AP Style Close Reading of The Metamorphosis

     In the final passage of the novella, the Samsa family leaves the place they built their life in on a small trolley into the countryside. A quite unusual aspect of this story is how it still continues even after the death of the protagonist, Gregor. It seems odd how the family does not grieve the loss of their son very intimately. Their way of moving on from his death is by leaving and making a new home somewhere else. Although he is their son, there is little sympathy for the end of his life.
     The whole story consists of a chaotic scene of constantly trying to fix something that is wrong. For example, Gregor turning into an enormous bug was a huge, unavoidable issue and the Samsa family must scramble to find a way to not only accommodate Gregor, but to also make end's meet. The final paragraph in Part III is a change of pace as the set atmosphere is peaceful with a seemingly bright future ahead for Grete, Mr. Samsa, and the mother. Grete is introduced as a sister who is anxious and overdramatic, "In the room on the left side a painful silence ensued, in the room on the right side the sister began to sob... it would be much more sensible to leave him in peace for now instead of disturbing him with tears and exhortations" (17). Grete undergoes dynamic characterization as she transforms from a girl to a woman, possibly from the experience of having to take care of Gregor. She is even ready to find a husband at the end of the novella.
     The very last sentence of the story is when Grete stands out and stretches out her arms under the bright, warm sun. It is almost like Gregor and Grete are undergoing opposite changes. As he is being suppressed more and more (he goes from being a free-willed human to a bug oppressed both physically by his armor and stature and emotionally by his unrelenting family), she is being given freedom like she never has before.

Why I chose "Candles" by Carl Dennis

    Of all the poems that could have been chosen for the Poetry Out Loud assignment, I had to find an easy way to sift through the many works. I looked alphabetically trying to find poems with titles that interested me. When I saw Candles, I clicked the link because I have always had an affinity for candles. But when I read the poem, the message was much more meaningful to me than the simple title. It touches upon grief, but not in a way that is sad or morbid. It touches on grief in a way that is bright and hopeful. The poem takes the reader on a journey that would otherwise go unnoticed.
     I have heard of the six degrees of separation before--the belief that you are no more than six people away from everyone in the world. This is such a fascinating but unbelievable concept. Candles uses an anecdote that intertwines the stories of two people who have passed. It asks the reader if instead of burning a candle for their grandmother if they could burn a candle for someone who was not lucky enough to meet her. I think this statement is really powerful and shows a real respect for all humanity and that is why I really liked it.  I would definitely consider myself a person who has a real love and respect for all humanity so the message of this poem spoke to me. I did not just want to choose a poem because it was easy to memorize, because Candles is definitely not a short one. I think the way all the different times of life are described are really beautiful as well. I think this poem was very well-written and heartfelt which is why I chose it.