It was at that moment that I decided I did not like the reading with the lengthy sentences and off-topic paragraphs. However, there is much to be delved into.
On page 345, Ms. Erdrich mentioned a quote from a Mr. Adam Phillips: we "never know whether obstacles create desire or desire creates obstacles." This I felt I could connect with, for I have pondered that subject myself. Why do we like the things we do? Is it because we cannot have them? Is it simply in human nature to want what we are not permitted to possess? Or do the things we want purposely make themselves unattainable?
The following paragraph also made me stop and marvel. If we did not have something to overcome, we could never grow. While this principle is obviously the building block for life, the manner in which Mr. Phillips expressed it blew me away: "Without obstacles...There would be nothing to master."
I feel that the timing for this piece, as tangent-loaded as it may be, could not have been better: I have just freshly returned from a week-long journey into the mountains of the Upper Peninsula, and as Ms. Erdrich weaved her colorful descriptions of the forest, I felt I could imagine them more vividly.
"The world turned dazzling green, the hills rode like comfortable and flowing animals. Everywhere there was the sound of water moving (342)".
Great post Mary!
ReplyDeleteI didn't even draw the connection between Catcher in the Rye and Skunk Dreams until you mentioned it, but I would have to completely agree! She does go off in a lot of different directions just like Holden. I think that's what made it so hard for me to read, she didn't really stick to one topic specifically.
I liked how you questioned what came first: the desire or the obstacle. I have also given that much thought. I would also agree with you that we need to overcome obstacles to grow, because without them, there would never be any progression in the world. Life would just be too darn easy!
I love the picture by the way (:
I totally agree with you about the obstacles part of the article. I felt that it was the only good thing in the article. The lesson about obstacles was the only thing that gave the article essence. I am glad that you got something out the random descriptions, because they did nothing for me.
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