Literature

In the rich literary tradition of the United States, The Great Gatsby stands out as a great American tragedy.  Written by F. Scott Fitzgerald and published in 1925, The Great Gatsby is one of the most celebrated novels of the twentieth century.  The novel is not extensively wordy, nor is it unnecessarily complicated.  In fact, it tells a very simple story of rags-to-riches and unrequited love that is presented clearly and directly with a traditional structure.  The novel owes part of its appeal to its simple, traditional narrative structure that consists of, in order, the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.

The Great Gatsby begins as many great novels begin by laying out the background to the story.  Known as the exposition, this element of the traditional narrative structure introduces the reader to the major and minor characters and establishes the setting of the plot.  In the first chapter, we learn that the novel is set in the summer of 1922 in two communities of Long Island, New York called East Egg and West Egg, named so because they appear to be two unusual formations of landa pair of enormous eggs, identical in contour and separated only by a courtesy bay.  The reader is also introduced to the main characters.  Nick Carraway is the wealthy young narrator.  His West Egg neighbor, Jay Gatsby, is the title character.  Other characters include Daisy Buchanan, Nicks cousin and Gatsbys love interest, her husband Tom, and her friend Jordan Baker.  The reader also begins to get a glimpse of the major conflicts that will develop within the novel, namely, Daisy and Gatsbys obvious acquaintance and Toms affair with another woman in New York.  Thus, by the end of the first chapter, the narrator has provided the reader with all the information needed to move forward with the plot of the novel.

After the exposition, the plot moves into rising action.  The rising action is comprised of the events that lead up to the climax.  Fitzgerald devotes each chapter leading up to the climax to a specific event or occurrence that further develops the novels conflicts and advances the plot.  In chapter two, Nick accompanies Tom to the dismal valley of ashes where the minor characters of the novel all reside.  Notably, the minor characters are all poor, in contrast to the vast wealth of the Long Islanders.  This chapter introduces the reader to Toms mistress Myrtle Wilson and her husband.  In chapter three, Nick attends one of Gatsbys lavish parties, and the mysterious Jay Gatsby finally appears.  Gatsby has an amazing conversation with Jordan Baker, in which he reveals that he is in love with Daisy, and moved to Long Island to be close to her.  The two had met and fallen in love when Gatsby was soldier and Daisy a teenager, but when Gatsby went off to war, Daisy married Tom Buchanan instead of waiting for him.  Finally, the connection between Daisy and Gatsby is revealed, and the remainder of the rising action essentially passes in a blur as the reader anticipates the inevitable climax.

Gatsby soon convinces Nick to arrange a reunion with Daisy, at which Gatsby and Daisy seem to reconcile and return to their former love for each other.  Gatsbys mysterious past subsequently begins to unfold.  As Daisy and Gatsby continue to rekindle their relationship, they grow indiscrete Tom soon figures out where his wifes affection lies.  In chapter seven, the tensions between the characters begin to erupt and the reader reaches the novels climax the argument between Tom and Gatsby.  When Tom convinces the other characters to accompany him to the city, he and Gatsby finally confront each other.  Gatsby tells Tom that Daisy never loved him and that she is leaving him.  Daisy, however, reeling from the revelation that Gatsby made his fortune as a bootlegger and lacking the courage to follow her heart, rejects Gatsby and sides with her husband.  Undoubtedly heartbroken, Gatsby leaves as Daisy storms out at Toms command.  
After the climactic confrontation between Gatsby and Tom, the novel moves into the falling action, or the events in a plot that lead to the resolution of the conflict.  After Daisy and Gatsby depart, there is a ruckus in the street, and Nick, Jordan, and Tom find out that Myrtle Wilson has been struck by a car and killed.  When a witness describes a yellow car as the death car, Tom assumes that Gatsby has hit Myrtle in his trademark yellow Rolls-Royce.  The same night, Nick tries to convince Gatsby to leave town to avoid the aftermath of Myrtles death.  Gatsby refuses, insisting that he must stay in Long Island for Daisys sake.  He reveals to Nick that Daisy was the one driving the car when Myrtle was killed, but he will take the blame to protect her.  Gatsby tells Nick about the first time he met Daisy, which brings Gatsby and Daisys relationship full circle.  The reader is painfully aware that Daisy is too shallow to ever leave Tom for Gatsby, so their love has essentially been reduced to Gatsbys memories.  As the falling action comes to an end, Myrtles husband George Wilson, believing that the driver of the death car was Myrtles lover, seeks Tom out to find out who was at the wheel of the yellow car.  After Tom tells him that it was Gatsby, George goes to Gatsbys home and finds the man lounging in his swimming pool.  He fatally shoots Gatsby before turning the gun on himself.  Gatsbys death marks the end of the falling action and the end of his own dream.

In the last chapter of the novel, Nick narrates the resolution of the plot.  Nick gives Gatsby a funeral, although the throngs of friends that used to frequent his parties are absent.  Nick also meets with Gatsbys distraught father.  Tom and Daisy Buchanan move away from Long Island, and Nick and Jordan Baker end their relationship.  With nothing left to keep him in West Egg, Nick decides to move back home.  Later, he runs into Tom, who insists that Gatsby had it coming to him.  Nick realizes that Tom and Daisy are careless people who smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness.  Disillusioned, he goes to Gatsbys house one last time, where he laments the loss of a friend, of love, of the American dream.

The Great Gatsby is an American classic.  Since its publication, countless readers have appreciated its simple rags-to-riches love story.  The novel is enhanced by its clear, relatable plot, which follows the traditional narrative structure that so many readers are familiar with.  From exposition to climax, The Great Gatsby is the quintessential American tragedy.

The Plumber is a short story written by Boris Vian it tells of a man whom has required the services of a plumber since he thinks that there is something wrong with his plumbing. Although the story seems to be merely about a plumbing job at first, it eventually unravels into something much more about the principal character, whose name remains unknown to the reader.

It is to be assumed that the principal character is living in an apartment with his neices and nephews there is no mention of a wife or other relations apart from his neices and nephews whom contribute to the pandemonium in the apartment. The principal character keeps talking about someone named Jasmine, whom he claims to be not a part of the story and that she, perhaps, may be non-existent however, he keeps telling things about her all the same, which makes the impression that the principal character of the story is either quite delusional or merely playing with the minds of his readers.

It is quite unclear on why the principal character keeps talking about Jasmine, when he, in fact, has stated that he does not think that she is a real human being, or if she is, she does not know him at all however, he then contradicts his statements by saying that  Jasmines image haunted me to distraction, and I cursed her mother for taking her from me with the bad conscience that nothings justified.

Although the character named Jasmine never surfaced in the story, it could be said that she played a role on making the principal character look quite disoriented disoriented enough to not see that the plumber was actually not supposed to be working on his bathroom.

This is quite a revelation, since in the first paragraph of the story, it seemed that the principal character was waiting for someone and when someone knocked on the door, he thought that it couldnt have been Jasmine, his uncle, or his dog and he thought that  it had to be the plumber which gives the reader the impression that the principal character was, indeed, waiting for the plumber.

Upon a thorough reading of the story, it can be said that the plumber didnt know anything about plumbing, since for some reason, he detached the pipes of the plumbing and merely reattached them again. In the story, the plumber said  I redid everything exactly as it was. I added a few welds because thats what I do best and I like work well done. There was a point wherein the principal character had wanted to say something about what the plumber was doing instead, he  held back one crucial comment, which can be presumed to be a comment regarding the whole absurdity of fxing the plumbing by merely taking removing the pipes and setting them back to the way they were before.

However, in the end, it turns out that the plumber should not be working in the principal characters bathroom in fact, the plumber shouldnt even be on his floor. The principal characters apartment is on the third floor and it turns out that the plumbers services was actually needed by some other woman on the fourth floor. The woman had gone to the principal characters apartment, presumably to ask for help, and said that her  seven children have drowned and that  the two oldest still are breathing because the waters only up to their chins.

This, of course, is absurd, since it is impossible for the fourth floor to flood and drown people since laws of gravity would state that the water would eventually flow down to the other floors of the building it can be said, therefore, that Vian has employed exaggeration on his story. This exaggeration can either provide further confusion or amusement to the reader, and it likely that the reader will find the whole story quite ridiculous, unless, of course, the story carries some sort of subliminal message.

Vian has a  refined sense of logical absurdity and it can be said that The Plumber is one of the manifestations of his surrealist style. The story is, indeed, a mixture of all sorts of confusions, but the detailed descriptions and the absurd logic gives the reader a feeling of an amusing lightheadedness. It may not be the most logical story around, but the disorienting streak of the story sure gives the reader something to think about afterwards.

Overview of Childrens Literature

It has been reported that around 5,000 childrens books are published every year in the United States. The number increased from around 4,500 in 1994 up to 5,500 in the year 2000 and beyond. With the addition of the publications from smaller and independently owned publishers, the number of published children books is continuously growing. We cannot also deny the award-giving bodies such as the Coretta Scott King Award, Americas Awards, Pura Belpre Award, and the Tomas Riviera Mexican American Childrens Book Award in the expansion of the publication of childrens books (Cooperative Childrens Book Center CCBC)

The world has seen the importance of literature in setting an example for the children. The governments, schools, and parental communities now acknowledge the role of the stories in these books in shaping the character of children. The publishing industrys fastest growing and most lucrative market today is the childrens literature industry.

ith this in mind, I would like to focus my study on one of the most important uses of children literature, the bibliotherapy. In a nutshell, bibliotherapy is the use of books to help the patient recover, cope, or prepare to lifes challenges. In this paper, we are going to tackle some of the most basic and most profound issues in bibliotherapy.

What is Bibliotherapy
Bibliotherapy, in its simplest sense, is the use of books and stories for the therapy of the patient. Its meaning stretches in different directions and widens its scope even to the use of movies and the use of self help manual and books for adults.

The History
Since time immemorial, the earlier people used stories and poetry to inspire and educate their citizens especially the children. In the ancient Greece for example, there is a carved message in the library entrance saying, The Healing Place of the Soul.

In the modern times, reading books are used to treat patients. In America for example, the history can be traced back even in the early years of the 19th century. Benjamin Rush was regarded as the first American to recommend the use of bibliotherapy assist in the treatment of patients. In many cases, reading seems to be the best method for therapy, as manifested in the establishments of libraries in different mental hospitals in the United States in the middle of 19th century.

Many studies were done after World War I to determine what kind of reading will appeal to the soldier and patients in the hospitals to help in their healing and recovery. Studies had approved the effectiveness of bibliotherapy which managed the establishment of the New York Junior League of a Control Bureau for Hospital Libraries which circulates more than 70,000 volumes to the patients in the hospital. Nurses and librarians greatly help in recommending what books will be good for the patients. Ideally, the books that were recommended are the books that are light and diverting rather than too heavy and serious.

The Philosophy
The philosophy behind bibliotherapy is the acknowledgement of the patient that whatever problem he or she is experiencing at the moment, that problem was already encountered by someone in the past and had success in dealing with it. The thinking that we are not the only people who have experienced that particular situation and the thought that it is possible to succeed can be one of the greatest elements that will help in breaking the limiting belief of a patient.

The case of Roger Bannister for example is a good example in strengthening this claim. Roger Bannister is a former English athlete who first run a mile under four minutes. It is important to note that in the recorded history, no human was able to complete a full mile track below four minutes, yet Roger Bannister broke that record. What is important here is the number of people who ran under four minute months and years after Bannister broke the four minute mile. Since he broke it, thousands of people broke the four minute mile
People who had acknowledged that other people managed to succeed in the same problems they are encountering gained a new sense of hope that they can resolve their situations.

The Use of Bibliotherapy
In childrens literature, bibliotherapy is primarily used in assisting children in overcoming problems by having them read stories about characters who have successfully resolved a dilemma similar to their own. Situations like war, poverty, illness and death can bring resolution with the use of bibliotherapy.

However, the use of bibliotherapy is not limited in these situations. According to Leah Davies, bibliotherapy is directed to the following goals
identify and validate their feelings
realize that other children have problems similar to their own
stimulate discussion
foster thought and self-awareness
discover possible coping skills and solutions and
decide on a constructive course of action.

Almost the same goals were targeted by a course in Bibliotherapy taught in the summer of 2002 at Western Connecticut State University taught by Dr. Darla Shaw and Dr. Aram Aslaninan
identity and character building (Self concept)
family and culture (Understanding divorce and Blended Families)
the socialization Process (Social reasoning and problem solving)
the grieving process (Coping with death and loss)
prejudice (Aggressions and violence). (5)

Methods of Bibliotherapy
As stated earlier, the methods of bibliotherapy is quite simple. First is the selection of  books by a trained or knowledgeable party for the patients to read. Second is the reading itself and lastly, the reflection of the patient to the story with himself or herself or with other people.

However, the methods in Bibliotherapy had evolved dramatically since it was first used in the ancient times and with its introduction in the early 19th century. Most especially in schools, it undergone different developments in its implementation. Though reading of the story is still required and necessary, many other elements are introduced to increase the effectiveness of bibliotherapy.

In the paper of Dr. Darla Shaw and Dr. Aram Aslaninan entitled Bibliotherapy A Cross Discipline Course for Teachers and Counselors, they recommend the following techniques in using bibliotherapy in the classrooms.

Anticipation Guide a non-graded quiz will be given to the student for the teacher and student to acknowledge how much information they will need to learn.

Quick Write students are asked to write everything that comes to their mind on a given a topic within one minute. Later on, ideas are categorized and use in focus questions

Word Splash writing key words on the board wherein students are asked to use those works as they relate to the story.

Think a Loud students are asked to read the story in the class or with a partner for the first time. They are asked to stop from time to time to insert insights, predictions, and questions.

Literary Circles students are divided into groups wherein they are given roles such as leader, vocabulary or quote person, illustrator, application person, and summarizer. Students are asked to do what is assigned to them.

Socratic Seminar a one open-ended question is posed by the teacher. Students are encouraged to take their side in the argument and asked them to defend their stance.

Mind mapping students are asked to make a map of a character of the story to be able to understand its way of thinking.

Eight Key Question the eight key questions on which to focus are the following story title, theme, characters, how they address conflict, were the characters correct in their actions, and comparison of characters, application of story to self or other events, important quotes or vocabulary words from the story, and was the story good literature.

Character Sketch examination of the inside and outside elements of the character. Comparison to themselves is also encouraged.

T Chart organization of the story into paired segments such as problem and solution, causes and effects, characters and characteristics, facts and opinions, vocabulary and definitions, chapter title and summary
Venn Diagram organizes the similarities and differences of the character in the story and the reader. The middle portion or wherein the circles intersect show the similarity of the character and the reader.

Letter Writing and Diaries encourage to take the students insights about the story and to reflect and connect them to themselves.

Discussion Webs students pose a key question from the story and then later take and develop a critical stance based on the key question.

Reader Response Journals encourage students to take note of the issues in each chapter and back them up with necessary evidence.

Readers Theater students are grouped and they are tasked to retell the story. The writer of the script can insert his or their point of view in retelling the story.

Poetry and Music encourage the creation of literary pieces such as poetry and music while taking a stance in the story line.

Bibliotherapy for Child Patients
We have learned earlier that the most common use of bibliotherapy in its earliest years is its assistance and for treatment and therapy of the patients. While the scope of the use of bibliotherapy has already expanded, its significance to the ill patients especially children is indispensable.

Other than the classical giving and reading of particular books to patients, the practice of bibliotherapy in patients has developed. The use of tours, puppets, and medical play have been described as effective interactive methods of familiarizing the child with the procedures in the hospital. However, these practices and methods are only advisable to be done with the patients that are able to do them. Otherwise, the patients will have to go back to the classical method of reading particular books.

Criteria for Judging and Evaluating Books
Stories and books have to be evaluated before being approved to be distributed for children. There are many cases where reading the stories became counterproductive in the treatment of children. In this reason, an evaluation of the stories and books is necessary. Among the criteria that are considered in the evaluation are the following

Developmental Appropriateness
This includes the specified elements necessary to consider for every patients. Among these are
cognitive abilities
language development
literary preferences

Content Accuracy
The evaluation using this category will be based on the current operating procedures and practices. Among these are
the depiction of nurses and their roles
parental visitation policies
preoperative preparation requirements
the depiction of inpatient surgeries that are currently performed on an outpatient basis

Other Criteria
The following are some of the additions that are also vital in the evaluation and assessment of a material that will be used for bibliotherapy.
Can be completed in one sitting
Clear and uncluttered pictures
The age of the characters in the books should correspond or relate to the reader or to the patients age

Recommended Books
Below are some of the recommended books categorized in accordance to their utility and use according to Dr. Darla Shaw and Dr. Aram Aslaninan
Self-concept  The Berenstain Bears-No Girls Allowed by S. Berenstain
Self-esteem  Dinosaurs are 568 by J. Rogers
Divorce and blended families  My Father is Far Away by R. Ballard
Social reasoning and problem solving  The Recess Queen by A. ONeil and L. Hulisks-Beith.
Death and Loss  10th good things about Arney by Judy Voirst
Aggression and Violence  Rainbow Fish by Marcus Feister
Skills for understanding the relationship between school and work  After Fifth Grade, the World by C. Mills.

Assessment of Bibliotherapy
In a paper entitled Medicine for the soul Bibliotherapy and the Public Library written by Elizabeth Brewster, it was concluded that it was agreed unanimously that bibliotherapy has positive effects to the community. The benefits that have been received from self-help books, lessons in coping with emotions and problems, or even just the self discovery from fictions outweigh any difficulty and expenses in implementing bibliotherapy. As he pointed out, bibliotherapy is the the real medicine for the soul.

In relation to this, Dr. Darla Shaw and Dr. Aram Aslaninan concluded that literature is best used in the application to the real problem in the real world. As directly stated, The world is interactive and functions through networking and collaboration. The same is true for literacy and counseling. Literacy works better when it relates to the real world and counseling is about the realities of life.

Conclusion
It was Charles W. Eliot that said, Books are the quietest and most constant of friends they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers. In many respects, these few words illustrate how the use of books has helped humanity to survive and prosper. One may wonder how a piece of literary piece can transform a sick body or a troubled mind to an able one, but the answer is simple It is because ideas move people. Books move people.

The invention of bibliotherapy is one of the most successful intersections of both leisure and practicality, and I believe that the use of books for both healing and recovery is just a start of how things we just consider as leisure can help us in our daily lives. As a student of bibliotherapy, I believe that in the future, more and more things that we just consider as leisure today will later be discovered as something that can save our lives.

Amidst the falling cherry blossoms of the Temple of the Heavenly Kings or under a blooming wisteria trellis, they fall head over heels with love with some handsome fellow.

Reflecting on this idea, the author showcases the other side of how love can corrupt and destroy a once fruitful relationship. In here, it does not only look into the value of how ones perception of romance and relationship can be shattered when someone whos better comes along the way. I chose this because I seek to expound the sanctity of a relationship or marriage.

Despite the idea that individuals can commit mistakes, the relevance of choices come into the picture. It is through this that the idea of overcoming boundaries comes into place. It seeks to foster that the idea surrounding any romantic relationship can reach its eventual climactic end.

Seeing this, I do believe that the work of Saikaku fosters a deeper sense of love. It transcends over its traditional boundaries of romanticism and encompasses the ability of individuals to withstand these obstacles and trials along the process. It is through this that it greatly coincides with the themes presented in the work as well as the two readings in the way it introduces and handles relationships.

In love, the gods will assure my success, without having to solicit protection for my heart is true, true as the road we shall travel together.

I chose this passage because of the truthful nature of the persona in identifying who shall direct the relationship process. In here, the value of every relationship circumvents on the capacity of couples to tread the path they sought to take and decide on what avenues are appropriate to grow in the process. This is particularly essential since it is not mainly an individuals religious affiliation that can bind people together. Rather, it is the understanding between couples that makes such process valuable and true.

Seeing this, I adhere to the themes presented by Saikaku that it is ones personal principles that dictate the outcome of every relationship. Love transcends over common misconceptions and obstacles and it becomes a valuable aspect that shapes the process of carefully building such partnerships. It is through such ability that individuals can strike the balance of both the positive and negative realities brought about by love.

This set the flames of love burning more fiercely in the coopers heart and he cried My lady, I will supply you with all the firewood you will need to make tea for the rest of your life (Saikaku, p.595).

I particularly liked this passage because of the intensity and devotion showed by the man to win the womans heart over. In the process of the story, it can be seen that the man recognizes that it through not money alone or material possessions that can win a womans heart. Rather, it is the commitment to becoming a part of that person and willingness to submit to both her positive and negative traits. This passion towards something is what I believes lights the fire among people to pursue what they want and becomes a good motivation in achieving their objective.

Relating to the theme of Saikaku, the value of measuring compatibility surely does not rest on material possessions alone. Love cannot be bought nor measured by ones material possessions. Rather, it is the ability to showcase truth among the distinct crowd that becomes vital in creating something out of the ordinary. Sometimes, it is rather the simple things that can make a woman fall for one man. Thus, one can clearly decipher the comparison of love to the notion as being simple and complicated facets that though are in contrast with one another go together with the term.

The Narrow Road of the Interior

The sun and moon are eternal voyagers the years that come and go are travelers too.

I really like this analogy by Matsuo Basho because it helps provide readers with the insight towards our ability as co-travelers. Under this idea, it seeks to promote the idea of life  one that is constantly changing and a continuous voyage. This then becomes an essential insight that one should consider. In such essence, one may then turn to believe in our own individual capacities. Regardless of the decisions and paths we take, the voyage shall continue, life shall continue to pass.

Seeing this, the question now of how we live it becomes extremely important. In here, different ideas may come to ones head in the effort to find purpose and meaning. However, I do believe that the mere idea of taking part in such travel is meaning to itself. It is the ability to experience and feel something becomes the driving force to continue moving forward. This is one particular theme that can be seen as one progresses reading the text by Basho.

Ah awesome sight
on summer leaves and spring leaves,
the radiance of the sun

Reflecting on this particular passage, I really felt the simplicity but depth of this poem. It greatly showcases the value of nature on its grandest. Though limited in words, the choices made in each line correspond to something rich that one cannot seek to explain. It is this idea that captures ones imagination and experience and builds it altogether to produce something extraordinary. Such capacity then infuses a better understanding on as to how one appreciates the value of our environment.

Analyzing this passage further, it can be seen that it coincides with Bashos theme surrounding life. Since we are constantly travelling in a voyage, it is through this that we can experience the wonder and greatness of nature. Despite our busy time accomplishing our tasks and objectives, we tend to forget and realize the relevance of the things around us. If we can just stop for awhile and wonder at the magnificence of these, one would then realize its relative sense and purpose.

Although we hear about many places celebrated in verse since antiquity, most of them vanished with the passing of time.

Reflecting on the passage, I chose this because it greatly resembles the way time can change things. In here, regardless of its depth, longevity, or age, nothing remains to be permanent. Everything has their corresponding time limit. The only reality that cannot change is the process of change itself. It is through such that the value of how we live our life becomes an essential part. In here, choices that we make continue to matter and become an instrument towards finding fulfillment and satisfaction.

Assessing the perspective of Basho, I do feel that his theme centers on the ability of one to appreciate life. It is the essence of engagement and constant value of its significance that people can find the relevance of life. Seeing this, it does not mainly coincide with the perspective of living selfishly. On the other hand, it is the process of engaging towards finding purpose and meaning with the value of culminating decision making. This theme remains valuable in generating insights on readers especially on the value of ones journey to find what they are looking for.

Bewitched

I felt certain that you are a sincere man, and that I should devote the rest of my life to you.

I chose this passage due to the value and sincerity of the woman to the man. In here, the idea of partaking towards a relationship can clearly be seen in the manner as the relationship is taken to the next level. Such capacity to engage in such manner becomes essential in sealing a relationship. It is through such element that the nature of relationship becomes realized and seen.

Analyzing the theme of Akinari, it can be seen that it seeks to justify the relevance of relationships. Under the perspective of the author, the value of engagement and love becomes significant. This was highlighted to the fact that careful consideration and authenticity was made in the analogy of how people interact with one another. At the same time, such intricacies do connote how precious and valuable relationships are to the characters.

Such theme can be related to the idea of Basho towards marriage and how such conventions allow relationship to blossom and degrade. In here, the purpose of such act then resounds on the capacity of people to facilitate and handle the situations.

Such a thing is hardly appropriate in fishermans house. If Father hears about it, he will surely give you a sound scolding.

I chose this element because of the idea of how Akinari portrays the idea of establishing customs and traditions within the nature of society. Though he may have attributed the condition of relationship between a man and a woman, the nature of customs and practices continue to dominate individual decision making. Such approaches then become existent within the nature of Japanese society. In a relatively patriarchal setup, standards are in place to stabilize appropriate ways to behave and foster greater ways for people to interact.

With these, such facet then showcases the theme of Akinari. In essence, he seeks to redefine that despite the attempt of characters to address the individual aspect of relationships, it caters towards adherence to societal standards. Such functions then hinder people from freely pursuing their needs and wants. Seeing this, the value of individual decisions become less significant and what people do is succumbing to these realities accordingly.

My dear husband, there is nothing strange about all this. Even if you have forgotten your pledge to me, made across the seas and over the mountains, we meet again because it has been predestined.

The chosen quote personifies the value that husband and wife show each other. In here, it seeks to cultivate new ideas on how each handle their relationship. At the same time, consideration can be seen in the way they believe in superstition and destiny. This principle becomes an essential facet that shapes the ability of couples to determine the course and outcome of their relationship. In here, Akinari provides a good analogy of how marriage can be viewed in the lens of Japanese.

Reflecting on the theme of Akinaris theme, the overall process of marriage and relationship showcases the approach in harnessing its value and significance among couples. Under the process it gives readers the ability to decipher important ideas on what matters the most. Seeing this, it induces learning and appreciation of the culture and its relevance towards actions. Such approach can then be related towards the idea provided by Basho as he seeks to compare the value of relationships.

According to Rushdie, one of the rules, one of the ideas on which the edifice rests, is that literature is an expression of nationality. Literature is a general representation of cultural particularities  that is, literature varies from culture to culture, from one period to another. There is another element of literature that shocks the literary mind. A respectable literary piece, according to Rushdie must meet the demands of authenticity. Authenticity demands that sources, forms, style, language and symbol all derive from a supposedly homogenous and unbroken tradition.

There is where tragedy falls to the ground. What the term authenticity reveals, so much in the use inside the little world of Commonwealth literature would seem ridiculous outside this world. Now, the lexicon of Commonwealth literature (as it applies to the literary aspect of British colonialism) is an innovation. Literary critics often praise the achievements of Commonwealth literary figures, forgetting the most essential element of literature. Today, literary works are not mutually exclusive  in the sense that, they are simultaneously influenced by different cultures. In some Indian novels, both the form and style resemble that which Europeans used in the early 20th century. This is not an intentional event. Many of these writers are Western educated. As such, it is inevitable that their style would follow the Western model.

Commonwealth literature is therefore an unreliable face of historicity. It is neither founded on one form nor guided by an encompassing set of norms. Indeed, when one talks of Commonwealth literature, one needs to look beyond the borders of the nation-state  to the land of the West. In short, according to Rushdie, Commonwealth literature is an encompassing myth.

I am a non-native English speaker studying in the US and learning to become fluent in the language. I moved here in 1998 and enrolled at San Mateo College to further my education. One of the first courses I took was ESL 827 which equipped me with basic writing skills. I find writing and reading are the most challenging classes because I am required to demonstrate my writing skills and  ability to organize my thoughts. I enjoy writing essays when I know direction of my topic.

I begin by collecting the necessary information and organizing my ideas for the exercise.  Next, I create before I write up my first draft. My essays open with a powerful introduction that outlines the content and purpose of the paper. It is in the introduction that I present my thesis statement which informs the reader of the position I will support in the main body. The following paragraphs build on my thesis statement by providing evidence and articulating various arguments in favor of the thesis statement.  I end the paper with a conclusion that recaps the theme I have written about. Before submitting the paper I proofread it to ensure I correct any grammar, spelling or syntax errors.

With every consecutive course, the learning experience becomes more challenging and I have to redouble my efforts to ensure I make the grade. Last semester I enrolled for  ESL 400 and  my professor  told me that for next 15 weeks I would work on a topic that I considered  interesting to me. It was first time I spent the whole semester writing on just one topic. I decided to choose special needs education because I was working with children who have special needs. This exercise gave me a good opportunity to increase my knowledge about this topic. My professor coached me on how to do the write-up, describe the subject matter and, identify the relevant issues about the topic.
           
By the time I finished my project proposal, I had learned how to write clearly and accurately about my topic. As part of the research process I conducted live interviews with a special needs teacher. I drafted the interview questions in such a way the responses I got would address my queries correctly. During the interview, I learned a lot from her experience in this field. I observed that she was a good teacher because her goals were to teach and develop children by strengthening their cognitive skills using various activities. Her efforts elicited smiles from their faces and brought some happiness into their lives. During the interview, I learned how to paraphrase, report speech and quote my interviewee.
               
That essay was an incredible experience in my life because the professor and I share the same interest in special needs education.  After the interview, my professor arranged for the class to go to the library to learn how to research our paper, It was the first time I had visited the college library as  I was not familiar with computers or technology. I began by reading and collecting vital information for my topic.

I learned more about the libraries resources and how to format an essay based on the MLA style guideline. I am now familiar with the online resources, because I could complete my research paper by learning how to use the info track on the computer and locate citations using other resources.
                   
I realized that my weaknesses stemmed from first language interpretation.  I need more practice to improve my grammar and avoid run on sentences and fragments. On the other hand, I know that attending ESL 400 prepared me for the next class which is English 100. Although, the classes are very challenging, with my professors guidance, I am confident that I will overcome my weaknesses and improve my writing and reading skills.