"Next Term, We'll Mash You!"
Samuel Taylor Coleridge
First, what are your reactions to Coleridge's poems Frost at Midnight & Kubla Khan ? What reactions do they invoke in you? Next, what is different about the poems? If you had to do a side by side comparison or make a Venn diagram of them, what would you include in it? After posting your initial thoughts, return to the blog to respond to your classmates.
7. The brief description of the school create a sinister atmosphere. The first detail noted about the school is the fact that it is made of "red brick" (Lively 1301). I think that the choice of red as the color of the school was meant to add to the sinister atmosphere as red can be seen as sinister in certain instances. Plus, though I may be looking into it too much, the fact that the school is made of bricks makes me think of the way that prisons and other similar institutions are composed of bricks in order to be heavily fortified so that people can't escape. The way that the school spreads out is compared to "spreading out long arms" which create the idea that the school is like an entity that is opening its arms, preparing to encapsulate and trap those who enter. The windows are described as "glitter[ing] blackly" (1301). The black color diction creates the idea that darkness exists within the school, adding to the sinister atmosphere. The flowers in the school's garden are described as being "trapped in neat beds" which adds to the idea that the school traps people in it, like a prison. All of these details, though brief, create a sinister atmosphere for the school and suggest that it is prison-like.
ReplyDelete11. I do think that Charles' parents love him in their own way; however, I think that they tend to focus too much on unimportant things and tend to treat him like a child too much. They do seem to be genuinely looking for a good school for Charles, but while looking for this school, they focus on material things rather than things that truly matter. For instance, the mother "worked over the headmaster's wife from shoes to hairstyle" to judge her rather than trying to gage how good of a person she was (Lively 1302). They do the same thing for the school, looking at the different facilities that they have to offer rather than the people inside it and how they will treat their son. They also seem to treat Charles like an incompetent child. The mothers behavior seems to suggest this in the way that she worries over "'tidy[ing] [his] hair" (1302) and the way that she "pitched her voice a notch higher" when addressing him (1304). This behavior suggests that she cares about him, but in a way that is overbearing. I also believe that the way that Charles is treated has caused him to be so quiet. I'm guessing that, in the past, when he's brought up his concerns, his parents probably didn't take him to seriously, believing him to be too young. As a result, he doesn't bother with telling them that the other boys threatened to "mash [him]" (1304). Instead he accepts the fact that, since his parents were impressed with what the school offered, he would be going there in the fall.
I didn't think of the fact that the school was made as brick, but it definitely makes sense when you related it to prisons. It creates a sense of being closed in, due to the closing in effect as well. Like you said, it is similar to prisons in the sense that it's heavily fortified and to me, that also adds the feeling of being closed in on and feeling as though it's impossible to escape.
DeleteI also thought that the description of the school building felt like a prison. I also agree that Charles' parents treat him too much like a child and need to stop almost dumbing everything down when talking to him.
Delete5. Mr. and Mrs. Manders are characterized as very prim individuals. They only seemed to care about looks and the esteem that came along with them. For example, entering the school, Mrs. Manders immediately went to fixing her appearance and her son's as well, instantly "smoothing down [her] skirt" and tidying her son's hair (1301). Furthermore, the appearance of the headmaster and his wife were criticized by both Mr. and Mrs. Manders. The wife of the headmaster was described by her fashion choice, jewelry, and voice, with Mr. Manders adding the comment of her as "not attractive" (1302). The headmaster, likewise, was described as "[reflecting] his wife's style," a mature look paired with untainted geniality. For Mr. and Mrs. Manders, it seemed as though looks were the most important aspect of the preparatory school, rather than how their son felt. His body language showed that he was very uncomfortable and overwhelmed; however, neither parent actually seemed to care about what their son wanted.
ReplyDelete12. I find it extremely believable that Charles never responded to his parents regarding the other boys' comments. Throughout the excerpt, it never seemed as though his parents gave any interest to Charles' feelings about the school. Coming to the school, he shifted anxiously and lagged behind them while walking, signs showing his discontent with having to attend the school, but no attention was really paid to him. Furthermore, his presence was seemingly ignored when the headmasters' wife came in and the conversation was never about him, her even acknowledging the fact that they had forgotten about him. In his perspective, no one cared about his opinion or his feelings, so it wouldn't have done any good to inform his parents about what happened to him.
I didn't think about the fact that Charles probably thought telling his parents wouldn't do anything. He's probably told his parents before about times he's been upset and wanted them to help but they did nothing. The parents never really cared much about what Charles wanted. These people are obviously more concerned with how they are seen rather than their son's education or well- being.
Delete9.) I feel that Lively is trying to make the point of children being afraid to talk to their parents about different situations. When his mom asked what his impression of the school was she “pitched her voice a notch higher to speak” to Charles (Lively 1304). He did “not answer,” and his face was “haggard with anticipation” (1304). By treating him like a child constantly and not allowing him to be his own person, it has clearly impacted Charles. Lively sets up this ironic situation to show how Charles is almost afraid to hold his own opinion, and this occurs everyday with other families. Parents cannot be overprotective and need to allow their children to have their own experiences and thoughts to be their own person.
ReplyDelete11.) I think Charles’ parents love him in their own way. Through the way they talk to him, it is evident that they are overbearing and treat him too much like a child. For example, as he gets out of the car, his mom wants to “‘tidy [his] hair’” (Lively 1302). His hair is already “slicked down smooth to his head,” and his clothes “had the shine and crease of newness” (1302). This depicts how focused his mother is on perfecting minor details. Additionally, his parents are searching for a decent school for him to attend, which shows that they have his best interests at heart.
I agree with your answer for 9. Kids often avoid telling their parents about their problems in fear of judgement or overreaction. Charles struggled with his own identity at school, and couldn't even be himself at home without his mother looking down upon him.
Delete5. Mr and Mrs. Manders are very concerned with appearances. They are dressed very purposefully as is their son Charles. They are of the 'old- money' variety; wealthy through connections and family reputation rather than hard work or education. They recognize that sending their son to the preparatory school is as much about Charles' education, as it is about how they look to the other respected families. Much of what they do is coded, they want to subtly inject key words, drop names, and present themselves in such a way that flashes their status. When the woman from the school, Mrs. Spokes, prods at where the family lives asking "You live in Finchley, is that right?", Mrs. Manders is quick to correct her stating they live in "Hampstead, really" (Lively 1302). This small exchange is a minor check to the image- obsessed couple. They need to feel as they are of a higher caliber of people and establish a social standing than the people at the school as well as their friends.
ReplyDelete9. Although Charles does not speak throughout the story, a great deal of his character is revealed. He is obviously very nervous about his potential new environment, which in turn causes him to be very passive and not voice his opinion. I think Charles' situation is a fairly common one; parents force their children to participate or do something against the child's wishes because they feel it is best for them. He doesn't tell his parents about the weird hazing that the other students say they are willing to inflict which I think would be a big red flag. I would definitely tell my parents if I knew I was going to get jumped at school and didn't think it would be a fair fight. It's possible that's just not the kind of kid Charles is because he essentially accepts his face and stares out the car window "... haggard with anticipation" (Lively 1304) on the way home from his school visit.
I agree with your explanation for #5. I also wrote about their infatuation with appearances and how it affects Charles. For #9, I didn't answer this question because I wasn't sure how to address his characterization when he barely spoke. However, your explanation makes total sense. He is nervous and doesn't want to disappoint his parents.
Delete5) Mr. and Mrs. Manders are characterized as a wealthy, upper class couple. Though they seem to want what is best for their son, they actually only care about appearance. From the very beginning, the mother talks about "The Wilcoxes" and she seems to compare her family to theirs (Lively 1301). When waiting to see the headmaster, the mother tries to tidy Charles' hair as if that will decide his fate at this school. Along with this, Mrs. Manders judges the headmaster's wife immediately after she enters the room. It's unusual but not surprising that the only thing she comments on his her appearance. "From shoes to hairstyle," all Mrs. Mander is worried about is the way she looks and how expensive the clothing is that she is wearing (Lively 1302). This same situation happened again with the headmaster. When he walked in, Mrs. Manders gave attention to the fact that his "clothes were mature" and his "shoes [were] clean" (Lively 1302). With all of this, Mr. and Mrs. Manders never thought to ask Charles what he wanted. He had a not so good experience with the boys and doesn't seem to like the school. That doesn't matter to his mother. The only thing that she cares about is that Sally Wilcoxes' son attends this school, so hers should too.
ReplyDelete12) I do find it believable that Charles didn't answer his mother's question at the end of the story. In a situation like this, it seems as though Charles' parents hold very high expectations for him. They want him to attend the best school, not caring about what he thinks. Though he doesn't like the boys at the school, he doesn't want to disappoint his parents. With that, I could see why he doesn't want to tell his parents about what the boys said. If he tells them, they probably won't care. Again, the only thing they care about is the appearance of it all. This explains Charles' "anticipation" when his mother asks his opinion about the school (Lively 1304).
I completely see where you're coming from with Charles not telling his parents; however, I think it's a little unrealistic to assume that he wouldn't at least mention it at some point. Unless there was some kind of abuse going on from his parents (who seem oblivious and selfish but mostly well-intentioned to me), I see no reason why he wouldn't bring it up at some point. After all, if he gets in trouble for fighting after the schoolchildren beat him up, I doubt any kid wouldn't take the chance to point out the real culprits.
Delete10. I find that fear is a constant theme in the story. Charles is obviously intimidated by a new school, classmates, and teachers. He is scared of this new surroundings, as well as what may happen to him in this unknown / foreign place. This theme is relevant in society as well. Many children fear going to school due to their bullies or sheer anxiety. It is reflected in their personality and how they interact with their family at home -- as seen in the story. I believe that the story correctly mirrors bullying and school-related anxiety. Charles embodies these emotions.
ReplyDelete9) I think the author is trying to highlight the unseen world of adolescence that adults often blind themselves to. While the parents were preoccupied with the headmaster's wife's clothes, voice, and economic status, the child is immersed in a world of veiled cruelty. Although there is a "licensed repartee" between the boys and the headmaster's wife, as soon as she leaves, they begin "assessing" Charles with fervor (1304). This ultimately leads to Charles' intense apprehension and disarray, similar to a panic attack, concluding with a threat from one of his classmates. The irony of Charles knowing how detrimental this new environment will be for him is furthered when his parents continue the discussion in the car afterwards. Though they ask Charles how his visit went, he "does not answer" because he knows they have already made up their minds (1304). This not only shows Charles' mounting fear, but also his acceptance of his parents' superficiality when discussing the situation.
ReplyDelete11) I think Charles' parents love him solely because they see the process of raising him as a tool with which to boost their own self-esteem. They love what he represents: an opportunity to decide what something of theirs is worth. Specifically, the observation that the school is "a cut above" some neighboring schools shows that the parents see this, at least partly, as an investment in their reputation and the quality of education their son will be getting (1301). It gets more complicated when the husband begins to draw in the possible "contact" his son might get with those of a wealthier class (1301). Certainly, this can be seen as a wish for fruitful friendships and successful partnerships in the future with like minded individuals, but the father's depiction of them as a separate "kind of people" suggests a big of dehumanization similar to when one speaks of assets or tools (1301). Certainly, a mother and father wouldn't go out of their way to make a heavy investment in a son they didn't live, but it cannot go unsaid that they see room for personal gain at the expense of their son's happiness.