In two separate paragraphs:
1) Choose a particularly poignant quote from FIESTA and explain the reason of your choice. Copy the quote LITERALLY.
2) Choose a quote from ANNUNZIATA that you can connect with your choice from FIESTA - explain the logic of this connection. Copy the quote LITERALLY.
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Part 2)
1) Read the comments immediately above yours and state whether you had/had not noticed it. Also, evaluate its importance.
2) Read all your classmates' comments: choose one or more to reply to, using the same approach.
I will select some of the quotes from the blog and use them in the quiz for identification.
“This is cemetery. The underground where Job has sent worker to dwell with soil and worm while above them the hungry press breast and electrify God’s earth with desire of their return. This is living where none may transmit the unwritten melody of warm blood’s grief.” (P131) This quote was narrated when Annunziata, Paul and Louis went to the cemetery to visit their loved ones. I choose this quote because it is explaining how the men worked so hard in life and were faced with a tragedy that led them to die. Their families and those around them continue to suffer with hunger and grief waiting for their return. Paul’s family and friends continues to fight and live their life the best they can since their loved ones are gone. It is a hard challenge to face, I wouldn’t know how to handle it.
ReplyDelete“The men are driven. And they prefer death or injury to loss of work. Work and die. Today I did not die. I have been let to live today and must be thankful that tomorrow I may return to work--to die.” (P218) This quote can relate to the quote I choose from Fiesta because they both share the connection of death and work. The men are driven to work each day to help support their family and survive. When the men go to work they are faced with the fear of loosing their job and being left with nothing. They would rather be faced with death and tragedies that can possible occur. Their work and life goes hand in hand. They are grateful for each day and hope they make it to see tomorrow. A tragedy can happen any day whether its hunger, illness, unemployment, injuries or death, yet they do what they have to in order to survive.
Honestly the quotes you chose are probably the most depressing ones in the entire chapter. I like how you looked at them, I thought about the same things when reading these quotes in the book.
DeleteI noticed both quotes while reading the book. I believe the first quote has a really deep meaning behind it's words. The personification that's given to the "job" and how it can physically and emotionally ruin people's lives. Like you said, they continue to work hard and struggle in order to make it. The second quote also provides a more straight forward understanding of how desperate they are. They rather death, than to lose their job.
Delete“Have you seen God?”
ReplyDeletePaul felt something weakening him.
“Louis-haven’t you-don’t you believe in God?”
The gray eyes turned full on him
“There is no God.”
I chose this passage because I believe it portrays and grasps two very different aspects on the views of life and hardships. This is a clear view of how appalled Paul feels by Louis’ reactions towards religion and God. Paul has grown up with the idea that God is the almighty that will solve or protect you when you’re facing troubles, Louis though completely abolishes that idea. This passage creates a sense of contrast between the two characters and many other people at this point in life. Louis represents those that have lost the faith and/or never had faith. Paul though, represents those who will always rely on their faith to get them through their struggles. It’s two different ways of showing strength.
“Mama! What are you praying for!”
In votive lamp’s lume she turned.
“...Paul...?”
He pointed to the crucifix.
“That’s a lie.”
His words strangled her.
“-Our Dio?”
“What Dio and Dio!”
After reading Annunziata, this passage made a connection with my first choice from Fiesta. Just from reading the two passages, you get the automatic connection between these characters and their sudden change of faith. This is particularly important because it points out Paul’s change in character and perspective. This shows he has grown weak and has turned away from God. He has allowed for his struggles to overcome the faith that he always carried within him. This passage now shows the contrast between mother and son. Annunziata is baffled to hear Paul speak of such, just as Paul was once stunned to hear Louis speak like this. Paul has realized something that is inevitable and not his mother, nor God or his faith will save him from this.
I noticed these quotes and I agree with you that they are important. I also felt that Paul started to be weak and lost faith after all the things that he went through.
DeleteThese quotes also stood out to me, they showed a great sense of irony, to see once upon a time Paul was the one with so much faith and now, he abandoned his faith and is acting similar to the way Louis did.
DeleteThese are two great parts of the novel. These quotes have importance because so many instances in Paul's life led him to feel by the end of the book that God does not exist. I do agree with Karissa as well about the irony. Paul was shocked to find out that Louis did not believe in God. Yet, by the end of the novel, Paul is the one who changes his mind about God and does not believe in His existence.
DeleteThese quotes stood out to me too! I chose the same one for fiesta. I could understand why Louis said what he said.
DeleteI also agree with these two quotes on how Paul was losing his religion. Losing his faith in God.
DeleteI too found the last quote very interesting with his change of belief. I thought that maybe Louis' thoughts finally seeped inside and made him realize that praying would get him no where.
Delete1) “The scaffolds rose a floor a day. With each floor the height and majesty of skyscraper fascinated him, but he never told mother Annunziata about the danger of falling or being pushed from a swinging scaffold forty or fifty floors above the street”. I chose this quote from” Fiesta” because it gave me a sense that something bad will happen in the next chapters. It shows how dangerous the job was and that Paul was scared that something bad can happen to him and that he might die on the job but at the same time he had to work. It also reminded me of how Geremio didn’t speak about his dangerous job to Annunziata and was also scared too but didn’t quit and the result was his death in a horrible accident.
ReplyDelete2) “The man Nazone rocketed away from Paul and the Scaffold through deathed nothing and smashed to the street bridge twenty floors below”. This quote from “Annunziata” is related to the quote from “Fiesta” because it is another confirmation that the job was dangerous and that Paul had a feeling that something bad will happen and it was Nazone his god father death, this accident made Paul more scared from before and he felt that he will also end up dying in a horrible accidentlike his dad and Nazone.
Both this quotes tell a good description about where paul worked. It obiously was a dangerous job for a kid so young. Due to unforunate circumstances, he was helpless and had to take on the job regardless of how dangerous it was.
DeleteThese 2 quotes reminded me of Geremio. As you said in the beginning, Geremio also spoke little of his job to Annunziata, the same way Paul never told Annunziata of the danger. Also, Geremio suffered a similar death as Nazone, in that they both died on the Job.
DeleteI think veronica did a good job picking up on the signs of trouble to come and the ability to connect them. Good writings always contain foresights, this is an example of one.
Delete1)"A great mass of interwinding stone foundation walls lay waiting to bear building on its rubble shoulders". I chose this quote because it showed me how Paul, who is clearly desperate to do right for his family, would have his own beliefs suffer so greatly. It tells me that as God begins to slip as something for Paul to believe in and trust, the job increases its own hold on his body and psyche. It also shows me that even though Paul recommences to work and supports his family, and though this slightly improves their condition, the job never ceases to wear Paul down. His beliefs are starting to wane. This passage shows me that God is fleeting from him, but it is the job that is real and immediate and tangible. This quote tells me that the job and Paul are joined together and from its influence he cannot escape. It is like the job is an entity, it provides work and life to all of the Italian men in Paul’s community, as it demands that they pay daily homage to it. Paul doesn't see the light. The job is stronger than his beliefs.
ReplyDelete2)"‘...not even the Death can free us, for we are. . . Christ in concrete . . .’" This quote from Annunziata connects to the quote from Fiesta because the hardships and difficulties that Paul faced in the reality of life had caused his faith to weaken. He had lost what he once believed in that could have saved his life. Paul then begins to dream looking for an answer. He dreams that he is looking for Christ, for a sign from his savior, but finds the job instead. Within his dream, he finds his father who labors at the job, by basically saying the job is inescapable. This quote states that Paul fully realizes how unfair his life, the lives of the other immigrants, are. He had spend his life praying to God and hoping for rewards after death, but he has lost his faith. The job is all that is left to him. Though he sees that eventually it will do to him what it did to his father, his uncle, and his godfather, Job is inevitable and inescapable. Though Annunziata is greatly grieved by his loss of faith in the Lord, Christ, and salvation, she can do nothing to alter him; the force of Job has been too strong.
Wow! When I first read those quotes in the book, they didn't signify anything important to me. However, reading your interpretations definitely had second guessing my interpretative skills. Long story short, I agree with you 100%. These quotes are very important because they signify so much.
DeleteYour interpretation of the second quote is very beautiful. It also stuck out to me, mainly because of the "christ in concrete" phrase.
DeleteI agree with your interpretation of the second quote as well and I feel as if it sums up the whole book.
DeleteThe quote i choose from the chapter Fiesta was "It smote Luigi to see Paul's thin arms and the flushed tiredness of his face." I choose this quote because it showed the emotion a uncle has fir his nehphew. If Geremio was alive and Paul was aorking then Geremio would of probably felt that way to. This quote expressed the feelings Luigi felt having to see his sisters son work so hard at such a young age when Luigi could have worked.
ReplyDeleteA quote i choose from Annunziata was "...son...everything in my world is for thee." This quote connects from the previous quote because it shows the relationship a mom has with her son. Even though there two different scenrios, itAnnunzaiat and Luigi are part of Paul's family. They both are the elder figures in paul's life. They both are a supporting system to Paul. This quote has a connection because it show's that besides all the difficulties that are coming in the way of Paul, both mother and uncle still love him. They are both proud of Paul.
Part 2) I noticed the quote from Annunziata and i think its a really important quote because it kind of sums up what Paul's life was like after his father passing away.
I agree that these quotes are important because they show how much Luigi and Annunziata cherished Paul. Luigi loved Paul so much that struck him so hard when he saw that Paul is now taking up the role of the father in the family. Also, Annunziata's statement shows how much she was thankful for all that Paul has done.
Delete1)The quote I chose from Fiesta was , " Paul had planned excitedly with Annunziata about presents for the children. Fifty cents each!" This quote is triggered my emotional side. Paul who is a teenager, doing an adult job, still finds a way to make to make Christmas special for his siblings. Even if that means getting them something small, something worth fifty cents. It shows that Paul has a good heart and he cares so much for his siblings and just wants them to be as happy as they would be if Geremio was alive.
ReplyDelete2)The quote from Annunziata I chose was, " Never back to job, son my son! We will starve, we will wander the streets and crowd ourselves in holes and corners, we will walk on our hands and knees, we will humble ourselves low, rather than you back on Job." This quote connects with the previous quote I chose from fiesta, because again it shows how much the family members care for each other. In this case it shows how much Annunziata cares for Paul, in that she rather's the family be homeless and hungry than Paul suffering. She cares deeply for her son Paul and is not afraid to do anything just to keep him safe and sound.
Yes, I definitely remember the Christmas quote! This quote hit me emotionally as well because he felt the need to take on the role of his father. Paul did not even think about gifts for himself, as any other twelve year old would. He was more concerned about making enough money to buy gifts for all his siblings.
DeleteI agree and noticed these quotes as well. Even though the family is faced with all these hardships they continue to stick together and try to bring joy to one another. Paul is a very hard working and strong individual. Annunziata and the family are so heartbroken and continue to struggle but they are living for each other and to keep try to keep strong. They are doing what they can to feel like a family still and survive.
DeleteI agree with these quotes as well.I think I agree because it spoke of an important and significant event in the novel.I like the understanding of how important theses quotes are.
DeleteFrom Fiesta, I chose the quote:
ReplyDelete"'Remember,' he would admonish, 'he is a child and widow's son; soil not the purity of his mind!'"
I found this quote to be important because this was said by Nazone, Paul's godfather. Nazone was Paul's mentor and had helped Paul get his first job as a bricklayer. Nazone was always good to him and helped him.
From Annunziata, I chose the quote:
"The man Nazone rocketed away from Paul and the scaffold through deathed nothing and smashed to the street bridge twenty floors below. Paul shut his eyes, and when the terrible meaty quash sounded up to him it left him stunned and quaking uncontrollably."
I connected these two quotes simply because Nazone always tried to keep Paul's young mind pure. Yet, his gruesome death changed Paul forever. After witnessing Nazone's death, Paul's personality changed. He has seen so many awful things at such a young age. His mind was no longer pure.
Both quotes hit me pretty hard while reading, they are so descriptive and great choices as well. I like how you connected the two quotes to each other I overlooked these quotes while reading, but reading this showed me it's real importance.
DeleteI only noticed the second quote while reading the book, I think mainly because it spoke of an important and significant event in the novel. I appreciate the way you connected the two though because it gives the first quote from "Fiesta" a deeper meaning. Nazone's tragic death did have a toll on Paul's life and he was no longer around to keep his mind "young and pure" as you said. I wouldn't of made this connection myself.
DeleteI noticed that connection too, however I think he mentions that Nazone's death was like seeing his own father die before him. I was very captivated by this part because Nazone practically looked after Paul as if he was his own. He was the second person to take that father figure position. I believe Paul was more traumatized with Nazone's death moreover his fathers.
Delete1) The quote I chose from Fiesta is, "Paul, the job is not freedom. Your wonderful brain is freedom..." Louis was trying to convince Annunziata to allow Paul to return to school rather than working. Paul, being his responsible and loyal self choses to work and support his family knowing he must. Louis is unable to understand how they could sacrifice Paul like this. I chose this quote since I feel I can relate to it a lot. In high school I had a conversation like this all the time, no one understood why I had to work, they just couldn't come to grips that some people have to work to stay alive, this is exactly what's going on with Paul.
ReplyDelete2) I chose "Brother, hearten thee for we shall be as sticks bound in union. We shall divide our loaf. We shall warm each other and be as one...as is our christ at one with us." as the second quote. Annunziata says this to Luigi when he admits his shame for being unable to provide for the family since the accident. Annunziata, just like Paul, sees the unity within the family and knows the importance in it. Paul sacrificed school to support the family and Annunziata is sacrificing what ever it takes to help Luigi as he attempted to do for them. I feel both quotes show the unity and loyalty of Geremio's family.
I didn't immediately notice your quote from Fiesta at first until reading it here. But I really like how you had a personal connection to it. Like you, almost anyway, during high school I was not working for money, but I was managing being a high school student, trying to graduate, and trying to raise my younger brother and keep a very broken home afloat. I too after reading this quote get hit hard and I can relate. Because at the time no one understood why it was that I was doing the things I had to do. I had to do that to survive at that time in my life.
DeleteI noticed the first quote you chose and was going to relate it as well but I didn't notice the second one. I'm glad you made the connection and allowed me to be aware of the other quote. I agree with the first quote, it is hard for Louis to understand Paul's situation. Paul isn't having much of a childhood like most children should have. He has to work and help support his family rather then enjoy his childhood by going to school with his friend. Even though Louis faced a tragic death of his brother, his life still remains easier then Paul's.
DeleteBoth of these quotes are so descriptive and great choices as well. These are two great parts of the novel that I agree with. You made a good connection between the two quotes.
DeleteFrom Fiesta I chose the quote “The scaffolds rose a floor a day. With each floor the height and majesty of skyscraper fascinated him, but he never told mother Annunziata about the danger of falling or being pushed from a swinging scaffold forty or fifty floors above the street”
ReplyDeleteI chose this from fiesta because reading this immediatley reminded me of Geremio. It showed how Paul now at work himself saw what his father had seen each and every day on the job. The danger and the risk and how the reality of it was too horrifying to tell his mother, much like his father Geremio had acted upon this.
The other quote I chose was "The men are driven. And they prefer death or injury to loss of work. Work and die. Today I did not die. I have been let to live today and must be thankful that tomorrow I may return to work--to die.”
I chose this because I was able to connect this to my Fiesta quote, as Paul saw how dangerous work was and could not tell his mother of the horrors and dangers, this quote from Annunziata just helps further explain that these men would rather death or injury than miss work. It showed that these men needed to work and needed these jobs to support their families, even at the highest of severe consequences. To me the two quotes go hand in hand. Fiesta quopte describing Paul's realization of labor horrors, and this one, showing that these man have no choice but to risk their lives for the well being of their families.
From "Fiesta":
ReplyDelete". . . I tried my luck, but what luck have I, I ask you?"
"Go to the America! Go to the America! cried every open mouth. I went. Here am I. And so what?"
This quote was written by the author in a sad and at the same time comical way. The characters drinking wine during the celebration and discuss their broken expectations in the New World. The scene was described with lightness, with a little bit of humor, as if the characters laughed at their own choices. It evoked some emotions in me and full of desire to participate in their discussion, I wanted to answer, but then. . . then came "Annunziata" chapter, and Nazone did it for me in a way I could not have said better:
". . . This land has become a soil that has contradicted itself, a country of Babel where Christians are beginning to wander about in hungry distress cursing each other in strange tongues, ripping their hearts, and possessing no longer even fingernails with which to scratch their desperation. . . "
These two quotes are not only connected to each other, but fulfill the purpose of the entire story. The first is the beginning and the main idea, when the second is basically, the end. Something similar was reflected in the "Son of Italy".
I had noticed these quotes but did not think as deeply as you did! Awesome, I love understanding the importance of them now.
DeleteI chose the same second quote as you. I think you did a good job in relating it to the bigger themes of the book when I only compared it to a small aspect.
DeleteI am always amazed at your interpretations. I can now understand how it all fits together with the story.
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ReplyDelete"What God"
ReplyDelete"Why...God.."
"Whose God?"
"Whose God? There's only one God"
"Where"
"Everywhere"
I can relate tot his quote and I feel like I have had this conversation with people many times. The "there's only one God" sticks out to me because I never understood how someone could say this and try to imply that the way other people view "God" or religion not true because it is different from their way of thinking.
"We have only one life! One life"
"On earth,yes---"
"No! It is not like that! Here where we are is our only life."
This quote is related to Fiesta because I believe it is showing how Louis is starting to seriously question God. It is hard to talk to someone who is so religious when you have doubts about their faith. It is hard to connect and speak on how you feel without being judged. I think that is what he was going through and why he said what he said.
It is a tribute to all the immigrants who struggled to make a better life for themselves and their families. In the end, no matter how much struggle they have, God is the only one they can look up to.
DeleteI did notice these quotes. Religion is so important in this book and is constantly being referenced to. I believe the doubts of Louis is something significant because it helps bring out the question if all these people are so religious why they suffer so much? I do believe these quotes are important to the themes of the book.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteFiesta
ReplyDelete“The Figure shook his head and melted away”
I chose this quote from when Luigi is heading home from the hospital. The reason I chose it was because I thought it was a sad moment in his life. He did not even recognize himself he felt like the person he was now was more like a stranger, and not even human. The use of language refers to Luigi as an object and I thought it was a shock for him to realize that he is no longer the same. From that moment on he would have to live in a different way than he has been used to. The stranger that he is thinking of when he looks at himself is the unfamiliarity of the life he will have to live from that day on.
Annuziata
“This land has become soil that has contradicted itself, a country of Babel where Christians beginning to wander about in hunting distress cursing each other in strange tongues, ripping their hearts, and possessing no longer even fingernails with which to scratch their desperation.”
The reason I chose this quote was because it connects to a change that happens to the workers. The Wall Street crash has occurred and there is no work. This change causes the men to be in deep distress. The change that happens to Luigi in losing his leg reminded me of how the worker change by losing their jobs. In both instances they are now changing their ways of life. The workers are now adjusting to the life of desperate search for these limited jobs. Luigi also has to adjust his life in terms of work because he can no longer be a laborer.
1) "Brother, why suffers your spirit?"
ReplyDeleteLuigi shook his head.
"Sister, the holiday of my accident shall never leave me. And not only my limb has been dismembered. It was not enough that you have to bear the tragedy of Geremio...and now my woe should press your heart."
"You are ours dear brother. Let no burdening thought cloud your breast. Did you not yourself say we shall live, a way shall be found, and our Christ ever with us?"
This quote I chose from Fiesta shows how great Annunziata's faith is in Jesus Christ. Luigi has recently came out of the hospital with an amputated leg. He feels a great deal of guilt for her little sisters suffering. He made a promise to provide her family financial support however he feels he is only adding to her emotional distress. I feel like Luigi is attached to his emotional problem while his little sister accepts her suffering and basically says its in the past, lets move on. No matter how much Paul or Luigi provide, I feel like she is the one that wears the pants in the house. She is keeping the family together.
2) "Mama! What are you praying for!"
In votive lamp's lume she turned.
"..Paul...?
He pointed to the crucifix.
"Thats a lie"
His words strangled her.
"--Our Dio?"
"What Dio and Dio!"
She gazed about and falteringly sat back on the bed. She looked at him for minutes. Please, Please said her eyes.
I chose this from Annunziata because here we see a drastic turn of belief. Paul lives by the words of God and Christ, however he abandons hope on them as he feels like his prayers are never answered. He has been surrounded by misfortune with his father's death, his uncles accident, and his godfather's recent tragedy. The scene conjures a lot of emotion to the reader. We see Paul's breaking point as he has comes to the realization of the fallacy of prayer. However, Annunziata tells him that they're prayers will be answered. In this part I am not sure whether if it is the religious side of her speaking or if she is depending on the "Cripples" reading.
I do not particularly recall the first quote you chose, but I definitely remember the second. This was also definitely a turning point in the book for me.
DeleteThe quote I chose from Fiesta is, "This is cemetery. This is underground where Job has sent worker to dwell with soil and worm while above them the hungry press breast and electrify God's earth with desire of their return. This is living where none may transmit the unwritten melody of warm blood's grief," (pg. 131). This quote stuck out to me because I felt like it was a very touching and beautiful way to describe a cemetery. Sometimes I take time to visit cemeteries even if I have no personal reason to and the environment of these places is very unique and difficult to describe. The last sentence in particular really struck me; my experiences with walking through these cemeteries made me drawn to this quote.
ReplyDeleteThe quote I chose from Annunziata: "On the third morning earth had floated down into the white hell of day, and as Paul and his godfather came up from the subway, life stood out in pulsing sunlight photography. Morning-born senses brought vividly the solarized city into ken. Sharp against sky's light-light blue concave stood the architectural stance of the buildings - now tall and pointed - now squat and square - now sandstoney buff in ornate rolls - now with jail-bar severity - now ugly - and never beautiful," (pg. 204). When reading any piece of literature, whether it be an article, a novel, or a textbook, I am immediately drawn to vivid descriptions of locations and objects. When I read this section, I instantly made a note of this quote because it reminded me of the way that I sometimes view buildings in Manhattan. I also liked the way that the last sentence was structured; the author used words that are opposites of each other which emphasizes the variety of architecture that can be found in the city. Additionally, when I slowly read this sentence I sort of expected it to end differently. When I look at my surroundings and take in all the different kinds of styles of buildings, I form an appreciation for the particular style of architecture as well as the overall structure. As a result it was unexpected for me to read, "and never beautiful" at the end of the section.
I noticed these quotes as well, and there is great significance in the architecture and beauty in the surroundings, especially in such a chaotic life. Good connection.
DeleteFIESTA
ReplyDelete“Children mine, do not cast eye upon them”
“why not mama?”
“It is a sin…they will not come good”
ANNUNZIATA
“She took the crucifix from the wall and placed it in his hands”
I chose this quote from FIESTA because, I find Annunziatas superstitions very prominent throughout the book, it is clear through everything that she believes there are many things in life that are left to fate.
The quote from ANNUNZIATA similarly shows a sense of hope, or belief in something greater than herself or her flesh like capabilities. All that she and her family go through, it is evident that in some way she feels like her destiny is already chosen.
(FIESTA) “Brother, hearten thee for we shall be as sticks bound in union. We shall divide our loaf. We shall warm each other and be as one…. As is our Christ at one with us.” I chose this quote because it was during a time when Paul was the head of the household and uncle Luigi was another mouth to feed. Annunziata assured her brother that there will be enough food for all of them and continue to be a devoted family. Annunziata would not deny bread to anybody because it symbolizes Christ according to Catholic beliefs.
ReplyDelete(ANNUNZIATA) “Godson, you must find work for me—that I may return to the beautiful Italia—where I will be content to live and die with a mouthful of bread each day….near my family and that dear earth that gave me birth.” Nazone is unhappy living away from his family, in Italia he will still eat a great amount of bread along with his family. I guess Nazone had come to the realization that it was not worth coming to this country that he was so eager to come, sadly he now has the urgency to return to his home country.