The Fish
To catch a fish
The great equalizer
Social classes means nothing to an eel-pout
I will survive
True freedom
Silly humans
Noble fish
The Goal: Read. Reflect. Respond. Over two hundred Chekhov stories. Constance Garnett translations.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Monday, August 13, 2012
AN ADVENTURE
An Adventure
Take the Money and Run.
Karma is a Bitch.
Father is a good man but he likes to imbibe.
Then he brags.
And the adventure begins.
Definitely keeps you involved.
Nice twists and turns.
However, I was struck by the line: "And Anyutka lay there, poor child, hearing every word and shaking like a Jew in a frying pan."
Where does that come from? Why is the Jew being vilified here? If these idioms were part of the vernacular, then does it indicate how much the prejudice against them was ingrained in the society? Why does Chekhov include this loathsome line in a story where Jews play no part? Was it to add flavor to the narrator -- to add authenticity? I don't know. But after what Jews endured in the 20th century -- one gets a sense of the almost casual venom directed against them most likely for centuries and one also finds the language particularly disturbing.
Take the Money and Run.
Karma is a Bitch.
Father is a good man but he likes to imbibe.
Then he brags.
And the adventure begins.
Definitely keeps you involved.
Nice twists and turns.
However, I was struck by the line: "And Anyutka lay there, poor child, hearing every word and shaking like a Jew in a frying pan."
Where does that come from? Why is the Jew being vilified here? If these idioms were part of the vernacular, then does it indicate how much the prejudice against them was ingrained in the society? Why does Chekhov include this loathsome line in a story where Jews play no part? Was it to add flavor to the narrator -- to add authenticity? I don't know. But after what Jews endured in the 20th century -- one gets a sense of the almost casual venom directed against them most likely for centuries and one also finds the language particularly disturbing.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
THE BIRD MARKET
The Bird Market
A day in the life of a Moscow bird market with all its vibrancy and despair.
Some go there to amuse themselves -- others to make a living -- all comes at a price -- a very heavy price if you are a hare or a frog or any other creature being put up for sale.
Chekhov points out how every one plays a role -- how some are respected and honored at the market and others are ignored -- and like similar markets in the world -- there are winners and losers. Aggressors and victims.
Chekhov's artistry and his ability to make us empathize with the victims -- is best on display when he decribes the blackbird:
"A faded old blackbird, with most of its feathers plucked out of its tail, sits on a dirty perch. He is dignified, grave, and motionless as a retired general. He has waved his claw in resignation to his captivity long ago, and looks at the blue sky with indifference, he is considered a sagacious bird."
One cannot help but feel sad for the bird and all other dignified beings who have had their freedom taken away from them, in one way, or another.
At some point in our lives we will be more like that blackbird than we ever wish to imagine.
A day in the life of a Moscow bird market with all its vibrancy and despair.
Some go there to amuse themselves -- others to make a living -- all comes at a price -- a very heavy price if you are a hare or a frog or any other creature being put up for sale.
Chekhov points out how every one plays a role -- how some are respected and honored at the market and others are ignored -- and like similar markets in the world -- there are winners and losers. Aggressors and victims.
Chekhov's artistry and his ability to make us empathize with the victims -- is best on display when he decribes the blackbird:
"A faded old blackbird, with most of its feathers plucked out of its tail, sits on a dirty perch. He is dignified, grave, and motionless as a retired general. He has waved his claw in resignation to his captivity long ago, and looks at the blue sky with indifference, he is considered a sagacious bird."
One cannot help but feel sad for the bird and all other dignified beings who have had their freedom taken away from them, in one way, or another.
At some point in our lives we will be more like that blackbird than we ever wish to imagine.
Saturday, August 11, 2012
WHO WAS TO BLAME?
Who Was to Blame?
Beware of the uncle.
We always talk about how a good teacher can inspire their students, but as this story very well points out, bad teaching can also have a lasting impact.
How many amazing contributions were never realized due to severely misguided pedagogy?
Teach the children well.
Beware of the uncle.
We always talk about how a good teacher can inspire their students, but as this story very well points out, bad teaching can also have a lasting impact.
How many amazing contributions were never realized due to severely misguided pedagogy?
Teach the children well.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
THE DEPENDENTS
The Dependents
If it wasn't for programs like Social Security and Medicare -- the life of Zotov would be the lot for many of our elderly.
As for the old dog and the old horse -- is there anything sadder than when Zotov is walking towards the farm and turns around and discovers the animals trailing behind him? Loyalty rarely pays.
There was recently an interesting article about how dogs are treated in India. Many are left out in the streets to fend for themselves and are rabid but there is a law against putting them to sleep.
The bottom line is we are all dependent on each other.
No man is an island,
Entire of itself.
Each is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less.
As well as if a promontory were.
As well as if a manor of thine own
Or of thine friend's were.
Each man's death diminishes me,
For I am involved in mankind.
Therefore, send not to know
For whom the bell tolls,
It tolls for thee.
If it wasn't for programs like Social Security and Medicare -- the life of Zotov would be the lot for many of our elderly.
As for the old dog and the old horse -- is there anything sadder than when Zotov is walking towards the farm and turns around and discovers the animals trailing behind him? Loyalty rarely pays.
There was recently an interesting article about how dogs are treated in India. Many are left out in the streets to fend for themselves and are rabid but there is a law against putting them to sleep.
The bottom line is we are all dependent on each other.
No man is an island,
Entire of itself.
Each is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less.
As well as if a promontory were.
As well as if a manor of thine own
Or of thine friend's were.
Each man's death diminishes me,
For I am involved in mankind.
Therefore, send not to know
For whom the bell tolls,
It tolls for thee.
John Donne
Saturday, August 4, 2012
A CHAMELEON
A Chameleon
Great story poking fun at the way people kiss up to those in power.
Very true and very funny.
Sometimes when one observes the world and the way it works -- one thinks -- I can't believe people get away with what they get away with. But the fact is -- the established order of the world probably hasn't changed much for thousands of years. In other words, you can go back to ancient Rome and you'd see the power structures and the way people react to the power structure similar to a modern day corporation.
In the elevator -- the upper echelon manager ignores the person delivering the office mail -- but becomes very chatty when the vice-president enters -- or the Roman Senator dismisses the person cleaning the floors but beams when the Emperor visits.
Or the executives at a corporate meeting all laugh heartily at the lame joke by the CEO and the funny career file clerk doesn't get much recognition from anyone except maybe his mama.
No wonder everyone wants to become a celebrity.
Great story poking fun at the way people kiss up to those in power.
Very true and very funny.
Sometimes when one observes the world and the way it works -- one thinks -- I can't believe people get away with what they get away with. But the fact is -- the established order of the world probably hasn't changed much for thousands of years. In other words, you can go back to ancient Rome and you'd see the power structures and the way people react to the power structure similar to a modern day corporation.
In the elevator -- the upper echelon manager ignores the person delivering the office mail -- but becomes very chatty when the vice-president enters -- or the Roman Senator dismisses the person cleaning the floors but beams when the Emperor visits.
Or the executives at a corporate meeting all laugh heartily at the lame joke by the CEO and the funny career file clerk doesn't get much recognition from anyone except maybe his mama.
No wonder everyone wants to become a celebrity.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
KASHTANKA
Kashtanka
Dog has a rough life.
So it seems.
Gets lost.
Finds a new owner who loves her.
Still the dog misses her old home.
Why?
Smells.
Varnish, glue.
Places.
Under a bench.
The little boy.
Family and home
Good or bad one gets used to them.
And even when the new place seems better one still misses the old ways.
Dog is found.
Going home again.
Everything else was just a bad dream.
Unappreciative?
Maybe.
That's life.
Dog has a rough life.
So it seems.
Gets lost.
Finds a new owner who loves her.
Still the dog misses her old home.
Why?
Smells.
Varnish, glue.
Places.
Under a bench.
The little boy.
Family and home
Good or bad one gets used to them.
And even when the new place seems better one still misses the old ways.
Dog is found.
Going home again.
Everything else was just a bad dream.
Unappreciative?
Maybe.
That's life.
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