AGENDA:
Continue to work on short story #2 for workshop next week on Tuesday!
READ: https://jerryjenkins.com/how-to-write-short-stories/
Alice Walker's "Nineteen Fifty-Five"
https://www.featuredartistnetwork.com/uploads/1955_by_Alice_Walker.pdf
VIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tkny1aJddyU
https://study.com/academy/lesson/alice-walkers-nineteen-fifty-five-summary-analysis.html
Blog post: What do you think is the theme of this story (state in one sentence). How does Gracie Mae embody this theme?
What do you think is the theme of this story (state in one sentence). How does Gracie Mae embody this theme?
ReplyDeleteOne of the themes of the story is about finding satisfaction within yourself. Although Traynor is rich and successful because of the song, he dies without finding out what the true meaning of the song is. Gracie Mae isn't as sucessful with her career as a singer but she isn't discouraged by this and remains confident and full of pride. One of the things she struggles with over the years is her weight and instead of resenting herself for being unable to lose weight, she is satisfied with how she looks and what she has. When Traynor gains weight it only adds to the list of things that amount to his lack of satisfaction. In the end Traynor dies without ever finding out the meaning of the song that led to his fame. He dies without ever finding satisfaction.
I feel like the theme of the story is identity, there's another word I'm looking for that would better suit what I'm talking about but alas. Traynor's biggest struggle in the story is that despite all of the recognition that he has for being attractive and a singer, he could never truly understand what the songs he bought from Gracie were about because of their racial and cultural differences.
ReplyDeleteI find that the theme of this story is that 'money can't buy happiness.' In purchasing the original song from Gracie Mae, Trayner and I am assuming his manager throws away $1000. Then further down the road, Trayner spoils his wife and even Gracie Mae with houses, barns, and a Cadillac. As he does this, Trayner often questions the meaning of Gracie Mae's song, the meaning of his life, and why he is never satisfied or truly happy. While, Gracie Mae--"fat," with her husband passed away, and not getting complete love or credit from people for the song she wrote, is content with her life. She sells the gifts that Trayner buys her, and goes on with life in a simple manner. Furthermore, Gracie Mae embodies the theme that 'money doesn't buy you happiness,' as she is happy and can do without it. Which further elaborates on the theme and idea of this story, conveying an incredible message to readers.
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ReplyDeleteThe theme of this story is self-understanding and appreciation. Gracie Mae and her easy-going attitude towards life are an example of this. Even in the end, with her second chance to perform when it doesn't well she has no regrets.
ReplyDeleteOne of the themes of 1955 is inner strength. Gracie Mae may have had her fame ripped from her by Traynor, she knows that he'll never be able to find any of the real connections she was able to make. She is entirely comfortable not having the financial success because it doesn't much to her.
ReplyDeleteTraynor buys Gracie Mae's song that didn't really sell, and turns it into his own. He quickly gains fame and fortune, but never actually understands the deeper aspect of the song. This really eats at him even until death. Along with this, he also becomes insecure about other things like his weight.
ReplyDeleteGracie Mae brought up her weight a lot in the story, as being an insecurity. However, instead of letting it get to her like Traynor does, Mae doesn't care as much. She also has a hard time with not receiving credit for her song, and the death of her husband, but she still remains positive and grateful.
The theme of Alice Walker's, 1955, is ultimately optimism or seeing the glass as half full. Both Traynor and Gracie had their own issues in life to deal with, but Gracie was more optimistic in her approach to dealing with it. Traynor was not and that's why he died unsatisfied.
That was kyla ^^^
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