Abby’s Comments (group member since Nov 13, 2019)

Abby’s comments from the Spine Crackers group.

Declan wrote: "Throughout the whole book Acevedo has and develops the theme of perseverance. Emoni said "I've known since I was little that we had to learn to treat money like a rubber band and stretch that dawn ..."
I agree with you, and I also believe that the theme of perseverance can go even deeper then money, I think it could be a theme of the entire book. Emoni is a very determined and persistent person. Being a mother of a two year old and a senior in high school is so much to take on let alone doing extracurriculars and a job. On page 216 Emoni talks about how tired she is from constantly working, with school, work fundraising and her daughter. Despite being absolutely exhausted, Emoni preserves. It’s easy for Emoni to have given up after being pregnant her first year of high school, for her to think that her chances of being successful were over, but yet she didn’t, she stayed strong and persevered and I believe that moment that she got accepted into Drexel really showed it was all worth it. “‘ Mi niña, mi niña, is going to college. “(351).

Kyla wrote: "Jonathan wrote: "Kyla wrote: "Throughout the novel we are taken through Emoni's coming of age journey, portrayed through many themes such as perseverance, the strength and importance of family bond..."
I agree that the author had a purpose in the sections that she organized the book. In the beginning of the book we saw her struggle of whether or not she wanted to take the cooking class and then once taking it having to go through somebody telling her exactly how to prep her meals which she has never gone through before. “‘Trash it’” he says... “ It’s not the recipe I gave you. It doesn’t have the same ingredients, and the cut on these is wrong “ ( 129). But we do see Emoni blossom and start to understand that there is rules when it comes to cooking. After the journey Emoni takes of putting every ounce of energy she could into raising money to go to Spain but still not knowing if she’d have enough to go, it was definitely a bitter sweet moment for her to get to go to Spain. She got to experience her dream but at the same time she had never been away from her ‘Buela and Babygirl for that long and she had never been this “excited and scared” since the birth of Emma (276).

I believe that in Emonis recipes in the beginning of each part, at the top it says what the recipe serves, for example, on page three it states “ Serves: Your heart when you are missing someone you love” and on 365 it says “ Serves: Your strength when you feel alone”. I thought Acevedo’s choice to include these things at the top of each recipe was a really good choice to emphasize the power of Emonis cooking. Clearly an ongoing theme of the novel is the food Emoni cooks, is not just food, many people state throughout the book that Emoni has a gift. Emonis food has the power to make people feel, it’s nit just good tasting, it brings people back to a certain memory or make them think of a certain person. For example, in Spain, Don Alberto explains that he wasn’t having the best day but after eating Emonis hen, he was reminded of his aunt and memories he had of her (294). Once again I think the authors choice to show what the recipe is meant to serve at the beginning of each part, does a great job of really allowing the reader to understand the gift Emoni has when it comes to her cooking. What do you guys think ?

Declan wrote: "In Guess Who's Back Emoni walks into the cooking class and begins to cook. She was recently put into Amanda and Richards group because she would change the recipe and would lose points because of i..."
I agree that multitasking is definitely an underlying theme of this book. Emoni is extremely busy, obviously having to balance being a senior in high school having to apply to college, working, having to raise money for her trip to Spain, let all having a 2 year old child. Acevedo writes " Its probably because I'm so distracted that I break the one rule every student at Schomburg Charter knows better than to break..." (250). I like this line because it shows the beginning of the problems that arise from emend phone being taken away from her. Because she is so busy and overwhelmed from having to take on so many things at once, she forgets that she's unable to use her phone during school, which then causes the security guard to take it, and that starts the snowball effect of missing the calls from Emmas school, not knowing where her grandmother was and having Tyrones mother (Ms. Palmer) belittle Emoni about how she is as a mother. What are your thoughts ?

Stephanie wrote: "Abby wrote: "I think the choice to include some Spanish language in her writing, Acevedo is able to covey the theme of Emonis Puerto Rican heritage. Even in the chapter “Blood Boil”, when Emoni is ..."
I believe that the author includes this to make it known to the readers that even though Emoni is going to a school where every speaks English and she is not living in a Spanish speaking country like her father is in Puerto Rico, her culture is still being preserved which many times in todays society people lose their cultures, some people not even being able to understand the language from where their parents or grandparents come from. The author wants to make the readers aware that Emoni still holds onto her Puerto Rican heritage.

I think the choice to include some Spanish language in her writing, Acevedo is able to covey the theme of Emonis Puerto Rican heritage. Even in the chapter “Blood Boil”, when Emoni is beyond stressed at the fact that Emma is sick and Tyrone’s mother, Mrs Palmer was criticizing Emonis parenting skills, abluela clearly sees how Emoni is stressed because she is crying and the first thing she says is “Qué te pasa?” The author makes this choice to write using the Spanish language to show the readers that Emonis Puerto Rican heritage is still prevalent and a big factor in her life. Acevedo does not just tell the readers that Emoni is Puerto Rican but she incorporates the language within her writing to express to the readers the theme of her family and ancestry.

Eva wrote: "In "With the Fire on High", the author conveys the theme of Emoni's internal struggle with not having her parents and uses imagery to develop that theme throughout Part 1. Emoni expresses a deep lo..."
I agree that Emoni struggles with the fact that she did not grow up being raised by her parents but instead her grandmother. Yes, Emoni loves her abuela unconditionally but a part of her is still spiteful about not having parents. Emoni expresses to the readers how hurt she was when her father Julio came to visit and then just packed up and left. Despite the fact that Emoni has that internal struggle of feeling like her father doesn't care for her, and wishing he would stay in Philadelphia with her and babygirl, she still truly loves and cares about him. When Emoni hears a storm is hitting Puerto Rico, the only thing that concerns her is her fathers safety. Acevedo states, " And thank god I called him this past Wednesday... I take my hurt feelings and fold them small, tucking them away in a corner of my heart" The author uses imagery to express the fact that yes, Emoni is still struggling with the fact that her father left, but the love she has for him didn't disappear, and she put her hurt feelings aside to check in on Julio and make sure he's alright.

Stephanie wrote: "Abby wrote: "Acevedo uses imagery a decent amount throughout this novel to convey her themes. Obviously the author uses imagery when speaking about cooking, for example stating “ The chicken looks ..."
Yes i agree that Emoni is afraid to let people into her life. Originally Emoni tries to close her self off from malachi after having gone what she went through, like you said, she's scared. But throughout that novel we see recovery really begin to happen. " I mean I know were not friends, or whatever" He smiles. The playful gleam is back is in his eyes" (107). Once again, Acevedo uses imagery to describe malachis character and highlight the impact that he is making. Recovering from her teen pregnancy is a process and and we can start to see the journey that Emoni starts to take on the path to recovery through the way she interacts with Malachi.

Acevedo uses imagery a decent amount throughout this novel to convey her themes. Obviously the author uses imagery when speaking about cooking, for example stating “ The chicken looks juicy, smothered in onions...” (92). However the way the author uses imagery to describe Malachi really stands out to me. I believe that Malachi’s character represents a recovery process from Emonis pregnancy. After Emoni became pregnant with Tyrone’s child, it makes sense that’d she’d want to keep away from boys. The way the author describes Malachis character allows the reader to understand the theme of recovery. Acevedo writes “ But then he smiles. Dimples popping out on both cheeks like billboards for joy...” (66). The imagery used to describe Malachi let’s the reader understand how this boy is starting to have an impact on Emoni, how just his smile messes with her emotions. This helps to express the theme of recovery, that even though she may be denying the impact Malachi has on her, it’s definitely there. Two years after being a pregnant teen she is finally starting to recover and fall for this boy.

Declan wrote: "I strongly doubt that this could happen in the future to the United States. I strongly doubt this because people are too involved in politics for big changes to be made quickly. Another reason why ..."
I agree that the fact that people are so involved in politics the chances of this happening in real life are slim. Another reason that a real life Handmaids Tale is unlikely is because of the amount of human and women's rights activist and groups we have here in the United States. Think about how prevalent movements such as MeToo are in todays society, a movement that fights any type of sexual harassment or assault. Despite the fact that Offred states " Nor does rape cover it: nothing is going on here that I haven't signed up for" (94). Obviously what is happening in this scene and throughout this novel is not okay, and even though Offred says its not rape, clearly it is sexual assault and frankly I just cannot see this dystopian universe ever becoming real. Groups like the U.S Human Rights Network is just one of hundreds of Human Rights groups in the United States. Because this country has become so invested in making sure ever person is treated fairly, and the number of activist and movements grow everyday, I can't see a future like this ever happening, at least in the United States.

Kyla wrote: "I don't think the events that occurred in Gilead in the novel could happen in the United States because of the foundation the nation was built upon. Events such as the forced separation of families..."
I do agree that Gilead could ever become a reality, however, like you stated, the nation was built off Independence and free will, this did not stop Americans from using slavery for three centuries, so it could be argued that despite the fact that the United States was built off of wanting independence from the British, it does not always mean every human is treated fairly or given rights. Starting in the seventeenth century and lasting all the way until the nineteenth century, African Americans were sold as property, physically and mentally abused and forced to work, until death. Obviously the events that took place in this fiction novel, are horrifying to think about ever happening in real life but slavery was not much different. Slaves were constantly separated from their families, and were obviously not given basic rights. In the novel it says " It isn't running away they're afraid of. We wouldn't get far. Its those other escapes, the ones you can open in yourself, given a cutting edge" (8). This was a chilling sentence to read knowing that the Handmaids would rather not be alive then live in the conditions they are living, making the reader believe that a reality of this is impossible, so its crazy to think, that something, so similar to this happened here, in the United States, where humans, real people were living with similar conditions, and possibly craving death rather then live the way they currently are. Despite all this, slavery has not existed since the 1800s, and this nation is becoming more and more progressive everyday , and the majority of people living in the United States, are disgusted by slavery, racism, sexism and so on. Its just interesting to think that although America. has a foundation of independence that may not mean, people of the United States have always treated others in this country the right way the right way.

Personally I do not think that what took place in this novel, could ever take place in reality in the United States. I believe that this generation is far to progressive for human and women rights that something so drastic like the Handmaids Tale could ever become a reality. The main plot surrounding the Handmaids Tale is that women, the Handmaids, are used for their bodies to get pregnant and reproduce. At one point in the novel, while in a bath, Offred states " I used to think of my body as an instrument, of pleasure, or a means of transportation, or an implement for the accomplishment of of my will...one with me. Now the flesh arranges itself differently. Im a cloud, congealed around a central object " (71-72). Offred explains that she no longer feels that her body is hers, it is simply an object that is used when needed. Its just so hard to imagine something like this ever happening in the future, because in America most people have such a negative attitude toward, anything that discriminates any people, or violates human rights.

Stephanie wrote: "Imagery is used in the chapters by giving readers a visual representation of the scene. Atwood describes the scene by stating "The floor was of varnished wood, with stripes and circles painted on i..."

I know personally that when I am reading, I love to imagine and picture the scenario that is being described by the words. Atwood does a great job of giving the reader a clear visual. On page 16, where Offred is meeting the new wife of the commander, she says " She put her cigarette out, half smoked, in a little scrolled ashtray on the lamp beside her ". Atwood gives a specific description of this scene, really allowing the reader to be invested and see the scene play out for themselves.

Jonathan wrote: "Margaret Atwood makes abundant use of color for establishing symbolism in the novel. Atwood makes some objects more colorful if they are more positive and makes other objects darker and more dull t..."
On page 94, when Offred is being used for what Handmaids are meant to be used for in this novel, she brings up the canopy above the bed quite a bit. I believe that this canopy blue symbolize hope of freedom during this horrible time. Offred states " I lie still and picture the unseen canopy over my head. I remember Queen Victorias advice to her daughter : ' Close your eyes and think of England..." Offred is trying to distract herself from what is going on, she tries to picture the canopy and think of England. Offred also mentions that she is " under Serena Joys silvery canopy" Atwood decision include the fact that it is silver, because silver is a bright shiny color, it could symbolize a bright future, and hope.

Eva wrote: "Margaret Atwood uses symbolism in the novel to emphasize a point she is trying to make about the society represented in the book. A society that bases a woman's value on her ability to conceive and..."
Atwood uses names to symbolize status in the novel, the commander and the commanders wife have a high status, the Marthas are lower then the commander and his wife. At the bottom of the social hierarchy are the Handmaids. The name its self, as well as the colors are huge symbols in representing status in society. On page 15, the Offred is being moved to a new place and is meeting the commanders wife, Offred calls the wife "Ma'am" which then causes the wife to say, " Don't call me ma'am, she said irritably. You're not a Martha" Yes, the color red that Offred is wearing symbolizes her low status, but the names "handmaid" and "Martha" are great symbols of social ranking.

Melissa wrote: "Margaret Atwood included these epigraphs because they connect with some of the topics expressed in the text. For example, the Bible excerpt speaks to the worth of women being dependant on their fer..."
I agree that the epigraph does good job of setting up the novel and the very important idea of fertility and infertility in the Handmaids Tale. A large focus of Atwoods novel is the importance of being able to bear children. The entire purpose of a Handmaid is, to be able to carry a child for the commander and his wife. So this epigraph in the beginning of the novel gives the reader a bit of an idea as to the importance. of fertility in this novel.

Margaret Atwood uses color to symbolize many things throughout the novel, for example, Atwood uses color to symbolize status amongst the people. The commanders wife wears blue , the handmaids wear red and the martha’s wear green. Margaret Atwood also uses color as symbolism, on page 12, Atwood states, “...tulips are opening their cups, spilling out color. The tulips are red, a darker crimson towards the stem, as if they have been cut and are beginning to heal again “. This sentence could be used to describe the handmaids, and how Offred is feeling, like she has been cut and wants to heal again. Describing the red of the flower gives a deeper meaning and represents hurt and struggle that the handmaids have to go through.

Margaret Atwood uses tremendous amounts of imagery to let the reader understand the situation in which the narrator is in. Even the first sentence is filled with imagery, Atwood states “ ... floor of varnished wood, with stripes and circles painted on it,” (3). The clear description of the gymnasium allows readers to picture it in their minds. Later on Atwood says “ ... in miniskirts, then pants, then in one earring, spiky green- streaked hair. “ This text is rich in imagery and Margaret Atwood does a great job of really allowing the reader to experience the text and visualize what they are reading.

Margaret Atwood’s purpose for including the epigraphs, is to set up the reader for the text they are about to read. The first epigraph states “Give me children, or else I die”. I believe this is showing infertility of women, and the struggle for those who cannot bear children. The first epigraph lets the reader know that there might be a struggle for women to have children, and the pain that women go through because of this. The second epigraph is an excerpt from Johnathan Swift’s “ A modest proposal”, Swift jokingly suggest the idea that people in Ireland should use children as a food source. This could show the struggle for food in the novel and desperateness of people when they are hungry. The third epigraph seems to have a similar meaning, that when you are desperate, you will do anything to survive, basically like who says you cannot eat stones if you need to ?



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