The Things You Carry

The Things They Carried is a deeply personal account (albeit fictionalized) of Tim O'Brien's experiences in the Vietnam War.  He begins his work with a moving account of 5 types of "things" that all of the men in his platoon "carried."

Carry is a funny verb- it has multiple meanings and interpretations.  Much like the verb "love" its beauty is in its vagueness.  Here is your first BP for this six weeks and for your new novel.  In order to relate to the characters in the story, what are the five things you carry with you always?  Be sure to provide one example of each of the following items.

A Physical Item - it can be a cell phone, it can be a special piece of jewelry or even a hairstyle.  But what physical item do you feel naked without?  Why is it special to you?  What would you do without it?

Dreams/Goals - What is that dream you keep locked away and hidden- you know the one that drives you?  What goals have you set for your life?  How do they provide you with guidance?

Relationship - Who is your Martha?  Not your "love" but the person you think of always- your confidant, your inspiration, your "person."  It can be a relative or a friend or a role model- but who are they and why do they have such an impact on you?

Personality - What three adjectives come to mind when you think of yourself?  Who do you want to be?  Who do others think you are?  What is your personality and how does it impact your life?

And lastly- what memory(ies) shape who you are?  What are those experiences that shape and mold and impact you today?  Why are they so important to you?

Good luck.  I know this is personal, I know this is tough, but I know these will be good.

Mr. T

Maggie - Dee - or Other?

Everyday Use presents an interesting portrayal of two sisters- both raised in the same household, both proud of their heritage, and both completely opposite of each other.

On one hand there is Maggie, a relic of the past, simply recreating the story of her mother.  She's loyal, simple, and absolutely stuck.

Then there is Dee/Wangero.  She's independent, successful, ambitious and judgmental.  She's critical of her mother's choices and acts superior.

Is that the only options facing children?  Putting race aside, how do children honor the culture of their parents yet break away from the things they don't like?  What does the "third" option look like?

Share your experience with this- how have you tried to honor/celebrate/respect your parents culture but establish your own identity?  This should be well thought out- elaborate- use words, images, videos, music -whatever you need - to demonstrate how you are trying your best to be the "third" option.