Zoie S – Story Power

What I’ve Learned so far

On May 19, 2025

Throughout the year, we have read many things. Two that stuck out to me the most were Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and The Tragedy of King Lear by William Shakespeare. AP Lit is a class full of analyzing, and searching for deeper meanings in every text. I feel like I appreciated the lessons these two stories had to share. There were different perspectives on relationships, identity, and personal growth. These literary classics, though written centuries apart, explore universal themes that resonate deeply with me.

Pride and Prejudice opened my eyes to the subtle complexities of social class, gender roles, and personal transformation. There are many things that can impact a person’s character. Valuing money like the Bingley’s versus valuing character like Elizabeth establishes a contrast in the story. Though there is no good a bad, there are ideals and undesirables.. Elizabeth Bennett’s wit, independence, and willingness to challenge societal norms inspired me to think critically about my own values and assumptions. Her evolving relationship with Mr. Darcy, impacted by initial misunderstandings and eventual mutual respect, emphasized the importance of open-mindedness and self-reflection. Jane Austen’s exploration of character development and growth made me more aware of the judgments I make and the importance of empathy in human interactions.

In contrast, King Lear offered a darker, more tragic view of human nature. Shakespeare’s portrayal of madness, betrayal, and redemption through Lear’s descent into suffering deeply moved me. It led me to reflect on the sacrifice of having an ego. Lear’s downfall began when he took Cordelia’s inheritance. By the end, he started to see everyone for what they really were. Lear’s story highlights pride, aging, and the fragility of trust. Lear’s tragic flaw and his eventual realization of his mistakes taught me that wisdom often comes through hardship. It is also hard to see what’s best for oneself when led by other factors such as greed or power. The play challenged me to consider power’s consequences and humility’s necessity.

Together, these texts have elevated my emotional intelligence and critical thinking. They stimulate thoughts about societal norms and relationship dynamics.

Lua in Louisiana by Zoie & Lydia

By Zoie S

On April 30, 2025

In Music, Music Poetry, Poetry, Romanticism

Our poem was “I saw in Louisiana” so we chose the song “Lua” by Bright Eyes to connect with it. It is a single from the album “I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning”.

The poem “I Saw in Louisiana a Live-Oak Growing” by Walt Whitman and the song “Lua” by Bright Eyes both explore themes of loneliness, isolation, and the struggle for emotional connection, though in different settings and styles.

There are moments of loneliness in both pieces. In the poem, the speaker observes a strong, solitary live-oak tree and admires its ability to thrive alone. He then realizes that, unlike the tree, he needs companionship to feel whole, and present.

In Lua, an emotionally distant character is portrayed. Though they are surrounded by others, the tone is personal and fragile, highlighting a deep sense of personal and shared loneliness.

Both works reflect a kind of existential solitude. Whitman’s speaker feels a yearning for intimacy that the tree doesn’t need, while “Lua” shows how even being around others doesn’t necessarily free one from inner emptiness.

Apostrophe

Throughout “Lua,” the speaker constantly addresses a “you.” Phrases are used like,

“I know that it is freezing, but I think we have to walk.”

…

“I know you have a heavy heart / I can feel it when we kiss.”

“Lua” – Bright Eyes

This is an example of an apostrophe, talking to someone who might not hear or respond. This creates an emotional closeness/intimacy but also a sense of distance. Real communication does not seem to happen, just like in Whitman’s poem, where the speaker is talking about someone, but we don’t know who. The speaker tries to connect, but the loneliness still lingers.

Paradox

“We might die from medication, but we sure killed all the pain.”

“You’re looking skinny like a model with your eyes all painted black.”

“Lua” – Bright Eyes

Both dying to kill pain and looking beautiful while falling apart are paradoxes. These contradictions mirror the way loneliness operates; people do things that should heal them, but end up making the pain worse.

Both Whitman’s poem and Bright Eyes’ song reveal an underlying Romantic understanding of loneliness. They show that nature can survive and thrive being alone, but people can’t, we need love and someone to care for us.

Comedy In The Office

By Zoie S

On March 16, 2025

In Comedy/Satire

The Office as an Example of Failed Dramatic Comedy

The Office (US), is a mockumentary-style television series about the daily lives of office workers at Dunder Mifflin(a paper company). It presents a case of how modern comedy works often fall short of Aristotle’s ideal. On its surface, The Office seems like it should be a prime example of dramatic comedy. The characters are exaggerated versions of real people, the situations are often absurd, and the series regularly exposes the ridiculousness of corporate life.

But, despite its widespread acclaim, The Office does not achieve the moral enlightenment Aristotle envisioned for comedy. Instead, it indulges in heightened examples of human nature without offering much in regards to story resolution or depth.

The character of Michael Scott, the laughable regional manager of Dunder Mifflin, is a prime example of this. He is presented as a deeply flawed individual, desperate for attention, approval, and human connection, yet consistently failing to navigate basic social interactions. His ignorance, insensitivity, and frequent overconfidence make him a classic comedic figure. He is someone whose behavior is exaggerated to the point of absurdity. Yet, Michael Scott’s actions are rarely critiqued in any meaningful way. While some episodes offer mild consequences for his poor decisions, the show does not offer a larger moral resolution. Michael’s behavior does not serve as a cautionary tale; it’s simply a vehicle for humor. The audience laughs at his misfortune and his cringe-worthy moments, but they are not invited to reflect on his behavior in a way that would lead to deeper moral insight. Rather than following through to establish a statement of his own wrongdoings, the story continues and doesn’t offer a message to society.

The same could be said for other characters, like Dwight or Jim. They are super comedic, and still their antics are a bunch of gags rather than a deeper exploration of human nature.

Is this America?

By Zoie S

On February 28, 2025

In Comedy/Satire, Music, Music Poetry

2018 Music Video

“This is America” by Childish Gambino is a great example of satire in music. He displays many messages through both the music video, and the song itself. The entire work is filled with critiques about race and gun violence.

“We just wanna party
Party just for you
We just want the money
Money just for you
I know you wanna party (yeah)
Party just for free
Girl, you got me dancin’ (girl, you got me dancin’)
Dance and shake the frame”

In the beginning of the song, he uses sarcasm to emphasize how people in the US with wealth follow a culture of partying, shifting their priorities. These lines represent parties with no consequences.

“Look at how I’m livin’ now
Police be trippin’ now (woo)
Yeah, this is America (woo, ayy)
Guns in my area (word, my area)
I got the strap (ayy, ayy)
I gotta carry ’em”
The image depicts a black man dressed in all white who was previously strumming a guitar, but is now tied and being executed from his back. This represents the amount of gun-violence, and how gun use is normalized. People feel like it’s necessary, and therefore use it to feel safe. In return, nobody feels safe bc everyone is carrying. He makes it sound cheery while critiquing the acceptance of weapons.

“I’m so dope like yeah (woo)
We gon’ blow like yeah (straight up, uh)”
These lines represent how accepted and normalized gun use is in the US. He emphasizes the thought that people feel good about weapon use and often utilizing them.

He is dancing with a bunch of kids in the midst of chaos and violence. They are all still smiling despite the dangerous situations surrounding them. This is a representation of how gun violence surrounds schools, and impacts youths.

Him shooting a church choir displays they way death and violence can impact the most innocent and unassuming groups. One man ended an entire group of people.

In this frame, he is being chased by police officers, replicating the fear between cops and Black men specifically.

“You just a black man in this world
You just a barcode, ayy
You just a black man in this world
Drivin’ expensive foreigns, ayy
You just a big dawg, yeah
I kenneled him in the backyard
No, probably ain’t life to a dog
For a big dog”
Example of a black man being compared to animals in modern society. Being referenced as a barcode objectifies and dehumanizes him.

Family in King Lear

By Zoie S

On February 5, 2025

In King Lear

The entirety of King Lear is based around family.

Lear’s decision to divide the kingdom based on superficial displays of love shows his inability to distinguish between genuine affection and empty flattery. He craves affection and praise, disregarding how shallow it may be. Goneril and Regan’s grand, manipulative declarations represent how desperate they are to get what they want.

Lear’s demand for excessive displays of love reveals a deep insecurity and a need for validation that eventually causes the rift between him and Cordelia. By disowning her, Lear sets into motion a tragic chain of events where his misguided actions lead to betrayal, madness, and death.

Cordelia’s plot to help her father and plans to return display true care for him. Despite the actions he set in motion at the beginning of the play, she set her banishment aside and worked to help him genuinely.

Edgar is very similar to Cordelia. Like her, he stays loyal to his father despite events that could persuade him otherwise.

This play conveys how volatile familial relationships can be, and how quickly a dynamic can switch if misunderstandings or lies clutter the truth.

Poetry in D.N.A.

By Zoie S

On December 7, 2024

In Music, Music Poetry, Poetry

Kendrick Lamar’s “D.N.A.” is a powerful example of poetry and the way it uses rhythm, imagery, metaphor, and wordplay to express complex ideas. Much of his work is lyrical, meaningful, and layered with cultural references. It functions as poetry in many ways.
Firstly, he uses rhythm and word flow. Lamar’s delivery switches its tempo, speed, and pauses. These mirror the structure of poetry. It creates a captivating cadence that draws listeners in while also reinforcing the song’s message. His choice of internal rhymes and multisyllabic patterns also contributes to its poetic qualities.

Secondly, he uses metaphors and symbolism. Kendrick uses “DNA” as both a literal and symbolic concept. This in turn links the genetic makeup to identity, heritage, and the influence of ancestry. He draws on metaphors like:

I got loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA

to highlight the strength and richness of his cultural roots, connecting personal history with larger societal forces.

Next, he uses imagery to convey his messages. He uses lines like:

I was born like this, since one like this

to illustrate a sense of inevitability and inherent strength. This suggests that his identity and experiences are deeply ingrained and unchangeable, much like DNA.

Wordplay is also important in poetry, and he uses it when he says

I got power, poison, pain and joy inside my DNA

In this one line, he emphasizes the multi-entendre in the use of the term DNA. It emphasizes the comments on African American identity, systemic oppression, and resilience. Kendrick’s exploration of how his personal “DNA” is shaped by his environment, history, and struggles speaks to larger issues of race, power, and survival, positioning the song as a strong piece of poetry.

Not so dearly Beloved

By Zoie S

On December 1, 2024

In Beloved

At the beginning of this novel, I was a bit confused about what exactly Beloved was. Throughout the story, I was able to understand what Beloved represented. Firstly, the novel explores the complexities of motherhood. Morrison revealed what lengths Sethe was willing to go to protect her children from the horrors of slavery. Her love was both a source of strength and destruction. Sethe’s protective instincts lead to both the death of Beloved and her eventual redemption, as Sethe comes to terms with her past.
Another important aspect of the novel is the portrayal of community and isolation. Sethe’s initial separation from her community impacted how Denver grew up, and the shape of their lives without a sense of connection with those around them. Sethe’s distance from the community is a reflection of the isolating effects of trauma. Her pain speaks to the broader experience of African Americans in the aftermath of slavery. They struggled without a sense of community and must move on from their post of slavery while remembering the difficulties. The novel explores how the trauma of slavery never fully leaves its survivors. Sethe’s memories of her past (especially the painful choice she made to kill her child to save her from slavery) haunt her in ways that are both emotional and physical. The presence of Beloved is a symbol of these unhealed wounds. The idea of “rememory” shows how the past invades the present, making it impossible for Sethe to forget or escape her history. Beloved sucked all of the painful stories from Sethe, making her live it again by speaking about her past. This was a contrast to her and Paul D who shared stories with each other, resulting in some healing for the both of them.

Overall, Beloved is an accumulation of the African American struggle in post-slavery America.

Finding Home in Exit West

By Zoie S

On October 29, 2024

In Exit West

The underlying message throughout Exit West is the main character’s exit to the West. Throughout the story, there is a clear struggle for both Saeed and Nadia to find connection. In the beginning of the story, the two find themselves gravitated towards each other and establishing a bond. This bond forms partly because of their opposite natures, and party because of their society’s climate. They start to feel less at home in their city, and begin living in fear of militants and their rule.

Eventually, they are able to find “home” with each other and put more of themselves into their relationship. By traveling together, they are looking for a safer place to call home together.

In each place they go, there are positives and negatives to their situation. Saeed values an environment that is similar to what he grew up with. He prefers familiar cultures, people, and experiences. Nadia, on the other hand, prefers things that are different than what she grew up with. She enjoys engaging in cultures, and talking to people that are different from her. This aspect of finding a home can mean very similar and very different things for these two people.

Trusting… Trust.

By Zoie S

On October 15, 2024

In Film, Trust (film) - Hal Hartley

I began watching the film trust without many thoughts. I decided to trust the process of the film, with no pun intended. This movie seemed like an attempt to condense society into 107 minutes.

Safe to say, I was not entirely convinced. It effectively exaggerated some dynamics of society. When Maria gets $5 from the lady on the bench, her sadness portrays a greater theme of the film. The relationship between a mother and child is frequently discussed. Early in the film, Maria was ready to define herself as a mother and a wife. This changes over the film as she sees that she can decide what path to take. The lady on the bench has a deep sadness as she is not fulfilled in her life. Her house is clean, and her husband is extremely routine. There is no variation to their schedules.

Separately, the relationship between Maria and Mathew are grounds for a sperate discussion. The dynamic between the two could be perceived as heartwarming. I, however, saw it as a situation of codependency. They meet while they are both struggling emotionally. Mathew is grown, yet hotheaded. Maria is young and uneducated. This is exemplified by the fact that she did not finish high school. She begins to turn things around when finding an interest in Mathew’s books, and wearing her glasses. He on the other hand, becomes interested in finding a stable job and being a pillar of support for her. Meeting each other shows Maria that she can be smart, and Mathew that he can be reliable.

Although these notions are lovely, they aren’t maintainable. Without being held down by a baby, Maria wanted to be free. Mathew could not handle being without the one person who made him “stable” even for a moment. This poses the question… Why is life worth living?

A Reflection of Benjamin’s Subjectivity and Power

By Zoie S

On September 24, 2024

In Jessica Benjamin, Power and Identity

In Bonds of Love, Benjamin begins by stating the words of Freud and disagreeing with him. She explains that the message he supports is unrepresentative of the way the relationships truly function.

The flawed perspective is that one thing is the absence of another. An example is believing that male things are anything that are not female things. This imbalance results in people being squeezed into boxes to sort out their identity and ultimately results in conflict.

In a more general view, Benjamin uses the perspective that mutual recognition is more efficient than opposition-based dynamics. Freud places a lot of importance on power dynamics for understanding society.

Benjamin argues that subjectivity and power establish every dynamic present in the world. There is an aspect of social and personal hierarchies that place the power on one person rather than their counterpart but the notion of mutual recognition is both parties recognizing each other as equals in power. Overall, Benjamin argues that the key to a balanced society is each party taking responsibility for their role in a binary relationship and working towards mutual recognition.

Story Power

Blogging the Lit Life

Author: Zoie S

What I’ve Learned so far

Lua in Louisiana by Zoie & Lydia

Apostrophe

Paradox

Comedy In The Office

Is this America?

Family in King Lear

Poetry in D.N.A.

Not so dearly Beloved

Finding Home in Exit West

Trusting… Trust.

A Reflection of Benjamin’s Subjectivity and Power

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