Genesis and Darwin

               Although both the biblical Genesis and Darwin's theory of evolution speak of the origins of mankind and any form of life for that matter, there are extreme differences in language one notices when further analyzing each text. Genesis, the biblical creation story, tells us that God carefully worked over a span of seven days to create the entire world as we know it. When analyzed further one sees that this creation story can be interpreted as a childhood bedtime story. The chronological order is described very simply, "And God said" "So God created..." , as if to appeal to and be comprehended by people of all ages. The fact that this is a biblical text puts its purpose into an entirely different perspective. As the first text read when reading a bible or torah, Genesis sets the stage for the modern world and its language and tone dictates rather discreetly to the reader what God created and what He wanted said creations to do. This forever puts a burden on the reader by placing God's expectations and wishes upon their shoulders. Who would dare defy the word of God?
                As for Darwin's theory of evolution, the text reads as a more humble approach to a scientific epiphany. When reading the text one sees that Darwin seems rather afraid in his language and expects  backlash from this text, something I'm sure he received shortly after publishing his theory. Darwin's publication comes from an extremely different standpoint, one of humility and vulnerability. A scientist whose's theory might possibly revolutionize the world versus religious dictation is a striking difference. This difference provides the reader with a different interoperation and sees Darwin's theory as more of an optional faith, "I by no means expect to convince experienced naturalists", whereas the biblical Genesis is a metaphorically shoved down one's throat because it is what God commanded.
                Two strikingly different texts that speak of the same topic through radically different interpretations have revolutionized our train of thought when contemplating our origin and the meaning of all existence. Whether one chooses to believe in Darwin's theory or Genesis is entirely up to the person but one thing is clear, the means and styles through which these beliefs are communicated are radically different.

Free Read

I honestly love my free read book! It's so interesting and culturally stimulating. I mean a Greek transvestite is pretty dynamic... The book is written like a memoir and that's one of the best things about for me.

Interpret the Ending

           The ending to Metamorphosis by Kafka left me with many unanswered questions... I couldn't grasp the situation in an instant but after further analyzing the events that transpired  I came to realize that one can interpret this sadly strange ending in a couple of very different ways. For instance, one could see Gregor's death as the heartless nature of the world. He was just another poor and worn out soul that met his end when the vicious cycle of life came for him. I would rather interpret it as such than what I'm about to suggest. Another possible interpretation of this very unfortunate ending is that Gregor never gave up supporting for his family. If one delve into the actual blue print of the situation in which the Samsas found themselves in when Gregor became an insect one sees that Gregor led to his family's epiphany for independent success. If it weren't for Gregor's transformation the Samsas would have never been able to experience the joys they experienced as their own providers! They've all come to know the value of their labor and they are past the point of leaching off Gregor. They've even gone as far as to consider Gregor the pest when they themselves were in that very position beforehand. In conclusion I see the ending to Metamorphosis as a sacrifice; an unconscious sacrifice that had to transpire in order for the the Samsas to learn their lesson of self reliance. This forced teaching seemed to work and the bright future of possible marriage and success the book ends on further proves the point that in order for all of this to happen, Gregor had to give of himself till the very end in order to ensure his family's well being. He had to give up his body in order for his sister to metamorphisize "into a beautiful and voluptuous young woman."  Gregor's carcass was the offering needed to allow his sister to full develop and embrace her "young body."

Kafka Finale

I've never been as upset with an ending as I am right now! It was so  disheartening to see that Gregor's parents and sister have completely tossed out his corpse and existence like last week's spoiled milk. How can they forget everything he's done with them?! How dare they refer to him as an "it"... If only they knew what it felt like to give their all in order to care for someone other than themselves. Just like the rubbish that eventually accumulated inside of his room, Gregor became a forgot trinket and plaything who was eventually seen as a major nuance. A leach can only survive as long as its host remains alive. I guess these leaches just found another way of living...

Kafka Reading 45

In last night's reading I really began to really see how Gregor's family has treated over the course of his transformation. He's become his sister's puppy dog, whom she does not appropriately care for. He has also become the new maid's fascination! His room is filthy and he has no one to fully care for him so his family has definitely not payed him back for all the hours of work he dedicated to their well being. There has been no fruit to his labor and I feel as though his hard work has been wasted by his ungrateful family.

My Conrad essay...

As I was writing this essay I recall really feeling a connection to the text. I felt like I knew the Africa Conrad was depicting and I could really imagine the scenes. I think that really came in handy when writing this essay. Someone who really connects to the book, I believe, can further analyze it and display a deeper sense of understanding when compared to someone who just read without any profound connection. This essay gave me the space I needed to delve into topics I kind of felt were a bit taboo and might get under some people's skin. Reading in class was extremely enjoyable and I am extremely grateful for it. By allowing myself to have the time and dedication I needed in order to fully execute this paper. I truly feel as though my participation in this class has given me the self discipline I will need for my collegiate work.

Metamorphosis reading (35)

It seems to me that Gregor is finally realizing his imminent life as a human sized insect. He almost has somewhat of an epiphany due to his condition which I believe helps him sees his life through a different lens. I see Gregor coming to the conclusion that his family has been taking advantage of him and might have some resent towards them towards the end of the book.