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

Sage’s comments from the Spine Crackers group.

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 bonds and believing in yourself. T..."
I really like how you narrowed down Acevedo's use of metaphors to sour, bittersweet and savory. I wasn't even thinking about making that connection, I think that was really clever.

Abby wrote: "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..."
I completely agree, going back to what I said about Angelica and Laura's date, it was so successful partly because of Emoni's soulful cooking. Also, I think it is clear that Emoni inspired and showed such a great passion for cooking through her emails with Aunt Sarah that it impacted her to send Emoni money for the trip. Even though they've barely met and Emoni never knew her money, she was able to make a connection through their sharing of recipes.

Acevedo starts each different section with a recipe that I believe is to serve as a reminder for readers that food can be good for the soul. I think that this concept can be characterized as a motif due to its occurrence throughout the novel. Emoni expresses that food is her passion, the only thing she feels that she is really talented at. Due to her situation with Babygirl, poor grades and financial restraints, Emoni worries about her future. However, demonstrated throughout the book, food has the ability to bring people together and ease the stress regarding certain situations. While talking to Abuela, Malachi reveals that he only learned how to cook to take care of his brother, "...'I really do like the [culinary] class. I did a lot of the cooking growing up because my mother worked late and I was the oldest. So I was the one making sure my brother was well fed' " (157). Cooking for his brother most likely created a strong sense of responsibility and protectiveness in Malachi for his brother. In another section, Angelica becomes increasingly worried about a date with her girlfriend Laura and wants to make her a special dinner, with Emoni's help. While telling Emoni the details of the date, Laura says " 'I've had your cooking a dozen times, but there was one point where Laura and I both put our forks down and just grinned like little kids because we were so happy' " (183). On page 272, Emoni feels anxious because her hours at work have been reduced and Tyrone is taking Babygirl for the weekend and is desperate to do anything to take her mind off of things, "I think about calling Malachi, or seeing if I can bribe Angelica with food....But instead, I go into the kitchen and take ingredients out of the fridge" (272-273). IIn the third part of the book, "Bittersweet", Emoni feels overwhelmed, "...all I want tod o is snuggle in 'Buela's lap and ask her to fix my life for me. To make the decisions...I...walk downstairs into the kitchen. Set the oven to 350 degrees. Grab flour. Butter. Salt..." (376). These situations display the idea that food has the ability to make light of circumstances and make people closer.

Jonathan wrote: "In chapters Coven and Dreams, Acevedo uses her rich writing to portray the “like mother, like daughter” concept as a theme. It is evident in these chapters that Emoni tends to compare Babygirl’s li..."
That's actually a really interesting connection you made, now that you brought it up, I totally see it. Also, in the chapter "A Numbers Game" Abuela says "...'The food was good and everybody looked happy...I could taste you in the sweet potato...They tasted like you. Even Baby Emma could tell' I look at the stroller where Babygirl is licking the palm of her hand" (225-226). I think this quote shows Babygirl's love of food and Abuela's assumption that Babygirl has the ability to be able to taste her mother's cooking which allows the readers to assume that perhaps Emma has inherited her mother's "special taste buds".

Jonathan wrote: "Sage wrote: "The chapter "Winter Dinner" displays the theme of hard work and discipline serving to be more useful than relying on only talent. Since the beginning of Emoni's experience with the new..."
I think that if Acevedo did decide to allow Emoni's impulses to take control, something would have happened which would further prove Chef Ayden's point. I feel like maybe it would be like their trip to Spain is endangered or the integrity of the program. However, if Emoni managing her desire to add to the recipe wasn't a main challenge for her in this novel, her adding something new would have maybe turned out for the better or gone unnoticed.

Melissa wrote: "Unconditional love for those close to you is an obvious theme throughout "With the Fire on High". Emoni loves Babygirl and would do anything for her despite the extra trouble she has to go through...."
I agree! Emoni's love for Babygirl is clear throughout the entire novel. Within everything Emoni does, Babygirl is clear in her mind. Emoni strives to accomplish her goals for Babygirl, so she isn't afraid to be anything she wants to be in the future but Emoni is also willing to sacrifice her won dreams for Babygirl's, "That I'd rather save my money for my daughter's college tuition instead of my own" (124).

Stephanie wrote: "Acevedo connects imagery to the theme of being faced with constant challenges. Having a child at a young age, and trying her best to keep up her grades, as well as pursuing her dream of being a che..."
Yes I actually think its quite clever how Acevedo also uses imagery associated with baking. Not only does this keep it relevant to the whole main subject of the book but I think it further immerses the readers into Emoni's world and mind.

The chapter "Winter Dinner" displays the theme of hard work and discipline serving to be more useful than relying on only talent. Since the beginning of Emoni's experience with the newly offered culinary arts class, she has struggled with following the exact recipes. This often got her in trouble with Chef Ayden who always preached the benefits of following the recipe, someone could be allergic to her unlisted additive and so on. In "Winter Dinner", Emoni fights the urge to add her own twist on a dish, "Chili aioli would make this bomb...I almost walk to the spice cabinet, then stop myself...That's not the recipe" (220). Due to everything going according to plan, the dinner was a success that secured their trip to Spain. This is where the theme can be shown, perhaps if Emoni did feed into her impulses, something could have gone terribly wrong. What has made Emoni an especially unique and talented chef was her ability to create interesting ingredient combos in her head, without ever tasting them before. Her newly gained self control regarding this talent not only showcases the theme but her character development.

A theme that is becoming clear in the beginning section of "With The Fire On High" is knowing where you come from. In the chapter "Black Like Me", Emoni discusses how due to her exotic look, people often mistake her for other races but she reminds true to her Puerto Rican and black heritage, she isn't ashamed to be herself, "...I'm always defending the parts of me I've inherited from my mother...The same wisdom I whisper to Babygirl every now and then, a reminder of where, and who, we are from" (69-70) Even in these early chapters, Acevedo makes it clear to readers that familial history is important to Emoni, perhaps because of her mother's death or her father's lack of time spent with her as a parental figure. "People wonder why I...mean mug and carry grit like loose change in my pocket...everyone in Philadelphia reps their hood just like me...Where we come from leaves it's fingerprints all over us..." (87). This quote paints the image of people hardened by life's difficult experiences. Emoni makes a reference to everyone "repping their hood", she ensures that wherever she goes, she shows where she comes from.

Jonathan wrote: "I do not believe that the events that took place in "The Handmaid's Tale" could happen in the future of the United States. In the novel, some people are not even "allowed out, except for...walks, t..."
Although ideally, we would like to think that everyone in America is treated equally but sadly that is not the case. Many are still discriminated against because of their gender, race or sexuality. There is still a magnitude of ethical conflicts. Due to the anti feminist sentiments in the United States, this could be comparable to Gilead. In Gilead, men have all the power. They are the ones who are having sex with another person, they don't have to feel the pain of watching the person you love be with someone else, their wives are subservient to them. Women are not allowed to read or even taught, to keep them obedient, "You can see the place, under the lily, where the lettering was painted out, when they decided that even the names of shops were too much temptation for us" (25). In other countries, women still have trouble getting an education because of gender discrimination.

Eva wrote: "I do not believe that the exact events presented in the novel could happen in the future. This is because in modern day society there are certain rights given to all people, and because there are o..."
This is similar to a point I was trying to make in my post. The situation between the handmaids and other violations of human rights in current society may not be exact but are definitely comparable. Offred describes her feelings towards her family that she has been separated from, "If I thought this would never happen again I would die...There's nobody here I can love, all the people I could love are dead or elsewhere" (95). The separation of families can be related back to what you said about Muslims and homosexuals being persecuted. It can also be connected to the current deportations occurring in the United States under the Trump administration. Usually deportation officers try to keep families together, especially mothers and children but for the first time, children are being separated and put in unknown camps. It is difficult for these families to reunite again due to the fact that a majority of the time, they do not know where one another is being held.

Abby wrote: "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 sh..."
I think that Atwood included Swift's sarcastic/satirical excerpt to show how unnecessarily extreme the situation in Gilead is. An entire revolutionary movement was based off of a single biblical quote. Handmaids are expected to repopulate the United States which sounds very outlandish. The authority of Gilead took away almost all of the rights women had because infertility rates were high and adopted the idea of handmaids instead of looking towards technology and science for a different and less oppressive option.

Eva wrote: "Kyla wrote: "Sage wrote: "Atwood uses certain to represent different aspects of the society in Gilead. Color is used to show the most vital characteristic of Gilead, childbirth. However, red can al..."
I really didn't think that deeply into the different names of the authority but that's actually a really interesting point. The whole handmaid lifestyle is supported by a singular biblical quote but at the same time the ritual handmaids perform can also be seen as going against one of the Ten Commandments, "Thou shalt not commit adultery". It appears to me that Gilead's society is very conflicting in different aspects.

Kyla wrote: "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. Anot..."
I agree that the circumstances in the Handmaids tale are not present in other nations, however, I do believe that in many countries like Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the treatment of women is much worst than described in the Handmaid's tale. The handmaids at least consented to their lifestyle, many women in these countries do not have a choice at all, men control almost every aspect of their life. Although many handmaids are disliked by other women, their role in society is seen as crucial and extremely important. In these countries, women are disregarded and have little value. Maybe the exact circumstances in the handmaids tale will not occur but the conditions of women in these countries and other countries similar will worsen.

I do not think that the society that is present in Gilead could occur in the United States. However, this oppression towards women is already present in other societies and/or could happen in the near future in other countries. I do not believe that this society could be sustained in America due to the essential principle of democracy present in the U.S. Even if some people began to popularize this idea, I think (and hope) that there would be too many people to go against this ideology and would never let it actually happen. Democracy in the United States has created a nation of people that know their rights, (some) push for reform and change and attempt to protect essential human rights. The ideology connected with being a handmaid also goes against core values present in American society, all people are created equally and are born with natural rights that are protected in numerous amendments. Unfortunately, in other countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, their treatment of women can be comparable to the treatment of handmaids on many levels. Sharia law is very strict in Saudi Arabia and makes women completely subservient to men. In the United Arab Emirates, women are constantly discriminated against for their gender. In both of these nations, women are not protected against domestic violence and abuse. Many people in these nations only think of women as birth givers and that women's only role is to take care of the home and support their husband.

Kyla wrote: "Throughout the first few chapters of the book “The Handmaids Tale” Atwood incorporates imagery into the text to give an in depth description of life in the Republic of Gilead. In the houses where t..."
I didn't even realize Atwood could also be using imagery to express the rigidness of the society. The quote means "Don't let the bastards grind you down" which can be interpreted in many ways. I think that the other handmaid was leaving a message of empowerment for others to come and even herself, to not lose sight of who you are and your value because of the degrading and invasive aspect of being a handmaid and living in this oppressive society. This message of female strength goes against almost every pillar in Gilead. Women are meant to be subordinate. Their purpose is to serve others. The Marthas take care of the household, the handmaids provide children for the Commander and his wife, the Wives are obedient to their husbands.

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..."
This can also be observed with the outfits of the different social classes. As Offred describes, "Everything except the wings around my face is red..." (8). However, the Marthas outfits are described as "...her usual Marthas dress, which is dull green...but nobody cares who sees the face of a Martha" (9). The handmaids are dressed in red, a color often associated with vibrancy. The handmaids are seen as a crucial class in this society, the future population of Gilead rests almost solely on them. The Marthas are basically servants, they perform household chores like cooking and cleaning. Their role isnt seen to be as essential so their attire is dull and bland.

Eva wrote: "Abby wrote: "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 he..."
I agree that the handmaids' role in society is very crucial but I think morally and ethically, their social status could be considered the lowest place. Even though they have consented to this lifestyle, in a way, they have not actually consented because this is their best option, the latter is to be a prostitute in a brothel. Handmaids are basically child conceiving prostitutes in their own way anyway and many people look down upon them even though their society revolves around their conception. An example of other social class' contempt for the handmaids is when Offred and Ofglen pass a funeral concession, "We pause, out of respect, while they go by...Beneath her veil, the first one scowls at us. One of the others turns aside, spits on the sidewalk. The Econowives do not like us" (44). Rita, a Martha who works in the same household as Offred, also expresses her dislike of the handmaid's work, "I heard Rita say to Cora that she wouldn't debase herself like that" (10).

Atwood uses certain symbols to represent different aspects of the society in Gilead. Color is used to show the most vital characteristic of Gilead, childbirth. However, red can also be seen as a seductive, sinful color. The handmaids have to practice a ritual that involves sexual intercourse with the Commander, who is married. This could also be seen as a sinful routine due to its adulterous nature. The Commander's wife, Serena Joy is especially cold towards Offred, as most of the wives are, "She doesn't turn her head. She doesn't acknowledge my presence in any way, although she knows I'm there...Its not the husbands you have to watch out for...its the Wives...Of course they will resent you" (46). Another symbol could be the description of authority in Gilead. The Eye, the secret police and the Guardians and Angels. The police are often described as being abrasive, "Last week they shot a woman...She was fumbling in her robe, for her pass..." (20). The "always watching" aspect of the authority in Gilhead could represent oppressive surveillance or paranoia.

Atwood includes a series of epigraphs in the beginning of the novel to foreshadow the developing plot and tone that is present in the story. The purpose can be seen in the following quote, "...Give me children, or else I die...And Jacob's anger was kindled against Rachel...Behold my maid Bilhah...and she shall bear upon my knees, that I may also have children by her" (Genesis 30:1-3). This quote is describing the situation that is occurring in Gilead, infertility is extremely high. The handmaids are used as vessels to carry other people's children. Jealousy and anger due to others' pregnancies are extremely prevalent in this society. Atwood uses imagery in these beginning chapters to show how unfulfilling, isolated and archaic life in Gilead is. In the very beginning, Offred describes a room the handmaids were kept in before being assigned to a family, "...folk art...made by women, in their spare time...A return to traditional values. Waste not want not" (7). Everything luxurious has been removed from this society. They only are allowed to have what they need and things that will help with fertility. Offred tells the reader that "Everything except the wings around my face is red: the color of blood, which defines us...The white wings are prescribed to keep us from seeing, but also being seen" (8). The handmaid's outfit represents subordination and misogyny. The handmaid's only role in society is birth giving, if you do not become a handmaid, you will end up with a worst fate. Their outfits are extremely modest and traditional. There is no chance for individuality or satisfaction because everyone's purpose is to aid in pregnancy.