she is willing to let on. I definitely think she has a secret alcohol addiction and is in dire financial straits. The men in the book seemed to be average, sports enthusiasts, and beer guzzlers.

I liked how the name of the book was used in the play. I always like when authors do that, even though some people think it’s tacky. I’m still wondering how the story will end up, and the point of it. I’m curious as to what character the story will revolve around. Also, isn’t it a coincidence that their names are Stella and Stanley?


Frances’ Journal # 2: A Streetcar Named Desire

The description of Stanley on Page 29 allowed me to instantaneously harvest enmity for him. In short, he revolts me due to his basic classification as a womanizer. His first interactions with Blanche allude to his vile and disturbing background. “It’s hard to stay looking fresh.” (Williams, 30) I liked this quote from Blanche. It made me laugh; I guess Tennessee Williams was more modern than he even knew. For a while in the middle of the play, it seems like Blanche is hitting on Stanley and maybe they’re even flirting with one another; which is weird on several different levels. Then at the end of Scene 2, Blanche admits she was flirting with Stanley, which is gross. I think this is foreshadowing something that will happen between Blanche and Stanley.

I think it’s so cool to see where that little saying “Stella!” comes from. I was actually really happy when I read that. Obviously, Stanley is abusive. He has serious problems. When Blanche was talking about how she teaches high school students that kind of aren’t appreciative of what she teaches them, I thought of Mrs. Tramantano, even though we always appreciate what she has to teach us (insert laugh). Mitch seems to hint at the fact that Stella and Stanley engage in violent interactions often. Females are once again portrayed as fools. There’s no way she should have gone back to him after he abused her, especially since she’s with child. I think Stella is stupid. It is ridiculous that she allows…desire…to keep her in a relationship with Stanley. Aside from that, I appreciate how reference to the book title is once again incorporated into the book on Page 70. When Stella and Blanche refer to riding in a streetcar named Desire, I think metaphorical value is hidden in their words. They each have their respective set of secrets, possibly driven by dark desire; particularly Blanche it seems.






Frances’ Journal # 3: A Streetcar Named Desire

I was disappointed at how the men in this book were portrayed, as Blanche once called Stanley, they were “bestial.” Towards the end, it seemed almost as if Mitch had been swindled by Stanley into hating Blanche as much as he did. “You’re not clean enough to bring in the house with my mother.” (Williams, 121) At that point, I knew all respect for Blanche from any of the characters was gone because of conniving Stanley.

I am very upset and displeased with the play’s ending. In the end, it seems like Stella chose her husband over her sister. I don’t think it’s so much that she doesn’t believe her sister, but the fact that she doesn’t want to believe her sister; for fear of having to start a new life, or even more disgusting, for fear of losing Stanley, whose only attributes seem to be physical and seem to lie in the bedroom. Stanley repulsed me at every possible turn. From the introduction, I annotated that I didn’t like Stanley, and then he seemed to want to ruin Blanche’s life by exposing her darkest secrets to people she loved; then I REALLY didn’t like him. He got his way with Blanche, he got his way with Mitch, and he got his way with Stella. The only winner in this book seems to be him, in my opinion, the character who is also the antagonist.

Aside from Stanley, this book as a whole was superb. I think it would be awesome to watch the movie to see how it compares and contrasts to the text. Of course, it was intended to be in motion, so it’s probably just as good if not better. “-I have always depended on the kindness of strangers,” Blanche says just before she’s about to be whisked off to the madhouse. Blanche reverberates back to her younger days, when she had several encounters with strangers that would haunt her for many years. Blanche seems ready to accept her fate, though unknowingly; as Stella and the rest of the characters watch, and some anticipate, her departure. I think her leaving and the holding of Stella’s baby as Stanley finds an open place in her blouse signifies the hurt Stanley will eminently cause their child…and Stella.

Drew's journals: Crime and Punishment

Journal #1-

In the first few chapters of Crime and Punishment, I found a reoccurring theme of indecisiveness and a lack of sanity. This lethal combination left Raskolnikov constantly paranoid and extremely observant of the things around him. A simple matter of exiting his building or sitting in a bar turned into a complex string of thoughts and observations, such as fearing that he may run into his landlord or when he stared at Marmeladov intently while drinking a beer. I am predicting that Raskolnikov will eventually find himself in a situation that he can no longer control, due to a poor decision in which he has made.
One of my favorite quotes in the first few paragraphs that I read was actually stated by Marmeladov. “Know, sir, that such beatings are not only not painful, but are even a delight to me… For I myself cannot do without them. It’s better. Let her beat me, to ease her soul… its better…” I enjoyed this quote because it shows his dedication to his wife. Although he has a drinking problem and seems to bring a burden to his family, the fact that he is willing to take a beating to soothe his wife’s pain proves that Marmeladov truly does love his spouse.
I can relate to Raskolnikov when it comes to money. Before I ever had a job, spending money would bring me a lot of stress and uncertainty over whether I just made a legitimate purchase. For example, when Raskolnikov left some money for Marmeladov on the dresser, he felt like he was making the right decision but as soon as he left he realizes that it was clearly the wrong one. I recall many times making a purchase that I later decide was probably not the best decision. That feeling you get in the pit of your stomach is truly unpleasant, which only adds on to the stresses of Raskolnikovs’ days.


Journal #2-

Now that I have made it to the middle of the book, I see a lot of connections between Raskolnikov and Hamlet. Both men are portrayed with extremely dramatic lifestyles. They are slowly beginning to betray the few friends that they have left and their own minds are driving them mad. As soon as Raskolnikov murdered the women that ran the pawnshop and her sister I know he had completely lost it. Earlier I predicted that something would happen which would leave him in a situation that he could not control. This is exactly what happened. He is unbelievably paranoid and digging himself into a deeper hole of guilt as the days go on.
I am a little confused of the relationship between Raskolnikov and his friend Razumikhin. I do not really understand how they know each other or why Razumikhin cares so dearly for Raskolnikov. Im curious as to see where his role in the story will fit in when closer to the end of the book. Perhaps he will be the only one left that is willing to save Raskolnikov from himself. I was very upset when I found out that Marmeladov died. I had a lot of respect for him and hoped that he would overcome his bad drinking habits, but clearly this was not the case. His family will probably have a very difficult time moving on from Marmeladovs’ death, especially his young children. The last prediction I have before finishing the book is that Raskolnikov is causing himself to be sick. His mind is becoming so overwhelming and powerful that it is bringing physical damage to his body.

Journal #3-

I can only suspect that Raskolnikov truly had good intentions from the start. Murdering Alyona was a heinous crime, however his motive was bigger than himself. Distributing the wealth among the poor shows his generosity. As well, his confessions to Sonya, Razumikhin and the police officials. I felt like he was never going to confess and the guilt would only eat away at him, but luckily he found some sort of sanity and was able to do the right thing. He was able to live with his punishment while in the Siberian prison, instead of living in paranoia and denial for the rest of his life.
I also felt like Raskolnikov sought to be somebody important in life, and murder was the only way. It would make him a powerful man and allow him to stand out from the rest of the crowd. His motives are still a bit foggy for me but I have many different predictions as to specifically why he commited the crime in the first place. One of my favorite parts of the ending was on page 491 when a theory as to how people were divided was explained. “people are divided, you see, into raw material and special people… people, on the contrary, who themselves devise laws for the rest, for the raw material – that is, for the trash”. At one point in his life Raskolnikov viewed himself as a raw material, but the murder he commited made him feel like a special person. It gave him a sense of power that he never had when he was considered trash. The only question is, was the act he commited worth it, or should he have lived the rest of his life as a low class, invisible, raw material.

Matt's journal entries: A Streetcar Named Desire & Crime and Punishment

06-22-10 A.P. English
Journal Entry #1: A Street Car Named Desire
At the start of this play, my main focus already seems to be on Blanche who may prove to be a dynamic character throughout Tennessee Williams’ story. Even her first appearance is interesting, as she turns around the corner in her beautiful and extravagant outer appearance. Her character almost is almost too beautiful in this case as her surroundings are not nearly on the same level of appeal as herself. Her background is of course going to play a major role in who she has become but that does not necessarily mean that what is on the outside is as glamorous as what is on the inside. Blanche describes her life as rich and delightful, but we see that there are truly more problems within than expected. There must be a reason for her arrival at her sister Stella’s home and most likely not because things are going as splendid as she says they are.
Blanche has developed into someone on the physical appearance who shows beauty with clothing and attitude but she has darkness in her soul. As Stanley speaks about her past life, there is a traumatic experience that has changed who she has become, and that is the death of the love of her previous love. It doesn’t say what has exactly occurred yet but I predict that maybe some one killed him or maybe an accident occurred. What ever may have happened is the reason why Blanche is the way she is, she drinks to get away from the world she is living in and covers up the pain she feels inside by sugar coating everything with clothing and other luxuries. She has fenced herself into her own world in which she feels the need to rely on others for strength (like she has with her sister Stella) and is actually miserable because of her past. It looks like the rest of her future isn’t going to be as bright because of her current mindset; I believe that if she leaves her sister she is going to be on a road to disaster.












07-02-10 A.P. English
Journal Entry #2: A Street Car Named Desire
In scene three (page 47) Steve tells a joke, “This ole farmer is out in the back of his house sittin’ down th’owning corn to the chicken when all at once he hears a loud cackle and this young hen comes lickety split around the side of the house with the rooster right behind her and gaining on her fast…. But when the rooster catches sight of the farmer th’owning the corn he puts on the brakes and lets the hen get away and starts pecking corn. And the old farmer says, ‘Lord God, I hopes I never gits that hungry!’ ” After reading this quote, it was evident that this small joke actually was foreshadowing the remainder of the story through some symbolism and imagery.
The joke initially doesn’t seem very significant but throughout this story the same idea reoccurs. Love is the universal language that all living creatures can speak and the familiar “chase” is what brings these individuals together. To form the strong bond the rooster chases the hen, but what is strange is the distraction that occurs causing the chase to end. I interpreted this through the perspective of Stanley and Stella’s relationship. Initially I thought Stanley was the rooster and that the couple might fall apart at some point due to the arrival of Blanche in their home, but as the story progressed, Stanley was clearly the farmer looking upon the rooster and hen (Blanche).
Blanche is the hen in this case because she is always focusing on the chase! She never truly lets her “rooster” catch her during the process of finding a soul mate, possibly being the reason why she has gone so insane and has such a bad reputation back in Belle Reve. Her love life has never settled down, and as she continues to run like the hen, the male ends up giving up on her and finding something better because they lose interest. Her inability to attain love and be happy is due to her being wedged in between love and the chase. If she had slowed down a long time ago, she most likely would be a very different woman, but she is trapped in her own demise. She has seen many roosters at home, but age will eventually catch up and leave her lonely, as the hen is in the end of the joke. The rooster has moved on to something new while she was still hoping that it was chasing her, and as the farmer views this hopes the same will never occur to him.






07-10-10 A.P. English
Journal Entry #3: A Street Car Named Desire
Two of the author’s main ideas in this book were the madness and happiness love creates and opposites attract (throughout all hierarchies of society). Blanche shows the perfect example of how love can create insanity; she completely loses her mind by the end of the story. She lies about most of her life because she is unhappy with the way it has developed after the conclusion of her previous true love. She was so crazy that she believed that there were other men who were trying to do everything for her including Mitch, but her insides seep through her skin and she becomes completely transparent all due to love. There are positive effects of love that the author also wants to show through Stanley and Stella’s relationship. They fight verbally and even physically at one point when Stanley is drunk, but the power of love is so strong that it keeps them from separating. They are almost glued by their emotions and forgiveness is all that is needed to make things better. How relationships are and are not supposed to be ideally is what the author desires to show the ideals of a relationship and marriage. Although the male and female come from different levels in society, they still stay together. Williams shows that even people from opposite ends of the spectrum are competent to come together.
While reading this book, Williams most likely wanted the reader to gain or think about how each person can relate their own personal relationships to either Blanche and her problems, or the example of a rollercoaster with Stanley and Stella, I was able to relate personally to the rollercoaster’s love envelopes but also make connections with how I have seen others go through similar situations as in this play. Overall, the author did a great job of making the reader connect with their own life no matter what their past relationships were like, and help some who have maybe gone down the path as Blanche as well. She is not the only one who has gone through something truly traumatic and changed the future of her love life, possibly making people feel no so alone who feel the same way as her. Connecting one way or another is what he wanted to make the reader gain, and also to realize that love is not only about the chase, but also about the catch.





07-20-10 A.P. English
Journal Entry #1: Crime and Punishment
When I commenced reading this book, I truly despised it and was uninterested. It was very slow and the Russian names confused me beyond belief, I had no idea what was happening for the majority of the first two sections of Part One but then there was a scene that surprised me. When Raskolnikov finally decides to move forward with his contemplation of homicide, I was shocked at his actions during this period. He had clearly gone over the deep end at the start of the book, but when his thought became reality I almost felt scared for him. I thought that maybe once he successfully grabbed the axe, he would turn back down and find a better solution than violence, but it was clearly his last resort. He was desperate when he took the first strike upon the Alyona Ivanovna with the axe and desperate on his second attack as well.
What I do not understand is why he killed Lizaveta when he saw her, was killing her the only solution? Also why did he take the belongings of the two people if he was trying to commit a “clean” crime? Maybe it was a spur of the moment reaction, or he possibly saw no other answers to his problems in life. I have a feeling that some of the actions were a little sloppy such as the theft, which may serve as evidence for others to discover. I actually felt bad more for Raskolnikov more than the heartless old woman he murders. He faces such a rough period and only struggles more as his life is progressing and has stooped down to rock bottom. The reason why this shocked me so much is because in reality, this is something that unfortunately occurs to some misfortunate individuals. What has weighed down Raskolnikov to such a low level is also a mystery I would like to know about, but I don’t think I will find out until much further into the story



Journal Entry #2: Crime and Punishment
Dunechka and Raskolnikov are siblings, which makes them similar in some instances, yet they also have conflicting morals and ideals. Raskolnikov faces the world as an outcast and has never truly found his place in life, or where he belongs. Meanwhile, his sister faces a similar situation where she must figure out the rest of her life as a wife with the right husband. Raskolnikov’s credibility is at a point where his sister still trusts him, allowing him to show her a new perspective of Luzhin. Dunechka realizes that maybe there was someone better out there for her and that her fiancé clearly was not a suitable man. Raskolnikov’s character changes, in that he now has become a little less selfish and tries to help others in his family. Finally puts his family first, and makes sure they are safe with Razumikhin before he departs.
Decision-making varies as the two dynamic characters progress throughout the novel. Raskolnikov begins to help others after he ceased to be self-centered, but Dunya is different in the way she makes decisions. An example of this is when Raskolnikov helps Marmeladov’s family by giving money, but the reason he is content with himself is only because he released some guilt he had for commiting the murder. Dunya makes decisions with her confidence that it is the right thing to do and her use of common knowledge.



08-23-10 A.P. English Ms. Tramantano
Journal Entry #3: Crime and Punishment
Fyodor Dostoevsky’s writing style is particularly interesting because he has the ability to place the reader straight into the novel and feel as though they are the ones involved. We can feel the inner conflict within Raskolnikov throughout the story; sometimes where he just wishes he could just end his life and others where pressure to say the truth encompassing his entire mind.
Dostoevsky also plays with symbolism in the novel and it has an important role in developing the story as well. An example of this is within the scenes where someone is sleeping. Raskolnikov believes that he made an error in his life and did not commit a sin when he committed a murder, and this is shown in one of his nightmares. He sees that people have a virus spreading throughout the world and that it makes them convinced that they have possession of sole truth. This is somewhat what Raskolnikov believes, he feels superior to others and does not truly regret his crime (even proved in his thesis “On Crime”). This use of a literary element helps further the reader’s understanding of the motives and ideas of certain characters. The author makes a more depth description of emotions further helping the reader walk in the shoes of a poor murder.

Melody: Journal #3 Crime and Punishment

When I finally finished this book, I felt relieved. I didn't like this book all that much, I found it to be long and boring. The conversations in the book between characters left me wondering about other things and not the actual book. I think that if Fyodor Dostoevsky would have gotten to the point faster in the book I would have been way more interested, but I just wasn't. Although I didn't like the book however I found it to have lots of similarities with the characters from A Streetcar Named Desire. Blanche being a prostitute and Sonya also being a prostitute, Blanche being totally insane as was Raskolnikov, Stella being caring was like those similiar to Pulcheria Alexandrovna and Dunya (Raskolnikov's mother and sister), and Stanley was like Porfiry Petrovich and Peter Petrovich whom are always plotting a scheme to catch people in a trap. All characters connected with each other in one way or the other. Although I found A Streectcar Named Desire to be written with much more interest, I found that Crime and Punishment had much more depth in describing it's characters.

Raskolnikov becoming sick and fainting at the mention of the case made him seem very paranoid. It was pretty obvious that by the end of the book Raskolnikov's conscience would drive him to commit suicide or confess to the murder. I found it better he had confess and not committed suicide seeing he'd already killed two people and killing himself wouldn't do any good. In killing Aliona, I found that Raskolnikov wanted to feel a sort power like Napoleon did in conquering so much land. One thing wrong with his little theory was that Raskolnikov's conscience drove him insane while Napoleon who's need for control and conquering lead him to success, of course like both Raskolnikov and Napoleon all things come to an end. Raskolnikov confessed and Napoleon's hardworking dynasty quickly went to shame when he tried to conquer Russia. "It was I who killed the old pawnbroker woman and her sister Lizaveta with an axe and robbed them."

Rey's journals: A Streetcar Named Desire

So far in reading A Streetcar Named Desire, I have absolutely no idea what’s going on. I suppose it is the thought that its still summertime in my head that made me phase in and out of the beginning. After re-reading the beginning, I understand that Blanche is the sister of Stella, who is married to Stanley. However I decided to write my first journal entry based solely on the first few pages and the blurb in the back. That way, I get a small taste of the play that allows me to make all kinds of assumptions and predictions.

From the blurb, I know that a woman’s “chance at happiness” is taken from her. This can either be Stella or Blanche. I think it may be Stella because from what I’ve read, she used to live in a large estate and her current residency is nothing compared to it. Perhaps the visiting of her sister is a sign or maybe an omen that bad things are on the way.

I would also like to speak about the cover art for the book. It was a bold choice to put a picture of a shirtless man as the cover. (I actually thought it kind of awkward sitting on the train reading the book and seeing the reactions of people around me) I presume the man is Stanley, Stella’s husband. From the first few pages that I’ve read so far, Stanley had just gone bowling. Stanley must be an important part in the play. Perhaps he is the one who takes away someone’s “chance at happiness”. The appearance of his muscles makes him seem like a manly-man, the type that enjoys working out and being superior over women. However that’s just me judging a book by its cover.

Journal #2
WOW. To be completely honest, I did not want to put the book down. Its getting really good. I think maybe it’s because I’ve been in a play before that I’m getting a kick out of visualizing how the characters are interacting with each other and wondering how each line is said. I caught myself reading out loud and adding my own emotions into the play.

The relationship between Stanley and Blanche is very interesting. But before I delve deeper into that, I want to discuss my thoughts on Blanche. So my prediction from my first journal entry was wrong. It is clearly Blanche with the problems of trying to find happiness, not Stella. Blanche is a questionable character. The discussion about the Napoleonic code between Stanley and Stella made me wonder if Blanche has a hidden agenda. Perhaps Blanche is running away from something, maybe a crime she committed back home. Also, I see Blanche as a kind of flirt. She enjoys the company of men even though she says she “feels uncomfortable” in the presence of the men like during the poker game. However I do like her attitude though. She carries herself as if she’s better than everyone which I can relate to. She enjoys clothing and dressing up and she enjoys receiving compliments. Even though its not a good quality to have, I can relate to Blanche in these ways.

To further elaborate on the relationship between Blanche and Stanley, I can sense a huge fireball of heat and tension between the two. The dialogue between the two of them about the Napoleonic code was much more than just an exchange of words. So many things were going on besides Stanley questioning Blanche. For example, Stanley’s aggressiveness came out as he fumbled over Blanches secret love letters. This ties back to my first journal entry where I predicted that Stanley was a “macho, manly-man”. Also Blanches description of Stanley fit him perfectly as she said he was compatible to a primitive caveman. By Stanley quarreling with Blanche over the letters, his primitive beastly instinct came out, fortifying my understanding of him as a macho man.

Not only did this scene help uncover Stanley’s true nature, it also allowed me to get a deep understand of Blanche. By the way that she was outraged when Stanley touched her love letters and the way she threatened to burn them shows that there is much more to Blanche than what meets the eye. My first impression of Blanch was that she was stuck up and better than everyone else. However this scene shows that Blanche is somewhat insecure. The love letters from her late husband must have meant a great deal to her and must have impacted her greatly. The way she describes him as a “young boy“ is peculiar. When I actively read her dialogue, I read it slow and soft, the way she would. She is still in love with her late husband. However it doesn’t stop her from talking to Mitch! I cant wait for more of Blanches life to unravel. There is so much more to Blanche that she isn’t telling to Stella and Stanley and its obvious.
Journal#3
I know I’m not supposed to use anything except the proper English language but OMG! The play was absolutely brilliant! Where do I begin? There are several things I want to discuss such as Blanche and Stella’s relationship, Blanche and Stanley‘s relationship at the end of the play and Blanche and Mitch’s intense dialogue scene. Also, several other significant points that I want to bring up was the vendor who was selling flowers for the dead, Blanches late husband, Blanches life prior to her visit and of course the ending.

The relationship between Stella and Blanche is very delicate and intricate. The tiniest upset could break them. Throughout the whole play, Stella took care of Blanche. She fetched her soda whenever she wanted it and helped her accommodate to her tiny home. She even spoke out of turn towards Stanley for Blanche. That shows that Stella truly cares and worries for Blanche. However it seems as though Blanche completely acts as if its Stella’s job to wait on her hand and feet. Blanche and Stanley’s scene was very thought provoking! The sexual innuendo was too much to handle at 2 A.M while I was reading it. I can not believe that Stanley raped Blanche. However this raises several questions and concerns. Can it really be called rape? Although Blanche made a fuss of the ordeal, the entirety of the play made me assume she was a sexually frustrated woman and was willing to get it from anyone. When Stanley said “we’ve had this date for a while now”, it almost blew my mind! My instincts from my previous journals were right! I had said earlier that there was a huge “fireball of heat and tension”. I just didn’t know that tension would lead to sex. Also it was Stanley who came on to Blanche, not vice versa. Blanches relationship with Mitch was kind of awkward I felt. I felt as if Blanche only wanted to be with Mitch because it was the easy way out. Clearly Mitch was enthralled by Blanches faux-aristocratic exterior and I feel Blanche took advantage of that fact because since she couldn’t have her husband, he was the next best thing. They ended on an awkward note though.

Blanches late husband is also intriguing! The story of Blanches late husband was a key part in understanding Blanche. Her insecurity most probably comes from the fact that her husband had relations with a man while they were married. That must have been a huge blow to her self-esteem. I understand how Blanche must have felt as a similar scenario happened with me. After an ordeal such as that, it explains why Blanche went on a spree with men around her town. After their family died and she lost the plantation, what else could an insecure woman do but to chase down every temporary high to satisfy her.

The one part of the play that confused me was the old woman who was selling flowers for the dead. I don’t understand exactly why she was there. However perhaps the woman can be a symbol for the death of blanches sanity. This is because after directly after

Melody's journals #1,2: Crime and Punishment

In society if we don't communicate with people we can drive ourselves insane. It's healthy to go out and socialize, to have friends. Raskolnikov on the other hand didn't like to socialize, "he avoided society of every sort." Of course sometimes even if we don't like socializing with people we find it hard not to, so we go out and find someone anyone to talk to. "We all have chance meetings with people, even with complete strangers, who interest us at first glance, suddenly, before a word is spoken." I find this statement to be totally true, we do all have a chance at meetings people even if we don't know anything about them. When we don't plan on meeting someone we do meet them, and before we know it we're best friends.

Raskolnikov was a young poor fellow who had the temptation to kill Aliona Ivanovna an old woman who owned a pawn shop. I found it weird that a former student would want to kill an old woman, but than I figured from the way he was dressed in rags, he wasn't rich, in fact he was poor and he probably just wanted to rob her. Then, Raskolnikov asked about her sister and I wondered who the sister could be. As I read further I learned Lizaveta was Aliona Ivanovna's younger half sister who she was very cruel to. Aliona Ivanovna would beat her sister and keep all the money they made for herself. I thought it was mean for a old woman who's only family is her half sister could do such a thing. I know I wouldn't act like that with my half sister, especially if she was my only family. I started to think that Raskolnikov was acting heroic, but also very insane. I thought he could have possibly handled the situation in a different manner. Maybe he could have talked to Aliona Ivanovna about her cruelty towards her sister or possibly gone to the police instead of killing the old bitter abusive woman, but once the day came that he was going to kill the old woman, he ended up not only killing her, but her sister as well. I thought of him as as idiot.

When Raskolnikov became sick and delirious I thought that made him seem suspicious. People started saying he seemed like a "mad man."Finding out the old man knew about him being a murderer probably just made him think more and more about the crime he had just committed. He tried to hard to hide it from everyone, trying to seem as normal as possible. Although people do seem to notice him act sort weird. Then, he had the dream about the old woman laughing louder and louder as he hit her over the head with an axe. I believe his conscience would either drive him crazy with guilt, causing him to confess about the murder or just simply drive him insane.

#2

We have to make decisions in our lives, the question is what's the right decision? In Sonya's life her father's alcoholism has lead him to drink all of his fortune away leaving his family to starvation and poverty. Sonya (being the good daughter that she is) felt she had to go and help out her family, so she became a prostitute. Her step-mother Katerina Ivanonva has tuberculosis and may not have much time to live. Having had her alcoholic father be killed by a moving carriage, Raskolnikov brings the idea to her head that, she must think of what might happen to the children (Sonya's brothers and sisters). Believing in her own faith in God, Sonya believes God will help her family overcome this tragedy. When Raskolnikov come to her with the decision to run off with him, she is forced to make a difficult decision.

When Raskolnikov entered the office of Porfiry Petrovich he just had the intention of giving Porfiry the written statement of his pawned possessions, but Porfiry quickly caught him in a long conversation about the crime. "I believe it's a sort of legal rule, a sort of legal tradition-for all investigating lawyers-to begin their attack from afar." Raskolnikov knew Porfiry suspected him of committing the murder, but Raskolnikov tried to play it off as he didn't know. I believe if it wasn't for Nikolai walking into the office and confessing to the crime he hadn't committed, Raskolnikov would have confessed his crime. Making the decision to confess to the murder is turning out to be very difficult for Raskolnikov. It's almost as if he's playing a game to see if he'll get caught.

Brandon's journals: A Streetcar Named Desire

When I first began reading A Steetcar Named Desire, I decided I wasn’t going to read the back. Or watch the movie. Or even read the introduction. I had made up my mind I would just jump right into the book, with little to no background information at my disposal. This would make things all the more interesting/tricky for me, as I tried to get a feel for the characters and the setting. My first general reaction to the beginning led me to believe I would be reading a book centered upon race, primarily because of the character referred simply as ‘Colored woman’ and/or ‘negro woman’. The time period seemed to entertain that idea. However when I read the last paragraph of the beginning blurb, I realized I had been completely wrong. As the first scene moved along, I also realized race played little to no factor in the actual plot. Instead I started taking notice of the newly introduced Blanche.

From the very start my initial reaction to Blanche was that she was mean, cold and stuck up. I drew those conclusions based on the way she spoke to Eunice. She was seemingly either rude or had something on her mind and I wasn’t sure which it was. When Blanche said to her “What I meant was I’d like to be left alone”, I was disgusted. I later assumed that Blanche was wealthy, based on how critical she was towards her sister’s new lifestyle and the ‘columns’ of her home.

I even made a textual connection; The Golden Girls, a 1980s sitcom (and guilty pleasure of mine) featured a character named Blanche who reminded me [at first] so much of the aforementioned Blanche. Both were southern and both came off as a bit snooty and high class! From the start, I did not like Blanche, and especially didn’t like it when she called Stan a Pollack, something I found to be insulting and classless. Something has got to give, I think theres more to to this Blanche.

Brandon's Journal # 2- A Streetcar...

So at this point in time, its clear Blanche is not wealthy, as we learned of her “pitiful salary at the school” and the lack of money loved ones left behind. (Not to mention the loss of the Belle Reve). I still maintain nevertheless that she is downright obnoxious, and annoying. Her steady drinking habits confirm my belief that all is not well in her mind, perhaps even beyond her financial situation. I would even go as far to describe her as erratic.

When Stan and Blanche first met, I knew something was..off. The two did not seem to be very fond of each other, and Stan was automatically suspicious of the shady Blanche. Stella warns Stan that her sister has had it tough and has been through “such an ordeal”, but this does not calm suspicion. Needless to say, I have reached a conclusion that there is a “jagged edge” (so to speak) to Stan’s personality.

Brandon's Journal #3-- Streetcar

I was very surprised by Stan’s rough action towards Blanche and apparent rape. I had seriously believed Stan was a cool guy, who was street smart. But apparently, I was wrong because he flat out VIOLATED her. I started to gain a dislike for Stan, but for some reason, I still did not like Blanche anymore. –END-

Journal 3—continued from another separate day

When Mitch comes into play, I was happy that Blanche had found someone who may be a good partner. Mitch had come across as a truly good guy, one who desperately needed someone in his life, much like Blanche.

Journal 3- Thoughts from another day

So it appears to me that Blanche doesn’t really like Mitch. To me it seems she just needs someone and Mitch just happens to be available. I was especially appalled and disgusted when she kissed the young newspaper boy, and found it almost ironic that within seconds, it was Mitch who rounded the corner and came her way.

Journal 3- Thoughts from yet another day after reading

I had gotten the impression that Stan was a mean guy after his blow up at the poker game, and other actions of his. But he was spot-on correct about Blanche. He did the research, and found out what I always wondered to be true: Was there something more to her suspicious story? AND, certainly there was. Blanche disgusts me.

Final Mini Journal

After Stan put Blanche on the spot, and said he knew the truth about her past, I thought Blanche would have a nervous breakdown. As the story rolled along, I realized this was the final hoorah for her, her last stand. Her mind could not take any more, and she was on the precipice of pure insanity. I felt genuinely bad for this woman by the time I got to the very end. A doctor had been arranged to take her away, and this to me was gloomy in a way. Stella’s tears, in my opinion, were tears of sadness for her sister’s sorry state, yet at the same time I thought they were tears of joy—the entire ordeal of Blanche staying with the family must have taken a toll on her emotions. After all the arguments, suspicion and aggravation, it was finally over. That to me is why she was crying so fervently.

Gabriel's journal #3: Crime and Punishment

My last prediction of Raskolnikov’s possible revelation of his plans was wrong. Luckily the thought of justice by killing Alyona (and her sister) was not originally his, but wrong nonetheless. The intent to kill the pawnbroker and then distribute her wealth to the poor had a strong Marxist symbolism. According to Marxism, big business or government, Alyona, would have its power and/or wealth taken away to be spread among the proletariats, the poor. The killing of Alyona then gave Raskolnikov a paranoia that made him terribly sick, similar to Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed Jesus. Like Judas, Raskolnikov hallucinated, feeling terribly sick with guilt. Judas however hung himself on a tree. Coincidentally, Raskalnikov witnesses an attempted suicide, but is sickened at the sight.
Overall the book was a fascinating read. I felt entranced at some points of the story, full of suspense as Porfiry and the authorities looked to see him slip up and admit to his crime. I found Dostoevsky’s division of the book very interesting, it not only gave the story a sense of direction in the way the plot unfolded but also separated the mood of the story and the characters, mainly Raskolnikov. The duality of Raskolnikov’s actions throughout the book was something I particularly liked, as each author’s take on good and evil varies. In Robert Louis Stevenson’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Stevenson uses the duality of Dr. Jekyll to represent the forces of good and evil, each fighting for control within one body, one eventually overcome by the other. In Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment, Raskolnikov believes that by doing good and acting justly, it will balance out his crime and wrongdoing, like the Taoist belief that for every good action there is bad and vice versa, a sort of balance. Anyone who enjoys reading would be foolish not to read this great book.

Gabriel's journal #2: Crime and punishment

After the first few chapters of book, I began to question the sanity of Raskolnikov. Is he a troubled genius, an unmonitored psycho, or a very emotionally troubled young man? I first thought he was a bit of each and after reading about his dream, or rather “nightmare”. To see a group of drunks abuse an old horse to the point where it’s bleeding is just disturbing. The emotional burden that event had on Rakolnikov sheds light on the problems he has now. Maybe the sight of the drunken men beating the horse instilled a thought of suffering and alcohol that changed his psychosis? But the dream showed a very humane side Raskolnikov has. As the horse began to bleed and moan, he rushed over and took its head in his arms, kissing it. This drew a connection (indirectly) to the parable of the Good Samaritan taught in the Bible. Even though both Raskolnikov had no business in defending the horse, he went to its aid like the stranger who helped the Levite.
After waking from the dream Raskolinikov calls out to God. Rather than cursing God for the mental and emotional suffering, he simply questions why the thoughts that came from his dream, thoughts of death, abuse and torment, have not destroyed him yet. It’s a much different reaction than those I’ve read in other books, where God, fate or a supernatural force is blamed for the character’s misfortune. Raskolnikov’s reaction also reflected a bit of hope. It seems as though this nightmarish experience changed his mind about his “future act”, acknowledging that these thoughts are etched in his mind.

Gabriel's journal #1: Crime and Punishment

When first looking at the title of this book, I thought that the story would be about a person in a pitiful situation struggling to get by, having to take bold action in order to come out of their turmoil and suffer the consequences, “crime” followed by “punishment”. I find that my first prediction of the book is fairly accurate. It opens with a college student, behind several months in rent and in poor favor with his land lady. Raskolnikov, seemingly fueled by his unfortunate financial situation to commit an “awful act” does in fact have a “just” conscience. Raskolnikov shows an admirable amount of charity and concern for others despite his misfortune.
Raskolnikov’s seems to reveal more about his identity, despite his efforts to stay elusive. Raskolnikov charitable actions towards Marmeladov the government official and concern for the young drunk woman reflect some sanity in Raskolnikov. Though his new habit of drinking seems to calm his nerves, I predict it will be what drives him to commit the “awful act”, especially since his sober conscience worries him enough to renounce his plans.

Christine's journals: Crime and Punishment

Journal Entry #1:

I have to honestly say that I needed to go over certain parts while I read this book more than once. Crime and Punishment is not one of those books where you quickly take a glance at the words and keep on going, it is a book that has to be taken time to read thoroughly in order to come to grips with the plot and what the author is trying to convey to the reader.

In the book, Raskolnikov is an intelligent man, but from the beginning you could also notice that he was not mentally stable. He constantly talked to himself, feared human encounters and was always tense and restless. In many ways, the book itself was about the appeal and obstacle of isolation—yes it did help when in tricky situations but in the end, keeping to yourself is not healthy. Raskolnikov would try and be as inconspicuous as possible, hiding in the shadows, taking routes where he was certain no one would be and crossing streets to avoid anyone. Throughout the book it was obvious that a crime was going to be committed but the author never truly stated the crime until later on, it kept me sort of on the lookout for what would happen next.

The town Raskolnikov was residing in did not help his state of mind. There were children starving, drunks raiding the streets, the air was foul and there was a financial crisis going on. In my opinion, the environment you live in affects your decisions, actions, and your overall mentality. No, this environment did not help Raskolnikov at all, it just congested his mind and his thoughts.

Journal Entry #2:

Near the middle of the book the punishment has come in, Raskolnikov has done the crime and unexpectedly killed another person, now he is faced with guilt and a sudden illness. This sudden illness is not an illness at all, his mind is playing tricks on him and this is its way of showing him what he has done was heinous, at least that’s my opinion. After the murders, Raskolnikov becomes dizzy and often faints, all the while remaining delirious and disconnected from reality. He spends hours on end trying to cover his tracks and doesn’t worry at all about the punishment he will receive after he’s been found out.

I personally do not think that the murder of Alyona Ivanovna was justified. Yes, Raskolnikov was poor and he needed the money and yes, she might have been an ill-mannered “wicked old crone” but that does not give her a right to be killed. I understand Raskolnikov was desperate and had a certain dislike towards her but that does not make her murder any better. I believe that there might have been other ways to gain the money he needed and not including murdering someone.

Another thing I do not agree with is the fact that Raskolnikov refuses any help from the people around him. I think that even though he may have a lot on his mind with the murder and all, he still should be courteous to the people around him and separate himself from his manic thoughts when in their presence. Even though it seems impossible and he is consistently distracted he should at least try and be civilized, he keeps pushing away the ones that he should be clinging to at the moment.

Journal Entry#3:

“You see, I wanted to become a Napoleon, that’s why I killed…” (Pg. 415) Raskolnikov goes on to tell Sonya that the reason he killed Alyona Ivanovna was not because of the money but because of the power that the murder would give him, “…I just wanted to dare, Sonya, that’s the whole reason!” (Pg. 418) By doing something that others don’t usually do—killing—he would become extraordinary, special, like no other and therefore better than those around him. Raskolnikov was selfish, just plain old selfish, in all he did. I find this just as a justifiable reason as killing for money—it was unethical. Many people do things, bad things, because of the power they think it will bestow upon them, I believe that these are just stupid actions that are ludicrous and won’t give anyone any type of power.

“Now, even if I were guilty (which I’m not saying at all), why on earth should I come and confess my guilt” (Pg. 458) I honestly think that even though Raskolnikov might think it foolish, he should go ahead and confess. It has come to the point where many can guess that it was he who is the murderer and there is now no point in hiding it. He’s only prolonging the inevitable. It would clear his conscience if he went to the police himself and confessed to the crime, but he is too stubborn and caught up in his own pride to do anything about it. After he told Sonya that he killed Lizaveta I saw a stir in him, he seemed somewhat different, this doesn’t go to say that he’s changed and was a rational and a righteous person but he did seem to gain little light in him, the light being realization. He realized what he has done and why he has done it, he didn’t kill for anyone, he killed for himself.

Rachel's journal #3: A Streetcar Named Desire

FINALLY! I knew it! Blanche, I’m sorry for your loss in sanity. Stella, I’m sorry in your loss in sister. Stanley, I’m sorry for your loss in punching bag. Mitch, I’m sorry for your loss in possible wife, and your poor mother. To everyone else, congratulations! You cared nothing for Blanche, and therefore didn’t lose anything! Eunice- you personally made the end scene 10 times worse by not allowing Stella to mourn the departure of her sister by shoving her crying baby back into her arms, in order to watch men play poker. Steve- you chauvinist! You wouldn’t care if it was your own sister or your wife. Cards are what your life revolves around, and you couldn’t be bothered by a single womanly care in the world- including the “declared insanity” of a woman who’d been living downstairs from you for weeks! Personally, I hope Eunice gives you a good hard sock in the stomach, and that you wake up from your anti-feminine daze to realize that the world doesn’t revolve around poker. Poor Blanche. This was foreseen and no one came to help you. I believe that you should be allowed to reap your revenge- right after you get the polka music to stop playing in your head! Seriously, get that checked out. In all, this play was a great read; I couldn’t put it down. I would recommend it to anyone looking to get completely immersed in a place you wouldn’t normally want to live in. It’s a satisfying book, and the only thing I really wish for is a less racist and more descript character list, so I can be warned the next time I pick it up for a quick read, about the strangeness that lies within. And by the way, I’m not even going to touch upon Stanley trying to soothe his wife by inappropriately touching her in front of her friend and his poker buddies. That’s just plainly stated the wrong thing to do. I mean, she’s sad over Blanche, she’s got her post-pregnancy hormones running wild, and she’s trying to take care of a bawling baby, and you throw decency to the wind and descend into ape-dome by caressing her breast? Are you mad? No, you’re just completely not evolved. You’re a MONKEY. Enjoy Stella’s PTSD, nagging, and post-partum depression!