Always Running 

BLOG #1- Chapter 1 

In chapter 1 of the book "Always Running" by Luis J. Rodriguez, starts off introducing where the relationship between Rodriguez family stands. Its shown that there is machismo and separation in Rodriguez family. His father is described as an unfeeling, unmoved intellectual who did as he pleases, as for his mom a women full of pain, love, and giving. demonstrating that the mom had no control over the relationship of marriage. She sacrificed her wants to please her husband, as for him he did nothing to please her. You could see now a days not many women are like this, society's mentality has changed towards where the women stand.  Also, flashbacks are shown to described the living hell Rodriguez went through. It uses imagery to demonstrate the abuse his own brother Rano would do to him and how his mother would mistreat him. Grillo explains how Rano was put into "special ed" classes for not speaking English, and how the system in the schools would work. If you could not speak English, they would put you in a class that would not interfere with the education level of the other piers. But in reality it wasn't that, schools believed Rano and Grillo were an obstacle or a problem that can not be solved or taken time to fix. Segregation exited, train racks splitting the races, no able to go on the other side without getting beaten up by whites who believed they had the power. At the end of the chapter Grillo compares himself as a ball, bouncing everywhere not able to stay in one place. which relates to the title, always moving houses, school, crossing borders never staying in one place they can actually call home.  

BLOG #5

In the book “A Tale of Two Cities” by Charles Dickson, dramatizes the horrors of mob violence, but this time with a twist: Doctor Manette is able influence the mob to do some good. Describing the scene at the grindstone as a vision of hell, Dickens depicts the mob members as savages and demons who work in a "wicked atmosphere” of "gore and fire.” Their bloody, sweaty faces are "horrible and cruel,” and the red of blood and fire is reflected "in their frenzied eyes.” The sight terrifies Mr. Lorry, but Doctor Manette, whom the reader has seen when lost and demented, simply smiles "a cool bold smile” and goes down to the crowd. With his white hair and calm demeanor, the Doctor is god-like in his ability to walk through the mob unharmed, "put [ting] the weapons aside like water.” His years as a prisoner have become a source of strength rather than weakness. As a former prisoner, he is a hero, and as a hero, he can rescue his daughter's husband from a living death, just as she rescued him.

BLOG #4 

In the book “A tale of Two Tales” by Charles Dickson, in chapter 10 it tales about the Doctor’s response to Darnay's declaration of love for Lucie indicates that the Evrémonde family ties may yet have the power to disrupt his life. Additionally, Dickens has dropped hints that Darnay or his family has something to do with the Doctor's secret. The Doctor has looked at Darnay with dislike, distrust, and fear on occasion, even though Darnay has done nothing to cause offense. Similarly, the secret smile that the Marquis wore when questioning Darnay about Doctor Manette strongly suggests that he knows something about the Doctor's history. Also in chapter 11, the title of the chapter ("A Companion Picture") suggests, the scene between Stryver and Carton mirrors the scene between Darnay and Doctor Manette. Whereas Darnay was respectful, humble, and sincere in his discussion with the Doctor, Stryver is pompous, self-absorbed, and obnoxious. Stryver's views of marriage represent the traditional Victorian view of marriage, as something done for practical reasons. Darnay's desire to wed Lucie stems from a more idealized, romantic viewpoint. He loves Lucie and only wants her to marry him if she loves him as well. 

BLOG #3

In the novel "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens, in book 2, chapter 2, demonstrates a courtroom scene to criticize the British legal system, with the Old Bailey embodying the uncompromising harshness of the law. Charles Darnay’s case it particular states the bloody nature of criminal sentences. If found guilty, he will be drawn, half hanged, deprive while still alive, beheaded, and cut into pieces. While such a sentence is horrible in itself, more disturbing is the avid interest the courtroom spectators take in Darnay's fate. The man who describes the sentence to Jerry speaks “with a relish” and the “eager faces” of the crowd stare at Darnay with an “Ogreish” fascination. Dickens points out that such an interest in a condemned man is “not the sort that elevated humanity.” As Dickens shows repeatedly throughout the novel, crowds can bring out the basest natures of people. Interestingly, the one thing capable of elevating the sensitivities of the crowd is the sight of Lucie Manette’s concern and pity for the prisoner.

BLOG #2

In the novel "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens, describes a character named Lucie as being gorgeous physically and spiritually, and she owns a gift of bringing out best qualities of the ones who are around her. Lucie is symbolized as “the golden thread “that binds many of the characters' lives together. Many may criticize Lucie by her actions and influences on other characters, which tends to be overdramatic and full of sentimentality. In addition, Dickens portrays her as a compassionate, virtuous woman who inspires great love and loyalty in the other characters. For example, Darnay, Carton, and Stryver all court her and envision their futures being made brighter with her as their wife. Additionally, both Mr. Lorry and Miss Pross, who are without families, love Lucie as if she were their daughter and do everything they can to keep her safe. Although Lucie is a plane character, she is an important one. She represents unconditional love and compassion, and Dickens uses her to demonstrate how powerful these qualities can be, even in the face of violence and hatred.