- As Johnny is passionate and loving, he captures Francie's heart even if he isn't a model of the conventional good father. Why is it that Francie eliminates the anger in which she feels about her father, as his alcohol addiction truly does effect her and her siblings?
-Place yourself in Francie's shoes; would you confront your father about his addiction, or allow for the situation to cease?
• Johnny represents the "American dream," in a way. While Katie survives, Johnny's life of poverty only propels him into a downward road. He has a sense of who he could be, what he could have done, and this seems to be his toughest challenge. However, he often causes the family to lose money; his drinking results in their move, for instance. Although, the moral value system in the novel is produced through Johnny's character, as Johnny represents a character who no one will reform or moralize. Johnny's faults do not overpower his good qualities, and characters in the book do not try to save him, but instead, accept him as he is. (i.e Francie)
- Although Johnny is doing wrong for his family, why do they continue to have love for him? Why hasn't Katie spoken to him regarding his actions? Would this classify as a good example to prove that sometimes, the most admiring individual can still be one who is portrayed as harmful to others around him? (i.e Frank and his waste of money, effecting his family.)
Jenna S.
Francie's father has always paid special attention to her from a young age. In my opinion, I think this has left memories of happiness that Francie relates to when she sees him and in turn this gives her a feeling of warmth, love, and protection. if I were Francie, I would confront Johnny about his problems since it does make their lives a lot harder, especially their money situations. However, at the same time I feel for Francie. She is probably scared to confront her father for fear he might get angry and not love her anymore.
ReplyDeleteFrancie's father has always indeed wanted the best for her and ever since she was a child he did love her and want the best from her.
ReplyDeleteYet since he has a problem with drinking maybe Francie should go up to him and talk to him about it. But since she is young she may not want to because shes scared. It would be good if they do talk it out, so that maybe their family air could become more clear and they could try to work some things out.
Literary Luminary #3:
ReplyDelete"Francie had not shed a tear since her father's death. Neither had Neely. Now Fancie felt that all the tears she had were frozen together in her throat in a solid lump and the lump was growing...growing. She felt that if the lump didn't melt soon and change back into tears, she too would die. She looked at Neeley. Tears were falling out of his eyes. Then her tears came too.
They turned into a dark street and sat on the edge of the sidewalk with their feet in the gutter. Neeley, though weeping, remembered to spread his handkerchief on the curb so that his new long pants wouldnt get dirty. They sat close toegther because they were cold and lonesome. They wept long and queitly, sitting there in the cold street. At last, when they could cry no more, they talked.
"Neeley, why did Papa have to die?"
"I guess God wanted him to die."
"Why?"
"Maybe to punish him."
"Punish him for what?"
"I dont know," said Neeley miserably.
"Do you believe that God put Papa on this world?"
"Yes."
"Then He wanted him to live, didnt He?
"I guess so."
"Then why did He make him die so quick?"
"Maybe to punish him, " repeated Neeley not knowing what else to answer.
..........
"Neely, I wouldnt tell anybody but you, but I dont believe in God anymore."
"I want to go home," said Neeley. He was shivering."
This is the part where Neeley and Francie talk about why they think God wanted Johnny to die so soon. Since Neeley thought that it was done to punish him, Francie still did not understand why He would have done that if he first put him into the world.
After still not understanding anything, she decided that she didnt believe in God anymore.
Mary, this once again relates to the theme of "Religion." This passage clarifies Francie's viewpoint involving her father's death, as well. Maybe, Francie's anger is being taken out on God? The passage in which you have chosen also clarifies the strong bond in which francie and her father shared; showing that love for family, can indeed overpower religious beliefs.
ReplyDelete