Roland’s Comments (group member since Oct 01, 2015)

Roland’s comments from the Forms of Literature (Keating's Goodreads Discussion forum) group.

Eunice wrote: "The greatest symbolism in the story “The Horse Dealer’s Daughter” by D.H. Lawrence conveys the theme of death and rebirth is after her father dies and loses her wealth, Mabel goes to her mother's g..."

I agree and like this different point of view. That the story's theme of death and rebirth. I also agree that Mabel felt an instant connection with her mother, because she felt dead inside like her mother.

Julio wrote: "In the story “The Horse Dealer’s Daughter” by D.H. Lawrence is repleted with variety sets of symbolisms within the lines of the text, however the overall symbolic trait of the story is rebirth. The..."

I agree the home of mabel and the three brothers radiates the feeling of emptiness. Mabel did try to drown herself to join her mother, becuase she thought that was her real life, and not the one she was living in.

In the story "The Horse Dealer's Daughter" the three brothers and the sister are given symbols of animals. Joe, the oldest brother, his symbol was that of a chained obedient horse. For example, "The horses were almost like his own body to him. He would marry and go into harness. His life was over, he would be a subject animal now." The second brother, Fred Henry, is described as an alpha horse "He was an animal, like Joe, he was an animal which controls, not one which is controlled. He was master of any horse." The youngest brother, Malcolm, was a described as a dog, for example, "He was the baby of the family, a young man of twenty-two, with a fresh, jaunty museau." Mable the sister like Malcolm was symbolized as a dog as well. "The girl was alone, a rather short, sullen-looking young woman of twenty-seven. She would have been good-looking, save for the impassive fixity of her face, “bull-dog,” as her brothers called it."

Maya wrote: "In Soldier’s Home, Krebs was a frat boy before going to war. He most likely was a very social and youthful (in all aspects) individual. Upon returning from the war, he seems to need approval and to..."

I agree Krebs wanted things and women but didn't want to work for them. He wanted them to come to him. The story did gives a tone of isolation and detachment that fits perfectly the character.

Jose wrote: "Harold Krebs, the main character in the piece of literature “Soldier’s Home” by  Hemingway, is a boy who believed in the systems of religion, tradition and ‘family  values,’ before being deployed i..."

I agree the horrors of war combined with people and family not giving Harold time to cope.That only made him desire a simple life even more.

In "Soldier's Home" by Ernest Hemingway,Before the war Krebs is a cheerful frat boy at Methodist college in Kansas taking a group photo with his fraternity brothers. After the war Krebs changed he wasn't very social and outgoing. Krebs sympathy for other was gone, for example when the mother asked if he loved her, and he replied "No" to her. Which he regretted of saying and apologized to his mother,and asked her to believe him that he did lover her. Krebs wanting " to live without consequences" means he wanted to live carefree and with no responsibilities in his life. The tone and style of the story fit the character. The story gives a tone and style of emotional distance and isolation, which the character Krebs in his life plays throughout the story.

Leslie wrote: "In the story, "I Stand Here Ironing", Emily is portrayed in her mother's point of view as a flat character. For instance, her mother describes her as "a child seldom smiled at", characterizing her ..."

I agree Emily's mother does characterize her as a depressed child through most of the story. The mother does describe little change in Emily's personality. Which Emily in the end does transforms into a round character.

Jesus wrote: "In the story "I Stand Here Ironing", by Tillie Olsen, Emily is first portrayed as a flat-character by her mother. Emily's mother states how once Emily turns two years old "all the baby loveliness w..."

I agree with your point of view. The mother does portray Emily as a flat character in the beginning. Emily's mother point of view does change after Emily makes people laugh with her acting and comedy, which the audience keeps applauding and applauding.

At the beginning of " I Stand Here Ironing" through the mother's point of view Emily is portrayed as a flat character one-dimensional one who doesn't show many traits. She is portrayed as a sad and depressed child throughout most of the story. But as the story continues and develops Emily becomes a round character. She changes into a multi-dimensional character with her comedy, her acting, and her presence on stage making people laugh and happy.