My Reading Challenges

Reading used to be something I did everyday. As I grew older, I lost interest in this hobby. Reading Salem's Lot by Stephen King was a bit of a challenge for me. This novel was about the protagonist's Ben Mears return to the small town of Jerusalem's Lot and discovers that vampires are taking over the town. While reading this book, I faced some issues. This novel was a challenge because the vocabulary was difficult, there were many characters to keep track of, and I struggled with not wanting to read.

Since I do not read often, my vocabulary is not broad. As I read this book, I ran into multiple words that were brand new to me. It made it difficult to understand what the author meant because I did not know the meanings of some of the words he used. This was the first I read a book by Stephen King so I was unaware of what kind of vocabulary this novel would have. In order to simplify the reading, I wrote down the words I did not know and searched for their definitions. This helped me because I started to notice that some words were used more than once throughout the novel.

Another challenge I had was keeping track of all the characters that were in the book. There were a couple of minor characters who were mentioned only a couple of times throughout the novel and I would forget who they were and what their role was. One thing that helped a lot was the character list. Every time a minor character was mentioned, I referred to my list so that I would know who they were. If I had not met the character before, I added them onto the list so that I would know that who they were later on in the book. I did not think this would help, but it was very helpful due to the large number of characters.

When it comes to reading, I am very lazy with it. As I was reading this novel, I found myself not wanting to read it. It was not that I did not like the context, I was just not motivated to read. When I was supposed to read, I kept pushing it away. I knew that I had to get it done, but I still kept it at the bottom of my “to-do” list. This was difficult because I started to get behind and the readings kept piling on top of another. In class, we would have discussions about events that happened in the book and some things were ruined for me, but it was my fault because I was not on track with the reading. I did not overcome this challenge because it is something that I need to work on.

All in all, this book offered was a challenge because it had some complex vocabulary, numerous characters, and I did not want to read. After this novel, I have learned what helps me get through a reading and what does not. It showed me that reading is not to be done on my time, but it must be a part of my schedule. Reading is a process and that is the only way I will learn from it.

Ben

In the novel 'Salem's Lot by Stephen King, an evil entity is growing in the town of Jerusalem's Lot. Ben Mears, the protagonist, goes face to face with evil in chapter thirteen, scene ten. He reveals more about his character in this scene as he meets a vampire for the first time. Because of this situation, Ben shows a trait, a goal, and a flaw.

Throughout the novel, Ben's character has a courageous trait because he is wants to face his fear. In this scene, he finally faces the evil of 'Salem's Lot. He knows he is danger but does not flee in fear. He goes against Marjorie Glick, the mother of the first town's person to be transformed into a vampire, when she rises from her “sleep.” She is no longer a human and she has the power to take over Ben's body. With this in mind, Ben still takes on the challenge of fighting Marjorie as she is hungry for his blood. The protagonist's reactions to Marjorie's screeches and unnatural behavior show that he has a feeling of tension or fear, but he still manages to press the cross on the vampire's face to make her disappear.

From Ben's behavior in this scene, it seems that he is determined to defeat the evil that lies in the Lot. This is now one of his goals because he had first came back to the town to conquer his fear, but now he knows he must defeat the vampires. When Marjorie starts targeting Ben, he taunts her and wants her to go towards him. When Jimmy Cody, the town's doctor, goes behind her and grabs her, it seems that Ben is thrown off because he wanted to go head to head with the vampire. He describes the things that Marjorie is doing to Jimmy that it seems like he is just stunned by the attack. When Ben finally presses the cross on Mrs. Glick, he says, “Come on, you bitch,” and, “Come on, Come on,” it shows that he wants to fight the evil (King 268). He wants to finally conquer what he came back for in 'Salems Lot.

Lastly, when Ben first gets to the workroom, he is unprepared for what he is going to get into. He knew there was a possibility of Mrs. Glick rising, but he did not come prepared with the essential “weapons” to defend himself or Jimmy. Jimmy asks Ben if he has a cross and Ben's reply was no. The way he responds is silly because he was acting almost childish; similarly to a child when their teacher asks, “Do you have last night's homework?” and the child replies, “No? What homework?!” He knows what are the defenses against vampires but he had none of the objects. After Jimmy gives Ben a cross and Marjorie starts to attack, Ben almost forgets that he has the cross. This is strange because he was given the cross for a reason, yet it almost slips his mind that he was given it in the first place. When Mrs. Glick starts attacking Jimmy, it seemed like he was hesitant to act on the situation. He is watching Jimmy get bitten, but does not quickly act on the attack. Although this happens, he eventually gets rid of the blood-sucking creature from the scene.

In conclusion, Ben's behavior reveals a trait, a goal, and a flaw that are specific to this scene. His character is unique compared to the other characters and his behavior shows that he is not like the other townspeople. As the novel continues, he will continuously evolve as the protagonist.

Lesson through the Pages

In Judith Ortiz Cofer's book Woman in Front of the Sun: On Becoming a Writer, she not only shares stories about herself, but also expresses her style of writing through her essays. As I read “My Rosetta,” “The Woman Who Slept with One Eye Open,” “Taking the Macho,” “A Prayer, a Candle and a Notebook,” I could identify some skills she used to make her writing descriptive and interesting. From reading these selections, I learned that using word choice, allusions, and compare and contrast in my writing are important in order for me to become a stronger writer.

To start with, Cofer begins her book with “Sister Rosetta,” a descriptive essay about her mentor Sister Rosetta. Within this essay, she uses word choice in order to define Sister Rosetta and her own feelings throughout the selection. While reading her story about her experience, I was able to learn that word choice is a very essential skill in writing. It made it more interesting to read about what Sister Rosetta was like and how she had an impact on Cofer's life. This selection has pushed me to be careful with my word choice so that I can improve my writing.

Throughout “Taking the Macho,” Cofer uses multiple allusions. She references a variety of people, events, and even mythical creatures. The way Cofer used her allusions was intriguing and it only made her essay make more sense. This made me want to use allusions in my own writing because I could see how it would strengthen a point I want to make. It will also allow me to be more descriptive and make my writing more interesting.

Lastly, in the essay “The Woman Who Slept With One Eye Open,” Cofer compares and contrasts as to how she felt about the challenge it was to become a writer. She uses two different stories with two different women as the main characters. It was interesting how she applied this to the other stories such as the story about her writing class and how the students were struggling to be either the “macho” Maria Sabida or the heartbroken Maria la Loca (Cofer 85-90). I think it would be interesting to use this in my writing because it supports a point that is wanted to be made immensely. If I were to practice this in my writing, it would be a backbone to the message that I am trying to get across.

All in all, reading these essays gave me a lesson on how it is important to use word choice, allusions, and compare and contrast. Each selection had its own purpose, not only for the author, but for the readers as well. I will continue to refer to this collection of essays, as I know it is an essential source for me to strengthen my writing.

Reaching the Written Target

 

Throughout high school, writing was a challenging task for me. I knew the basic structure of an essay and how the process was to write one, but when it came to presenting the finished product, I lacked creativity. My papers were always dull and I dreaded the days when I had an in-class writing assignment because they were my weakest link. As a goal for my English 1A class, I want to accomplish strength in my writing by learning how to use creativity by the end of this semester.

Since I am a first time college student in my family, I did not have someone as a guide who could have given me tips to flourish in my writing. With this in mind, I will need to learn steps that will help me succeed on my written assignments. By using creativity in my writing, it will help make writing a smooth process for me and will make it a more enjoyable task. By accomplishing the goal I have set, I know that it will benefit me throughout college and in the years after. When writing, I have a tendency to use the same words and sentence structures. I do this because I do not have a broad vocabulary and its difficult more me to think of different ways a sentence could be written. If I continue to write this way, I feel that my essays will not improve. During this semester, I will go to the Learning Resource Center on campus to get the aid I need to find my creativity. By achieving the goal I have set, I know that it will benefit me throughout college and in the years after.

As a result of gaining this skill, it will lead me to accomplish my goal at the end of the semester. Without using creativity, I will continue to repeat my conflicting habits in my writing. Once I reach my goal, I will have a sense of relief and confidence because I know my writing will only get stronger in the years to come.

'Salem's Lot by Stephen King: Chapters 1, 2, 3

What is the setting?
The physical setting is in Jerusalem's Lot, Maine. The temporal setting is in September 1975.

What is the point of view the novel is written from?
The novel is written in the third person omniscient.

Which character is the protagonist?
The protagonist is Ben Mears.

What is he struggling to achieve or accomplish when we first meet him? (Conflict) In other words, what is the challenge the protagonist is facing?
 He is trying to conquer his fear of the Marsten House.

A major symbol is part of the setting—identify it. What does it symbolize?
The major symbol of the setting is the Marsten House because it represents the bad things that happened in 'Salem's Lot and that is why it is such a feared place.
 
Which ‘Salem’s Lot character (that you met in Chapter 3) do you dislike the most and why? Identify your choice and explain why in a paragraph which includes a brief intro and conclusion.
As a young girl, I struggled with some individuals who were bullies. The character I disliked most in chapter three was Richie Boddin. Richie is the school bully at Brock Street Elementary School. All the students that attend the school for him and that is what Richie values most. He is a self-centered little boy who believes everyone will obey him because he is a "huge" young man. I am happy that Mark Petrie stood up to him and put Richie in his place. I hope, as I get further into the reading, Mark will overshadow Richie so that other children will no longer fear him.

Focus

Woman in Front of the Sun: On Becoming a Writer
by Judith Ortiz Cofer
A Prayer, a Candle, and a Notebook

What "Growing Up Themes" do you see in the essay? Include Page numbers.

• Facing death pg. 22
• Family dynamics pgs. 21-23, 27
• Cultural, family or community customs & traditions pgs. 23-24
• Experiencing conflicts with social and cultural realities such as:
• biculturalism/bilingualism  pg. 24-25
• Religion pgs. 28-29

4. Focus
a. Who or what is this selection about-a person, a place, an animal, an object?
This selection is specifically about Cofer's parents and their transition from Puerto Rico to American life.

b. Describe in a phrase or two the relationship between the narrator and this person or place.
Cofer has a distinct relationship with each of her parents. The way she shares her stories about each of them tells us that she tended to have a difficult time with connecting with her mother and had a closer connection with her father, but loved both equally for their characteristics

c. How is the importance of the relationship revealed—through thoughts of the narrator, or the narrator’s feelings? Or the writer’s use of details and description? Or the writer’s sharing of memories about experiences or events in connection to this relationship? Find 2 passages to support your conclusions.
The importance of the relationships are revealed by the way she explains her stories. She references her past and describes how each of her parents took the transition into the U.S. On page 22, Cofer shares the death of her father and how that affected her and her mother. She shares some grief because not only did she lose her father, she loses her mother because she decided to go back to Puerto Rico. Starting on page 28, Cofer explains her mother's religious practices and her relationship with her mother when purchased her mother's cuentos de amor.

A Significant Story

Woman in Front of the Sun: On Becoming a Writer
by Judith Ortiz Cofer
The Woman Who Slept with One Eye Open

In this essay, I encountered multiple stories that Cofer shares. The story that impacted me the most was the one about Cofer's student. This young woman was a hard working mother and had found herself to have no time to be able to write. She then figured out a strategy for herself so she could write, while maintaining her regular daily responsibilities. This story motivates me to continue to push myself as I go through my years in college. If I want to accomplish something, I will do everything I can do to be able to get to where I want to be. I cannot simply give up and move on without trying every single possibility. Some day, I will find myself in the position of this student and I will try to find my time to make myself happy and not worry about other things that will be blocking my way.

Memoir Questions

Woman in Front of the Sun: On Becoming a Writer
by Judith Ortiz Cofer
The Woman Who Slept with One Eye Open

5. Topic/Subjects
a. List the main subject or topics that are revealed in each chapter or selection?
The main subject in this essay are the stories about woman.

b. Are there any Growing Up Themes explored in this selection?
Controlling or grappling with conflicts or issues concerning...
-one's future, goals, or career plans.
-gender role socialization and cultural expectations about gender roles
-beginning the quest for individuality
 
c. What motifs (recurring themes, subjects, symbols, description, sensory images, character relationships, character conflicts) are present, if any, in the chapters or selections that we have seen before?
-Power of women
-trouble of becoming a writer
-comparing two cultures
-machoism
 
6. Title Significance
a. What does the title suggest to you about the selection before you read it?
The title had suggested something about cautiousness. Sleeping with both eyes closed means you are unable to see anything but your thoughts and not the world around you.

b. After you finish the selection, what do you understand the title to mean in relation to the story the writer has told you? Explain briefly.
The title connects to the essay because Maria Sabida is the woman who is sleeping with one eye open. She sleeps with one eye open because she wants to be aware of her surroundings since she is married to a killer.

c. Briefly explain what you think the writer (not the character narrator) intended us to understand as the significance of this memory. Find passages that reveal the significance to you.
The writer intended us to understand the different stories and the difference of the women in each one. She wants us to identify ourselves with the stories. There have been multiple times where I was Maria Sabida and there have been times where I was Maria la Loca.
-writer as an artist