Tuesday, November 02, 2010

BLOG POST # 1- LUCKY- Period 2-Due Thursday 11/4

22 comments:

  1. In the first section of Lucky, Alice Sebold tells the story of how she was beaten and raped in a park when she was younger. She survived this awful experience and is able to live a normal life, but it completely changed the way her family acts around her. Alice is just trying to stay strong and help her sister and parents deal with the matter.

    “We listened for menace in the greetings of friend to friend... “(52).
    Something that threatens to cause evil, harm, or injury. A threat.

    I feel like I've made a connection to the sister in this book because I know someone who unfortunately had an incident that happened to them that was similar to what happened to Alice. It's hard to have to hear about something so terrible like that and it takes time to get over it.

    1. “I was trying to prove to them and to myself that I was still who I had always been,” (29). This quote is important because throughout this section, after the rape, Alice says many times that she wants to prove that she is still the same person inside. Just because something bad happened to her, doesn't change who she is. Her father doesn't understand her story completely and her sister is very emotional about the whole thing.
    2. “But can you speak those sentences to the people you love?... You save yourself or you remain unsaved,” (61). This quote is also significant because this question that Alice constantly asks herself still haunts her til this day. She didn't get up the courage to go into full detail about the rape. It would just hurt her family even more and make the situation worse. She doesn't have to tell the exact story to anyone because it wont solve the issue. What happened to her will never change, and it won't go away. The only way to cope with this is to “save yourself” and learn to forget about it.

    1. Do you think they will ever catch the rapist?
    2. Why is Alice's family more emotional about the rape then Alice is?

    1. Why doesn't Alice's dad understand that you can get raped without a weapon?

    Rosalie D. Per 2.

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  2. The first chapter of the book was very descriptive and it made me feel very sorry for Alice Sebold. I also felt bad that in chapter 4 when her dad didn't really understand why she got raped when the weapon wasn't in the tunnel. It was like he was thinking she wanted to get raped. She also had a lot of family problems before the rape. Her mom had some issues going on and she also had problems with her parents; they weren't that affectionate towards one another.

    A quote that I found to be important is "No one can pull anyone back from anywhere. You save yourself or you remain unsaved"(p61). This was important to me because she feels that every man she sees is the one that raped her. She knows that no one can help her overcome and of this except herself. She's not alone but just none of her friends understand what she is going through and once they know about it they treat her different, almost like they don't know who she is anymore.Another quote that I found important was, " you're the worst bitch I ever done this to"(p8). This was important to me because it showed how much he didn't care what he was doing to her or that it hurt her. He was verbally abusing her and being a complete asshole.

    I can connect this two some Law&Order SVU episodes because most of the episodes are rape cases and a lot of the women feel the same way as Alice Sebold. The only difference is that she told someone right away where as on the show they are afraid to tell anyone.

    Enamel- I made jewelry and cut silk screens and fired enamel.
    Definition-a glassy substance, usually opaque, applied by fusion to the surface of metal, pottery, etc., as an ornament or for protection.

    Clandestine- But they were wily and they had a clandestine assistant.
    Definition-characterized by, done in, or executed with secrecy or concealment, esp. for purposes of subversion or deception; private or surreptitious

    1. Do you think she will find out who her raped her?
    2. Do you think she will try and find Marcie?

    Kelly D. Period-2

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  3. In the story “Lucky” a college student named Alice was raped in a tunnel near by here college dorm. She was traumatized by what had happened and did not know how to tell anyone in her family. She was so concern on what others might think of her after it all happened and if anyone who believe her for the accident that happened late that night. She was beaten by this man and did not understand why this had to happen to her, a young girl who knew what she wanted in life, who cared about others and most importantly was a virgin.

    As I read the first few chapters I made a connection with a different book I have read before. This book seemed similar to the book “Speak”. In the novel “Speak” the main girl also had gotten rapped and was not able to share with others what had happen to her. She was ashamed of what others might think of her or what they would say.

    Vocabulary: Traipsing and enamel. “I made jewelry and cut silk screens and fired enamel.” (45) “Traipsing up and down our spiral stairs with the bassets as my audience, I belted out “There's No Business like Show Business.” (45-46)
    Traipsing: to walk or to go aimlessly
    Enamel: a glassy substance



    Why didn't Alice's father not understand that she wasn't able to do much when the rapist came upon her?

    Why was Alice’s sister so affected by the incident that had happened?

    victoria p.2

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  4. In the first section of Lucky, Alice Sebold started the book out by explain in full detail how she was rapped. She also explained how she grew up and what her parents were like and how they reacted to the rapping of their daughter. In many crime related shows today they focus on rapping and what they do to solve the case. Just like the nurse and the police did to Alice to collect evidence, the shows, show how they do it and they ask the same questions they asked Alice about the rapist. A quote that really felt important to me was when Alice was talking about going home she said, “my life was over;my life has just begun.” (33) Even though she had just finished her semester at college and she was entering the real world, Alice's life had turned up side down and had come to a stop. After the rapping nothing really mattered to her except what her family would think.
    Questions- do you think we will find out who raped Alice?
    Will this event effect her throughout her life?

    Kaili F.
    period 2

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  5. The first chapter in, Lucky, Alice tells about her horrible experiences while in college. While i was reading this I felt bad for her. After this happened to her she didn’t know what to think. Yes, of course she knew that she has gotten raped and beaten but she didn’t know what to make of it. Everyone saw that she had cuts on her face and burses, but she didn’t see this. She was hurt and none of her friends were there to help her. After she went to the campus police, that was when the whole experience really got to her and she started to break down. She was confused and alone.

    The quote that I found to be important was, "I was returning home. My life was over; my life had just begun." (33) This quote really means a lot to me because in the begging I didn’t really understand it. Now that I read it over and over again I understand it, and to me I think it means that now a new chapter in her life has started and she has to now live with the fact that she has been raped and beaten and she can do nothing about it.

    I don’t understand why her dad isn’t that affected by the fact that his daughter was hurt? it doesn’t seem to really faze him that much.

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  6. Nicole P. Period 2 (above)

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  7. In the book "Lucky" basically shows how an avergae girl's life changes forever when she is rapped by a man on her college campus. It shows how much it affects her life, and also her loved ones that have different feelings and emotions towards it. Alice struggles through enormous hardships, and coping with what happened to ger.

    I made a connection with the book "A Seperate Peace" because it shows how Gene hurt Finny, but didn't want to tell anyone because he would think that people would look at him differently and with a new perspective. Just like Alice when she thinks her family would think different of her because she was rapped.

    Vocab: Clandestine "But they were wily and they had a clandestine assistant"
    Deff: Executed with secrecy or concealment, esp. for purposes of subversion or deception; private or surreptitious.

    Enamel “I made jewelry and cut silk screens and fired enamel.”
    Deff: A substance or object that tends to be glossy or has a shine to it.


    Why does the rappist keeps saying sorry to her, and acts like nothing happened?

    How come her father pays more attention to the dogs, rather than his children?

    Nick Period 2

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  8. 1. Will this event affect her throughout her life?

    No, I don't think that the event that happened to Alice will effect her throughout her life. Already after only two days of this happening to her, she shows that she is not effected by it. She proves to her family that she is strong and still the same person she was before the rape. Obviously, she will always remember this happening to her because it was so horrible, but i think she will be able to overcome the experience easily.

    2. Why was Alice’s sister so affected by the incident that had happened?

    I think her sister got very upset when she heard her sister got raped because it's hard to deal with something so terrible that happened to a sibling. She must have been very worried and upset. Its hard to imagine that something like that could actually happen to someone you care about so much

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  9. To Kelly-

    What you stated about Alice's dad not understanding how she could get rapped without the use of a weapon, is very weird.. Also I agree with you when she said it was like her dad thought she wanted to be rapped. This just shows that there is something off with Alice's family. The quote, "No one can pull anyone back from anywhere. You save yourself or you remain unsaved"(p61) is also very important. Its going to take a very long time to trust any man she sees or meets because she will always have her rapists face and what he did in the back of her mind. Also I think maybe Alice will try to find Marcie because she would want to hear her experience and see if it ever gets any better as time goes on. Maybe they will try to get through their experience together.

    Kaili f.
    period 2

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  10. I think Alice will soon enough find the person who raped her but I don't think she will try to search for the guy. I think she will just run into him.
    I also think she will try and find Marcie for advice. Although she does not seem affected by what had happened I think she is holding it in not to show others that what had happened is bothering her. But by her finding Marcie I think she would be able to feel more comfortable.
    victoria p.2

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  11. 1. Will this event affect her throughout her life?

    No, I don't think that the event that happened to Alice will effect her throughout her life. Already after only two days of this happening to her, she shows that she is not effected by it. She proves to her family that she is strong and still the same person she was before the rape. Obviously, she will always remember this happening to her because it was so horrible, but i think she will be able to overcome the experience easily.

    2. Why was Alice’s sister so affected by the incident that had happened?

    I think her sister got very upset when she heard her sister got raped because it's hard to deal with something so terrible that happened to a sibling. She must have been very worried and upset. Its hard to imagine that something like that could actually happen to someone you care about so much.

    rosalie per 2

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  12. In the first section of the story “Lucky” she talks about how she was beaten and raped. With this happening to her it’s a lot to handle. After she goes home when her mom picks her up she talked about her family and what it was like to be home. She talked about her mom and how she was an alcoholic. Her dad left for several months at a time so he was never there for the family. She had sisters so they were always there. Her parents didn’t have a really lovable relationship. Alice had already a hard life and she was just trying to make it in life and go to college, but then a man had to come and drag her into an area where no one can see and rape and beat her. I feel bad for her because she already had to deal with a lot of stuff and now she has even more to deal with. “And then it was over. He came and slumped into me. I lay under him. My heart beating wildly. My brain thinking of Olga Cabral, of poetry, of my mother, of anything.”(12) This quote shows how she was thinking of other things after it happened.
    Kristina pd 2

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  13. Will this event affect her throughout her life?

    Yes, and no. I do not think that this will affect her life to much becasue even after two days she wasnt really affected by it. But i also think that it will becasue this was a big event that happend to her, and the memories and the things that he said to her will keep replaying over and over in her head.

    Nicole P Period 2

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  14. I personally think that it will affect her life because after being raped it takes time to over come it. The next day she already was thinking that every guy she saw was her rapist. She might not show her emotions but that doesn't mean that shes not affected by it, every person acts different.

    Kelly D.

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  15. 1.)
    In the first section of Lucky, the author tells the story of when Alice had gotten raped. The details the books give makes you feel horrible for her and I couldnt never imagine having the same situation happen to me. It just one of those situations that will always be in your mind no matter what; and it is so sad to hear that.

    2.)-Raggedy: having been torn and worn excessively
    Example from book: I chose to remember the matchboxes and the Raggedy Andy, but what child leaves behind these toys, even slightly blackened?( page 36)
    -Intricate: containing many details or small parts that are combined in a particularly complex or skillful way
    *example from book: What I did have was a pair of old jeans that I embroidered flowers on while still in high school and then when the knees ripped open, had sewn intricate handmade patches on.

    3.) I can connect this scenario to a little bit of my own, but not half as bad. Alice's friends had helped her through this whole thing after, and in my life thats what my friends did when bad, unfortunate things happened in my own. It shows that even when an unfortunate event occurs, you will have the people you love helping you continue on.

    4.)" I saw my face in the mirror. I reached my hand up to touch the marks and cuts. That was me. It was also an undeniable truth. No shower would wipe the traces of the rape away. I had no choice but to tell my mother"(21).
    - I think this quote is significant because no matter what else Alice goes through in her life, she is always going to remember that day in her sophomore year when that man raped her. It was probably one of the worst experiences she could have because nothing can wash it away.

    " I went somewhere deep inside myself, curled up and away from what was happening"(16).
    - Alice didn't really realize how big of a bad experience she had faced. Especially because she was a good, young college girl.

    5.)- Do you think the man that raped Alice is going to confess to anyone that he did it?
    - Do you think Alice will be affected forever from the horrible experience she faced?

    CLARIFICATION QUESTION:
    Why would Alice's parents be that upset with her? ( it really wasn't her fault this happened?)

    Erica M.

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  16. 2. Why was Alice’s sister so affected by the incident that had happened?
    I think Alice's sister knew it was going to affect her drastically, in a bad way. She knows that she can't just move on when something this big had happened in her life at such a young age.

    Erica M.

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  17. In the first section of “Lucky” by Alice Sebold, She shares her story of how she was beaten and raped in the park near her college. Although she did survive this experience, she mentally had to live and deal with it for the rest of her life. Although her family is supportive at first, she notices that they start treating her differently after the accident is over with. In this section the author gives the reader more background information about her family and what it was like to grow up in it.

    My father said something akin to “Now Alice, that’s not necessary…” P. 41
    Akin: 1. having similar characteristics, properties.

    “He was smiling, showing the teeth he hated because they came in helter-skelter and his family hadn’t had the money to fix them…” P. 44
    Helter-Skelter: 1. in a headlong, disorderly taste.

    I feel like I can make a connection to Alice’s mother or sister, although I am not personally one who has been through an accident similar to her situation, I know someone who has, and hearing about is sometimes hard to deal with.

    A quote that I found thought provoking was on P. 33, after the accident had happened and she was on her way home. “I was returning home. My life was over; my life had just begun.” I think that this quote stand out to me and makes me think about its meaning. To me, it can have various meanings, I think that the author means to say that although the accident was over, the healing process was still to come.

    Another passage that stood out to me was on P. 29 when her mother is on her way to pick Alice up from college after the accident had occurred. “I felt I needed to dress up for my mother for the ride home.” I think that this quote gives the reader some insight as to how close there family is, the fact that Alice felt that she had to dress up for her mothers appearance told me that maybe she isn’t very close to her mother, or trying to impress her.

    Some discussion questions…
    1. Why does she feel the need to impress her own mother, especially after she had just been through so much pain and suffering?

    2. Why Doesn’t Alice try to stand up for herself more when her father asks why she didn’t try to get away after she told him the story about the struggle to get away from her rapist. I think that she should stand up for herself more.

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  18. In the second section of,"Luckey" Alice tells about how she copes with her new life. Alice does go back to the school, even though her mother and father doesn’t want her to. When she gets back to college, everyone starts to talk about her behind her back. Everyone looks at her and would whisper to others saying things like, “That the girl I was telling you about." It was hard for her to go through all that but now Alice lives in a different area of the school, it’s an all girl dorm. When she goes out after dark she has to be escorted. She barley sees her friends and her life in college would never be the same.


    When Alice wrote that poem on page 98 and 99, it really described what she was feeling. She used a lot of strong language and made the reader really understand what she was going through.

    A quote that I found to be interesting was, "I was a victim, not really a person." (112) this quote really caught my attention because it is saying now that Alice is not just a normal person anymore. She was a victim of someone and this will haunt her forever.

    Nicole P
    Period 2

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  19. In the third section of, Lucky, Alice is going to court to testify against her attacker. The police found him and he went to jail. Alice never thought that she would see him again so soon. Yes, of course she was nurvce and scared, but she wanted to get this over with. When she was at court she was asked a lot of questions. Most of them the guy kept repeating over and over again. Most of the time he would get the date wrong, about when the rape occurred. Alice new that he was getting it wrong but she never said anything about it. While in court the memory of the rape kept coming back to Alice from all of the questions.

    The quote that really stuck out to me was, "That night I had a dream. Al Tripodi was in it. In a prison cell, he and two other men held my rapist down. I began to perform acts of revenge on the rapist but to no avail. He wrested loose from tripodis grasp and came at me. I saw his eyes as I had seen them in the tunnel. Close up. I woke up screaming and held myself upright in my damp sheets. I looked at the phone. It was 3:00 AM. I couldn’t call my mother. I tried to sleep again. I had found him. Again, it would be just the two of us. I thought of the lat lines in the poem I has turned in to Gallagher, Come die and lie, beside me." (113)
    Alice had a dream about her rapist. From all of these trials going on and other things such as people asking questions, memories came back to Alice but as a nightmare. And the poem that she wrote really stuck to her and frightened her.


    One question that I have is;
    Will Alice ever get over this, even though people keep reminding her of this rape?

    Nicole P
    Period 2

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  20. 1. In the third section of “Lucky” Alice kept running into the man who raped her. She didn’t know how to react at first, but after seeing him more than once around her neighborhood she realized she had to say something before things got worst. She reported seeing him around, and the search began once they had a description for this man. After they found him Alice went to court to fight against what had happen, and soon enough he was sent to prison. Alice was relieved on the decisions that were made. She felt safer now that she knew that the man who raped her was in prison and she didn’t have to look behind her thinking he is coming back for her.
    2. Vocabulary- Forcible: done or effected by force.
    “It is not just forcible intercourse; rape means to inhabit and destroy everything.” (123)
    Preliminary: preceding and leading up to the main part, matter or business.
    “"Ten days after the preliminary hearing, I returned home to my dorm after the Italian 101 class i appeared to be failing." (130)
    3. Connection- The connection that I made from this section would be when Alice was in court justifying what had happen to her. They were making things hard for her, by repeating the same questions over and over again. This reminded me of the story “Speak”, when the main girl from the story did not want to share what was happening and why she was not social. People kept on bothering her and made things worst for her at home and at school.
    4. An important quote that stuck out the most to me was
    5. Questions-
    Now that Alice found the man who raped her and he is now in prison, will things get better for her in life?
    -Victoria R.

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  21. In the third section of the story, Alice reports seeing the man who raped her around her campus. Soon after this the police find the man and arrest him. The rest of the section talks about how Alice went to court to fight againist him. Once he was found guilty of his horrible crime, Alice had a feeling a relief because she didnt have to worry about running into him around campus anymore.

    quote:
    "That night I had a dream. Al Tripodi was in it. In a prison cell, he and two other men held my rapist down. I began to perform acts of revenge on the rapist but to no avail. He wrested loose from tripodis grasp and came at me. I saw his eyes as I had seen them in the tunnel. Close up. I woke up screaming and held myself upright in my damp sheets. I looked at the phone. It was 3:00 AM. I couldn’t call my mother. I tried to sleep again. I had found him. Again, it would be just the two of us. I thought of the lat lines in the poem I has turned in to Gallagher, Come die and lie, beside me."- This quote was important to me because it shows how much the trail and everyone havinf pressure on her truly affected her to wear she wasnt only haunted by her tragic expeirence during the day, she had to suffer with it at night.

    Question: Now that the rapist is found and in jail, will Alice begin to feel safe again and begin to start her life over?

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