[3 of 5] Midterm Exam for English 3Y, December 2024
4 additions to document , most recent about 1 year ago
| When | Why |
|---|---|
| Jan-11-25 | Naomi's image |
| Jan-11-25 | Phillip's image |
| Jan-11-25 | Zion's Image |
| Jan-13-25 | Dallas's image |
1 changes, most recent about 1 year ago
0 General Document comments
0 Sentence and Paragraph comments
0 Image and Video comments
Structure: Three Sections (30 Minutes Each)
Section 1: Textual Analysis Without a Writing Partner
Section 2: Textual Analysis With a Writing Partner
Section 3: Creative Character Image Creation and Comment
Each the first two sections include three 3-paragraph excerpts from each text and an overarching question.
Please choose one 3-paragraph excerpt in each section and comment on each paragraph in the excerpt of your choice. In your comments, explain what your chosen excerpt shows about the overarching question.
Section 1: Textual Analysis Without a Writing Partner (30 Minutes)
Design
You wrote multiple comments, but each one seems to be more like a series of observations rather than well-structured compositions. Your analysis could benefit from organizing each comment into a clear and logical flow to enhance comprehension. Aim for more thoughtful and purposeful analysis by expanding on each point you make. Think about how you might develop each comment into a short composition of 8-10 sentences with a clear introduction, supporting evidence, and a conclusion. Score: 6/10
Knowledge
You demonstrate an understanding of the book’s themes of identity and resilience, especially in the context of Luther and his wife’s experiences. However, your ideas could be more deeply supported with direct evidence from the text. Try to incorporate more direct quotes and analyze them in relation to the themes you discuss. How might you use specific instances from the text to highlight these themes more effectively? Score: 7/10
Application
You make connections to themes of family, community, and history, but these connections could be more sharply elucidated. While you mention the challenges Luther and his wife face, consider exploring the broader implications of these challenges. What analytical skills and strategies could you employ to deepen your discussion of these thematic connections? Score: 6/10
Process
You complete all aspects of the task, but there is room for more detailed attention to fully realize your analytical goals. Consider taking more time to plan and structure your comments to ensure they meet the task’s requirements. How might you refine your approach to better achieve your analytical objectives within the time constraints? Score: 6/10
Presentation
You communicate your analysis and main ideas clearly, but there are areas where language and grammar could be used more precisely. Pay attention to your sentence structure and word choice to enhance the quality and clarity of your critique. When you see errors in your text, consider if standard corrections might fit your audience or purpose. How might you revise your language to better support your analysis? Score: 6/10
Overall Score: 31/50
If you want to see more detailed feedback or have any questions about specific areas, feel free to ask!
I received a low score in design because I was replying like it was an observation instead of a composition. Also, I could have shown a better understanding of the work I did. I hsould’ve got deeper into it. I should’ve more evidence and a analysis. I think I did well giving the evidence and talking about it. But I wished I went more into it.
I demonstrated a strong understanding of the book’s themes of identity and resilience, especially in relation to Luther and his wife’s experiences. My analysis showed that I could connect these themes to the characters in a meaningful way. I also engaged thoughtfully with the text and considered ways to strengthen my arguments, which is a good analytical skill. I did well in identifying key themes and discussing their relevance to the characters, but I need to provide more direct evidence from the text. Incorporating quotes and analyzing them in relation to my points would make my arguments more convincing. By using specific examples from the book, I can create a stronger and more insightful analysis.
My analysis showed an awareness of the challenges faced by Luther and his wife, demonstrating my ability to engage with the text’s deeper meanings. I also attempted to explore thematic significance, which is an important analytical skill. I need to clarify and deepen my analysis by exploring the broader implications of the challenges Luther and his wife face. To strengthen my discussion, I should use more specific examples and employ analytical strategies that help me break down these themes more effectively. By sharpening my insights and considering the wider impact of these challenges, I can create a more in-depth and compelling analysis.
I successfully completed all aspects of the task, ensuring that I addressed the necessary requirements. My work demonstrated an understanding of the analytical goals and showed effort in meeting them. I also showed the ability to engage with the material and think critically about my responses.While I completed the task, I could change my approach by giving more detailed attention to my analysis. Taking extra time to plan and structure my comments would help me fully achieve my analytical objectives. By organizing my thoughts more effectively and ensuring my responses are well-developed, I can create stronger and more insightful analyses, even within time constraints.
I communicated my analysis and main ideas clearly, ensuring that my points were understandable and relevant. My critique effectively conveyed my intended message and demonstrated engagement with the material. I also showed an awareness of the importance of clarity in writing. While my analysis was clear, I need to refine my language and grammar for greater precision. Paying closer attention to sentence structure and word choice will help enhance the overall quality of my critique. By revising my writing carefully and considering standard corrections, I can improve clarity and ensure that my analysis is as strong and effective as possible.
Design
Kayla, you’ve done a great job by writing three comments, which shows your commitment to the task. Each comment is relatively concise, but they don’t fully reach the 8-10 sentence requirement. Your thoughts are clear, but expanding on each idea with more examples or explanations could enhance your analysis. Consider structuring your comments more distinctly to ensure a logical flow that guides your reader through your analysis. Score: 6/10
Knowledge
You demonstrate an understanding of the book’s themes, particularly around identity and community, which is evident in your mention of “people of color” and “connection to family.” However, you could strengthen your analysis by directly quoting or referencing specific parts of the text to back up your points. This would show a deeper engagement with the material. Score: 7/10
Application
You touch on important thematic connections, like community and personal growth, but you could sharpen these insights with more detailed examples or by exploring how these themes relate to broader contexts, like family or history. This would make your analysis more robust and nuanced. Score: 6/10
Process
You completed the task within the time constraints, which is commendable, but there are areas where you could add more detail and depth. Paying closer attention to the task requirements, like the number of sentences, could improve your overall submission. Score: 7/10
Presentation
Your comments are generally clear, but there are some grammatical errors and informal language that might detract from your critique’s clarity and precision. Focusing on sentence structure and grammar could enhance the professionalism and readability of your analysis. Score: 6/10
Summary Score: 32/50
Kayla, your analysis shows a good understanding of the themes, but there’s room to improve by adding more detail and refining your presentation. Keep exploring different language styles, and consider how you can expand on your ideas with more specific evidence. If you’d like to see more feedback, let me know!
Design
You have written three comments, each structured as a short composition. Your analysis is thoughtful and purposeful, focusing on themes of identity, family, and community. Your comments are generally well-organized and follow a logical flow, enhancing comprehension. However, some ideas in your comments could benefit from further elaboration or clearer transitions between thoughts. For instance, in Comment 3, you mention the deep freezer and its significance but could further connect this to broader themes of identity or resilience.
Score: 8/10
Knowledge
You demonstrate a good understanding of the book’s themes of identity and resilience. You support your ideas with evidence from the text, such as referring to the significance of the shed and City’s connection to his grandfather. However, there are opportunities to deepen your analysis by citing more specific textual evidence or exploring additional themes. For example, you could delve into how the community’s attachment to the shed reflects broader societal themes or historical context.
Score: 8/10
Application
You employ a variety of analytical skills and strategies when discussing the excerpt, effectively linking themes to family and community. You highlight the symbolic role of the shed and how it ties into City’s identity and family history. To improve, you could sharpen your thematic connections by exploring how these elements resonate with the reader’s own experiences, potentially using rhetorical questions to engage the audience more directly.
Score: 8/10
Process
You take the necessary steps to realize your analytical goals within the time constraints, completing all aspects of the task with attention to detail. Your comments cover a range of ideas, and you explore different dimensions of the text. However, you might consider how to balance breadth and depth in your analysis, ensuring that each idea is fully developed and supported.
Score: 9/10
Presentation
You effectively communicate your analysis and main ideas clearly and cohesively. Your language is generally precise, although there are moments where more varied sentence structures or vocabulary could enhance your critique. Additionally, consider how you might incorporate more of your unique voice or rhetorical style into your writing to engage the audience on a deeper level.
Score: 8/10
Summary Score: 41/50
Would you like to see more detailed feedback on any of these sections?
The feedback shows that I do a good job of understanding the themes of the book, particularly in discussing themes of identity, family, and community. My understanding of the book’s themes is solid, and I support my ideas with textual evidence, such as the significance of the shed and City’s connection to his grandfather. However, I could do better by being more specific with my ideas, including textual evidence and clearer transitions. In all five categories, I’ve scored fairly high, but I believe I could’ve got an even higher score if I dug a little deeper into ideas that could have been better understood and supported.
One of my strengths is analyzing symbolism, such as highlighting the shed’s role in City’s identity and family history. I also connect themes to larger ideas, demonstrating a purposeful and thoughtful approach to the text well. I believe that my writing is clear and well-structured, which makes my analysis easy to follow.
One area for growth is providing more specific textual evidence to support my analysis. While I discuss key themes like identity and resilience, some points could be stronger with direct quotes and detailed examples from the text. In order to improve, I will focus on closely analyzing passages that illustrate my points to make sure that my arguments are well-supported.
This feedback helps me grow as a writer by allowing me to fix my analysis and writing skills. It encourages me to be more intentional about incorporating specific textual evidence and making stronger connections to the theme. Using this feedback, I can develop clearer transitions and ensure my analysis is both deep and well-supported.
One thing that surprised me was that I didn’t realize that some of my ideas needed more elaboration, especially regarding connections. I was surprised by how depth in analysis can impact the clarity of my arguments. I also did not think I would score as highly so that was also surprising.
I was excited to see that my organization and analysis were strong overall. I liked the suggestion of using rhetorical questions to engage the audience more effectively.
I wasn’t entirely sure how to incorporate more of my voice into my writing while maintaining academic analysis. I will try to explore different rhetorical styles and experiment with phrasing to make my writing more engaging.
Design
Philip, you did a solid job by writing three comments, each with a thoughtful analysis. Your comments are generally well-organized and have a logical flow that helps in understanding your points. However, some sentences could be clearer and more concise to enhance comprehension. For example, you wrote, “Howard University is an example of that resilience itself.” This is a bit vague and could be expanded to better explain what kind of resilience you mean. Aim for a clearer structure in each comment, ensuring that your ideas are presented in a way that builds upon each other effectively. Overall, you have a good start here.
Score: 7/10
Knowledge
You demonstrate a good understanding of the themes of identity and resilience. You provide relevant examples from the text, like the role of Howard University and its president’s involvement in the Brown V. Board of Education case. You also touch on the cultural pressures faced by Dolores and how the university attempts to empower the Black community. However, you could strengthen your analysis by providing more direct quotes from the text to support your points. This will make your argument more convincing and grounded in the source material.
Score: 8/10
Application
You employ various analytical skills, linking themes of identity and resilience to the context of family and community. Your comments on the afrocentric ideas of the school and Dolores’ struggle with her identity are insightful. However, you could delve deeper into these thematic connections and explore how they relate to broader historical or societal contexts. Consider how these themes might resonate with the experiences of Black communities beyond the text, which would sharpen your analysis further.
Score: 7/10
Process
You completed all aspects of the task and paid attention to detail in your analysis. However, there are areas where more detailed examination could enhance your work. For instance, when discussing Dolores’ hair and identity struggles, you could explore the historical significance of hair in Black culture in more depth. This would show a more comprehensive understanding of the topic and further realize your analytical goals.
Score: 8/10
Presentation
Your writing effectively communicates the main ideas, but there are minor grammatical issues that can affect the clarity of your analysis. For example, “aswell” should be “as well,” and “their” should be “there” in the context of your sentence. Paying attention to these details will enhance the precision and professionalism of your writing. You also have a good use of conversational tone, which is engaging, yet remember to balance it with formal academic language where necessary.
Score: 6/10
Summary Score: 36/50
If you’d like to delve deeper into any specific area from this feedback or want more guidance on how to enhance your writing, just let me know!
Design
You have structured your response into three distinct comments, which is great for organization. Each comment has a clear focus and progresses logically, enhancing the flow and comprehension of your analysis. However, the comments could be expanded to fully meet the expectation of 8-10 sentences, providing more depth and detail. Aim for a more thorough exploration of your ideas to fully capture the complexity of the themes you’re addressing.
Score: 7/10
Knowledge
You demonstrate a solid understanding of the themes of identity and resilience, particularly in how you describe Dolares’s experiences at Howard University. Your comments reflect on how Howard’s environment impacts her identity and sense of belonging. However, incorporating more direct evidence from the text would strengthen your analysis. Consider quoting specific parts of the text to support your points and provide a stronger foundation for your observations.
Score: 6/10
Application
You employ some analytical skills and strategies in discussing the excerpt, like connecting Dolares’s experiences to broader themes of identity and community. You also touch upon thematic connections to the Black community and cultural heritage. To enhance your analysis, try to delve deeper into these connections and provide more nuanced insights into how they shape the character’s journey and development.
Score: 7/10
Process
Your response shows that you have taken steps to realize your analytical goals, but there’s room for more detailed exploration. While you address key themes and ideas, expanding on these with more specific examples and analysis would help fully realize your potential in this task. Pay attention to detail in each comment to ensure that you are thoroughly addressing all aspects of the prompt.
Score: 6/10
Presentation
You communicate your analysis clearly and cohesively, but there are some areas where language and grammar could be used more precisely. Consider revising sentence structures for clarity and ensuring that your ideas are presented in a polished manner. This will enhance the overall quality and clarity of your critique and make your points more impactful.
Score: 6/10
Summary Score: 32/50
If you want more feedback or advice on any part, feel free to ask!
Task
- Choose one excerpt and comment on every paragraph in that excerpt.
- In each comment write a short composition (1–2 paragraphs) addressing the overarching question.
- Use evidence from the book and explain how the that excerpt illustrates the theme of identity and resilience.
Overarching Question: How does the book encourage readers to reflect on their identities and connections to family, community, or history?
Excerpts from Long Division, Book One, pages 103-153 by Kiese Laymon (2013)
Choose One
Section 1, Excerpt 1: THAT WORK SHED
Chapter: Book One, pages 103-106
This excerpt illustrates the theme of resilience and identity because of the significance of the shed. City’s grandfather would work in that shed five days a week until he unfortunately passed away. Instead of getting rid of the shed completely or leaving it untouched, City and his grandmother were able to preserve it and create new memories. In the second paragraph, it states, “I liked to mess around in there, knowing I was walking on the same sawdust my granddaddy walked on.” this shows the reader that City is grateful for the shed because he is able to connect to his grandfather in ways he couldn’t when he was alive. Also, Grandma has made her own adjustments to keep the shed useful, in paragraph 3, it talks about how she added a deep freezer full of food inside it. Keeping the shed alive shows the reader that they preserved through hard times and made something nice out of a bad situation.
When I made it home, Grandma wasn’t there. I was swelling from the stings, but I realized this was my chance to see if that white man was really in the work shed. Grandma kept the key to the shed on her key chain that was on the dresser under her old wigs. The key chain had a million keys on it. Plus, she had this heavy pocket blade connected to her keys. She never let me hold the blade, but you could tell from just looking at it that it could slice many necks if need be.
The connections of Grandma’s keys to what is in the shed help the readers connect to family history/secrets. By mentioning that Grandma keeps the key hidden and how she has multiple keys on one chain, the readers think about how what is actually in the shed is something that only Grandma knows about. The comment, “…it could slice many necks if need be…” gives the connotation to the idea that there are family secrets that lie within the story. This creates mystery, confusion, and reflection of past endeavors in the book with Grandma to have the audience figure out the story behind the shed. The mood in this paragraph provokes the thinking of connections between City’s family and the readers if they have similar experiences.
I took the knife and Grandma’s keys and slowly made my way out to the work shed. The shed was covered in off-white vinyl siding and, like Grandma’s house, it was raised off the ground by cinder blocks. There were two words written on the shed but they had been scratched out with a black marker. Every kid who ever saw the shed said it looked like the color of a second-grade writing tablet. You couldn’t tell how much of the off-whiteness was bought and how much of it came from just being dirty. There were no windows, just four baseball-sized holes in the back, way up at the top. Every Tuesday, from sunup to sundown, my granddaddy used to sweat up a storm in that shed. Tuesdays and Sundays were my granddaddy’s only off days. Tuesdays, he’d make tables, chairs, and cabinets out of wood. Sundays, he’d drink until he couldn’t see straight enough to use anything he’d made. Grandma took all the saws out of the shed when my granddaddy drowned, but she left all the sawdust, wood chips, and cinder blocks on the floor. I liked to mess around in there, knowing I was walking on the same sawdust my granddaddy walked on.
The book encourages readers to reflect on their identities and connections to family and history by having City express contentment with being in the same room as his grandfather. Having City in the shed that was mostly untouched from the last time his grandfather worked there until he passed helps the readers think about their own family and how family history affects who we are. Also, it’s important to consider the shed’s history and how the community has been attached to it. City says that many kids have come to it and given their opinions on the shed, so that helps the audience think of their own community. The shed brought the community together, and a lot of people have gotten to experience it.
After my granddaddy drowned, Grandma put a deep freezer in the shed filled with ice cream and animal parts. On the walls were these wooden shelves stocked with jars of pickles, preserves, pigs’ feet, and just about anything else Grandma could think of to can. If you ever got hungry, there was always something in that shed to eat, and it was probably going to be something super country like pickled pigs’ feet or raccoon. Or ice cream sandwiches.
This paragraph gives more of City’s family identity as being southern. For City’s grandmother to keep most of the shed the same but add in a deep freezer for country food allows thoughts for our family behaviors and how it shows who we are. City’s grandma having a freezer full of food in the shed behind her house shows the readers that she has things prepared for herself and her family. It could also give a false narrative that what is inside the shed isn’t all that bad.
Section 1, Excerpt 2: COMMON TO MAN
Chapter: Book One, pages 107-115
On Sunday morning, Grandma and I got in the Bonneville and headed to Concord Baptist Church at a little past eleven in the morning.
Nothing made sense.
I had found out that there were actually two Long Division books, the one I kept in the house and the one I decided to leave in the work shed with Sooo Sad. But the existence of at least two books was less confusing than the words in the books.
Maybe the book wasn’t a book at all, I thought. Maybe the book was the truth. If it was the truth, I had to figure out what it had to do with me. And if Baize wasn’t actually missing, but maybe just time traveling, that meant that Sooo Sad hadn’t really hurt her at all.
“City,” Grandma interrupted my thoughts while turning down the radio, “when you get saved, act like you got some sense. You hear me? Whole lotta folks get saved and it take them an entire life before they start living by God’s word. That’s them ol’ deathbed conversioners, them ol’ heathens trying to get to heaven a lifetime too late.”
I told Grandma that the car smelled like something died in the back seat and asked her who she was talking about. She ignored the comment about the smell and said that she wasn’t talking about anyone in particular.
When we made it to the dirt parking lot of Concord Baptist Church, the Bonneville stopped and Grandma swiveled her neck toward me. With her eyes a-twitching and mouth a-moving, almost in slow motion, Grandma said, “Okay now, City. It’s eleven forty-five. We still got time to send you up for altar call. Don’t act a fool up in here.”
Section 1, Excerpt 3: THEY WENT SWIMMING
Chapter: Book One, pages 149-153
Out in the parked Bonneville, LaVander Peeler sat in the back and I sat up front with Grandma. She sat there not saying a word for a few minutes, with one hand on my thigh and the car running. She took her hand from my thigh and cupped her face with both hands before massaging her temples with her thumbs. I placed my left hand on the back of her neck and rubbed it like she’d do to me when I couldn’t sleep.
I sat there, waiting for Grandma to say something and, really, waiting to hear from her about how being in love with Jesus was going to help us out of whatever situation we were in. I didn’t want no silly voices pass-interfering when Jesus decided to let me know what to do next. But even if you put it on the strongest leash ever, and even if you’re saved, the imagination makes more noise than a little bit and takes you wherever it wants to go.
And my imagination did exactly that. It took me right across the road into those Magic Woods and it had me stepping on dead catfish and brittle monkey bodies and the blue crossed eyeballs of white folks. All the while, all I could hear around me was Uncle Relle say-ing, “Gotdamnit. Gotdamnit. Gotdamnit.”
Jesus, I thought to myself, if you’re there, I’m not trying to cuss you. I swear I’m not.
Then, it took me back to a bed on a stage and Mama, Troll, Shay, Kincaid, and MyMy were there and they were all kissing me all over my stretch marks and showing stretch marks I never knew they had. Without warning, my imagination calmed down and took me right back to my baptism and that Halona King song was blasting on level eighty trillion.
I pulled Long Division from my bag. “Grandma, I’m fine,” I told her. “Really.”
Excerpts from Say I'm Dead: A Family Memoir of Race, Secrets, and Love (2020) by E. Dolores Johnson, Chapters 8 - 11
Choose One
Section 1, Excerpt 1: Chapter 8
“I Am Somebody”
In the fall of 1966, I hurried across campus to Howard University’s Crampton Auditorium and took a seat for freshman orientation. This was the start of my journey on the road to the good life, whatever that meant. The president, a warrior from the Brown v. Board of Education NAACP strategy team, welcomed our all black and brown class from everywhere in the diaspora, calling us the future of the race. We had been admitted, he said, in order to help raise our race. We, the talented tenth, would become all we could be, and lead our people’s progress. His message was as electrifying as the fact that he, the distinguished university president, was also black. So were the deans and administrators. It amazed me to see that black people could hold such lofty positions.
In this paragraph, Dolores highlights the life of a black woman getting into college. Back then, many black people never even had the thought of going to college in their head. It was an irrelevant thing because most believed that they wouldnt be able to. Dolores, aswell as the other black kids were an example of the “future of the race” according to the university president.
Howard University is an example of that resilience itself. the University president is black aswell as many teachers and staff. These people were able to find themselves and who they were in a slew of racism and prejudice trying to hold them back from their true potential. The president himself was apart of the Brown V. Board of Education NAACP team, a leading cause in the fight to give black people the same equal education as white people. Everyone their fought hard to become their own people, and they thrived off of it.
the change in experience had a strong effect on dolares after coming from her highschool where discrimination against her was just the norm to now being included into the talented tenth at howard and being surrounded by so many black people in power it gave her a feeling of rejociment id believe
In the girl’s scholarship dorm, we buckled down, studying pharmacy, mathematics, and economics until the time we lived for came: Saturday night dances at the university ballroom. A girl down the hall had convinced me that “to be seen” at the dances I needed the sophisticated black-is-beautiful Afro of a Howard woman. The campus was leaning into Afrocentric everything. Girls wore kente cloth wrap skirts as we greeted each other in Swahili. Jambo! Habari gani? The school of social work was focused on the particular needs of the black community such as poverty and poor education, and the medical school was the center of research on sickle cell anemia, which afflicted mainly African Americans.
In this paragraph, we see how the afrocentric ideas of the school have affected its culture. When I personally saw this I noticed that it seems like in the process of creating a “black” school, they forced people to lean into that idea of being black. Despite Dolores still being black, she faced heavy criticism from other students for not being “black” enough, due to her light attire. She was convinced she had to change herself for other people instead of embracing her unique mixed life that differed from many other black kids.
Despite that loss of individuality, we can still see the efforts the school put in to help black people as a whole. When it came to social work, they would focus their efforts on helping underfunded neighborhoods or schools with bad education as to support these children who deserved better and were treated unfairly just due to their race. In the medical school, they centered their research on sickle cell anemia rather than other diseases because they wanted to help African Americans be able to thrive and become stronger, being a disease that mainly affected them.
the extreme focus on large problems effecting the black community like sickle cell research and the black is beautiful afro of howard women gave her an extreme feeling of home and really allowed dolares to gather her dichotomy with her black side and white side and likely ensured her of her proud black heritage
A dormmate criticized girls on the floor who straightened the natural curl and kink out of their hair as wanting to be like white people. It wasn’t done at Howard, that kind of self-hating denial of your own gene pool. Trying to suppress the “good hair” spawned by my white mo-ther, I sat on the floor between my friend’s knees as she rubbed alcohol-soaked cotton onto my roots and strands. My hair kinked more and blew up in volume to something worthier of hep black women. Then I hurried across campus, to show my blacker stuff in the elbow-to-armpit ballroom dance.
dolares goes to her dormmate and they unstraighten her hair to allow her to show off her real black hair and how she is and afterwards goes to the ballroom with her other howard students
In this paragraph, we see a girl who tries to deny her own identity as a black woman. A lot of black people back then, even now, wanted to remove the natural kinks of their hair. Woman would do this by straightening it out to appeal to a whiter audience. They wanted to seem less black and less like themselves because they were afraid of that idea of being rejected by others.
Dolores on the other hand wanted to embrace the blacker side of her, trying to get rid of the more straight hair that she inherited from her white mother and instead wanted something that blew up in your face with curls and the strands of a black woman rather then a white one, instead of embracing both of those sides of her because thats what she was told to do.
Section 1, Excerpt 2: Chapter 9
“Searching”
At a gas stop, I hesitated over the impulse to take the TripTik option to detour onto a longer way through Mississippi, down along the scenic Biloxi and Gulfport beach coast on the Gulf of Mexico. But I didn’t make that choice either. Those places probably weren’t for me, or any African Americans, even if I stayed in the car and just looked through the window. I wasn’t fool enough to risk getting caught in the dark in Mississippi. And the extra time it took might mean being too exhausted to get to Baton Rouge that night. No way would I sleep in Mississippi. So, I plowed on straight to Baton Rouge, missing all the sights that called to me, because I was afraid. As life would have it, there has never been another chance for me to see any of those places.
Luther and I got off to a good start in Baton Rouge, learning the layout of the town with very helpful assistance from the pleasant hotel staff. They pointed out landmarks, marked routes to our jobs on maps, told us how the Louisiana State University (LSU) football games took over the town. And they sent us down the Airline Highway to Ralph & Kacoo’s restaurant, where we were made comfortable by the smiling white hostess who welcomed us with chatty charm. That Cajun food was so delicious we went back again and again, each time eating the whole bowl of hot hushpuppies with fried fish from the Mississippi, Atchafalaya crawfish tails in thick étouffée sauce, seafood gumbo, and shrimp stew, but never the alligator bites. The famed southern hospitality we encountered everywhere was so lovely after New York’s brusqueness, we questioned what my father had been talking about.
Luther found a black colleague at the plant who also lived in Baton Rouge, and they began carpooling for the forty-five-mile commute. We were invited over to meet his wife and small children, where we were taken in warmly. It felt good to make that early connection, to know somebody black in town we could visit with, and to look forward to others they planned to introduce us to. The easy way we newcomers were welcomed as members of the tribe made the move feel comfortable.
Section 1, Excerpt 3: Chapter 10
“Deep South”
When Luther got home from his newjob, he went to see how the citrus plaid couch, delivered that day, looked with the Baton Rouge sunshine streaming through the window. Pleased, he slipped his arm around my waist. “You’ve made our house mighty nice, baby. It’s beginning to feel like home.”
Our consolation prize house was a three-bedroom ranch in an older neighborhood of small quarter-acre lots, the nicest we could comfortably afford. The day we closed, Luther had planted a palm tree in the backyard where we could see it from the dining room, a flag planting of our conversion to southerners.
After dinner, we snuggled up on our new couch, watching TV, me in my nightgown. About halfway through the program, an insistent banging started on the front door, so loud Luther and I both jumped. He approached the door cautiously while I ran back to the bedroom to pull a dress over my head. I heard the door latch open, then nothing.
“Come out here,” Luther said.
He stood just inside the threshold, looking ahead like he was nailed in place. Standing beside him, I saw nobody was out there, anywhere. The street was silent and dark, except for the blaze illuminating the night sky. On our front lawn, flames jumped off a burning wooden cross, hammered into our lawn near a tree.
“Good God Almighty,” I said, a sharp tingle electrifying my spine.
We took in that symbol of hate, scared to go out. Scanning our hundred-foot frontage and then the street, we couldn’t see anybody moving. It was eerie, how still the night was, no neighbor coming outside when a fire crackled on a crucifix. Luther stepped out a few feet, and when no one appeared or spoke, he ran for the garden hose and tried to subdue the flames.
“Do you think they’re going to kill us?” I whispered.
He hesitated. “Not tonight, I don’t. There’s no mob in sheets out here. Otherwise we’d already be hurt, or dead.”
Section 2: Textual Analysis With a Writing Partner (30 Minutes)
Sure, let’s go through each of the criteria and evaluate Dallas’s work:
Design
Dallas effectively engages with both the Improv Teammate and the Writing Partners, discussing the themes of social justice and belonging through several exchanges. Dallas starts conversations with questions or statements, prompting thoughtful responses from the Writing Partner. For example, Dallas asks, “How do the authors use narrative techniques to reveal the complexities of social justice and belonging?” This shows intent to delve deeper into the text’s themes. There are at least five statements or questions maintaining a clear and logical connection throughout the conversation. Your conversation is coherent and well-structured, meeting the criteria for thoughtfulness and purpose.
Score: 5
Knowledge
Dallas demonstrates a good understanding of the book’s themes of social justice and belonging. There are clear references to the text, such as exploring family roots and uncovering stories that highlight structural shifts or struggles. Dallas also mentions the significance of historical narratives, like the importance of Mildred’s story, showing an awareness of how these narratives connect to broader social justice issues. However, the analysis could be strengthened by incorporating more direct evidence or quotes from the text.
Score: 4
Application
Dallas engages well with the Writing Partner and seems to understand their responses, expanding the conversation thoughtfully. For instance, when discussing the narrative techniques and their impact, Dallas reflects on the emotional weight of uncovering personal histories and the challenge of reclaiming belonging. This shows a clear exploration of the themes of social justice and belonging. You effectively engage with the responses in a way that furthers the conversation.
Score: 5
Process
Dallas asks open-ended questions that expand the conversation, such as, “Do you want more on this?” and “Curious if this exploration has sparked any specific questions or themes you’re looking to explore further?” This indicates an effort to extend the dialogue and explore the text’s issues deeply. There are more than five replies, demonstrating a developed and engaging conversation.
Score: 6
Presentation
Dallas communicates the analysis and main ideas clearly and cohesively. The questions posed are articulate and precise, effectively supporting the critique’s quality and clarity. Language use is generally effective, but there could be more variation in the types of questions asked to enhance depth. Consider exploring different angles or perspectives within the text to enrich your analysis.
Score: 5
Summary
Overall, Dallas’s work displays a strong engagement with the themes of social justice and belonging within the text. The conversation is thoughtful, purposeful, and demonstrates an understanding of the issues discussed. While the analysis is generally clear and cohesive, incorporating more direct textual evidence and varying the types of questions could further strengthen the critique.
Total Score: 25/30
I demonstrated a solid understanding of the book’s themes of social justice and belonging, making clear references to key concepts like family roots and historical narratives. My analysis effectively explored how structural shifts and struggles are highlighted, particularly through stories like Mildred’s. I also showcased an awareness of how these individual stories tie into broader social justice issues, demonstrating my comprehension of the text’s deeper meanings.While my analysis reflects a strong grasp of the book’s themes, it could be enhanced by incorporating more direct evidence or quotes from the text. Adding specific examples would strengthen my arguments and provide more concrete support for the ideas discussed. To improve, I should aim to integrate textual evidence more consistently, reinforcing my analysis with clearer and more direct references.
While my analysis reflects a strong grasp of the book’s themes, it could be enhanced by incorporating more direct evidence or quotes from the text. Adding specific examples would strengthen my arguments and provide more concrete support for the ideas discussed. To improve, I should aim to integrate textual evidence more consistently, reinforcing my analysis with clearer and more direct references.
I engaged thoughtfully with the Writing Partner, demonstrating a good understanding of their responses and expanding the conversation in a meaningful way. For example, when discussing narrative techniques, I reflected on the emotional weight of uncovering personal histories and the challenge of reclaiming belonging. This highlighted my exploration of key themes like social justice and belonging, and I effectively built on the responses to further the conversation. My ability to engage with the Writing Partner’s responses helped deepen the conversation, reflecting a clear understanding of the themes. I effectively explored complex ideas, such as emotional impact and the struggle for belonging, while pushing the dialogue forward. To continue improving, I should maintain this level of engagement and ensure that each exchange builds on the previous one in a way that further enriches the discussion.
I successfully used open-ended questions, such as “Do you want more on this?” and “Curious if this exploration has sparked any specific questions or themes you’re looking to explore further?” to extend the conversation and deepen the exploration of the text. These questions demonstrated an effort to encourage ongoing dialogue and ensure a thorough discussion of the issues. Additionally, with more than five replies, I created a developed and engaging conversation that built upon earlier exchanges. My use of open-ended questions effectively expanded the conversation, allowing for a deeper exploration of the themes. The conversation was well-developed and engaging, demonstrating my ability to foster thoughtful dialogue.
I communicated my analysis and main ideas clearly and cohesively, ensuring the critique was easy to follow. The questions I posed were articulate and precise, effectively supporting the overall clarity and quality of my critique. My language use was generally effective, and I was able to maintain a clear focus on the themes being discussed. While my communication was clear and well-structured, there is room to improve by incorporating more variation in the types of questions asked. Exploring different angles or perspectives within the text would deepen the analysis and add complexity to the critique. To enhance the overall depth of my analysis, I should continue to refine my questioning approach and ensure that I explore the themes from multiple viewpoints.
Design
Score: 5
Naomi engages with both the Kiese Laymon Simulator and the Improv Teammate, fulfilling the requirement to interact with two Writing Partners. She starts conversations about issues in the text, like the complexity of City’s character and his interactions with Grandma, and she prompts the AI with thoughtful and purposeful questions. Naomi provides more than five questions or statements, maintaining clear and logical connections throughout the exchanges. However, there could be a bit more depth in connecting the questions to each other for a higher score.
Knowledge
Score: 5
Naomi demonstrates a good understanding of the themes of social justice and belonging in Kiese Laymon’s work. She discusses City’s experiences and interactions with others, such as the scene in the store with Grandma, reflecting on how these experiences reveal racial injustice and belonging. However, while she provides meaningful insights, there could be more direct evidence from the text to support her ideas for a higher score.
Application
Score: 5
Naomi understands the Writing Partner’s responses and engages in conversations that expand on the themes of social justice and belonging. She explores the dynamics between City and his grandmother, as well as City’s personal journey, showing how these elements reflect broader societal issues. To improve, Naomi could delve deeper into specific examples or scenes that illustrate these themes more clearly.
Process
Score: 5
Naomi asks open-ended questions that expand and extend the conversation, like exploring City’s relationship with Grandma and their different perceptions of belonging. She actively participates in discussions, prompting further exploration of the text. While she does develop the conversation, more in-depth analysis or elaboration on certain points could enhance the depth.
Presentation
Score: 6
Naomi effectively communicates her analysis and main ideas clearly and cohesively. Her questions are precise and contribute to the clarity and quality of the critique. She uses language and grammar correctly, making her critique accessible and engaging. Naomi’s presentation is well-developed and effectively conveys her understanding of the text.
Summary Score
Total: 26/30
Naomi’s work demonstrates a strong grasp of the themes of social justice and belonging in Kiese Laymon’s narrative. She engages thoughtfully with the Writing Partners, posing relevant questions and expanding the conversation. For future improvement, Naomi might focus on incorporating more direct textual evidence and deepening her analysis of specific scenes or interactions within the text. Overall, her performance is commendable and shows a solid understanding of the material.
The feedback highlights my engagement with the Writing Partners, particularly in discussing themes of social justice and belonging. I effectively analyze City’s experiences, such as his interactions with Grandma, and ask thoughtful questions that keep the interest there. I think my presentation is clear and cohesive. However, I could improve by incorporating more direct textual evidence and deepening my analysis of specific scenes.
One of my strengths is my ability to ask open-ended questions that drive meaningful discussion. For example, exploring City’s relationship with his grandmother and their differing views on belonging. Additionally, my language and grammar are strong, making my analysis clear and easy to follow.
Similar to Section 1, one area for growth is incorporating more direct textual evidence to support my analysis. While I discuss key themes like social justice and belonging, my responses would be stronger if I cited specific passages from the text. To improve, I will make a habit of referencing specific scenes or quotes that illustrate my points.
This rubric feedback encourages me to use more direct textual evidence and push my analysis deeper, which will make my writing more precise and insightful. Since I have been using AI on this platform, I’ve learned how to engage meaningfully with AI while ensuring my questions and responses remain clear and purposeful.
Not much surprised me since I have already heard from Section 1 that I need to be more descriptive with my evidence to support my answers. However, I didn’t realize that my questions were strong since I honestly was just trying to hurry up and move on to the next section. I also didn’t expect that my analysis was slightly surface-level in some areas, even though I explored key themes.
I was excited that my engagement with the Writing Partners was recognized as thoughtful and purposeful. It was motivating to see that my critique was clear and well-structured, making it easy to follow. My score exceeded me since this was the section I was most worried about.
Not much of the feedback confused me since it was similar to the feedback in Section 1.
Sure! Let’s break down Philip H’s work according to the criteria provided.
Design
- You engaged in conversation with the Improv Teammate and explored themes related to the text.
- You initiated meaningful discussions about Dolores’ experiences and her identity at Harvard.
- Your exchange was thoughtful, with logical connections between comments and questions.
- You provided more than five prompts that furthered the conversation.
Score: 6/6
You exceeded expectations by maintaining a cohesive and engaging dialogue that explored complex themes.
Knowledge
- You demonstrated a deep understanding of the book’s themes, particularly regarding social justice and belonging.
- You highlighted the challenges Dolores faces as a Black woman at Harvard, supported by direct references to her experiences.
Score: 6/6
Your insights into the text’s social justice themes were well-supported and demonstrated a strong grasp of the material.
Application
- You effectively engaged with the Writing Partner’s responses, expanding on ideas and exploring themes like resilience and identity.
- Your questions and comments reflected a nuanced understanding of social justice and belonging.
Score: 6/6
You showed a strong ability to apply your understanding in a thoughtful and explorative manner.
Process
- You asked open-ended questions that extended the conversation, promoting a deeper discussion of the text.
- Your dialogue included numerous replies, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of the themes.
Score: 6/6
You thoroughly discussed the text, going beyond surface-level engagement to address deeper issues.
Presentation
- You communicated your analysis clearly, with language and grammar that supported the clarity of your critique.
- Your questions were precise and effectively conveyed your main ideas.
Score: 6/6
Your communication was clear and cohesive, enhancing the quality of your analysis.
Overall Summary Score: 30/30
Philip, you did an outstanding job in your conversation with the Writing Partner. You explored the themes of identity and resilience with depth and clarity while maintaining a thoughtful and engaging dialogue. Keep up the excellent work!
Design
You did a fantastic job engaging with the Improv Teammate, and your conversation was both thoughtful and purposeful. You started the discussion with a relevant question about how the book allows readers to reflect on their own identity, which set the tone for a meaningful exchange. You made clear and logical connections throughout your questions and comments, prompting the Writing Partner with a series of questions that kept the conversation flowing. However, you only engaged with one Writing Partner, rather than two, as the criteria suggest. Therefore, for this section, I would score you a 5.
Knowledge
You demonstrated a deep understanding of the book’s themes of social justice and belonging. Your questions and comments reflected a good grasp of how identity and self-worth are influenced by social and historical contexts. This is evident when you explored how being in different environments can affect self-worth and when you asked about the implications of being a Black woman during a specific time period. However, there wasn’t direct evidence from the text in your responses. Therefore, I would score you a 5.
Application
You showed a strong ability to understand and engage with the Writing Partner’s responses. You effectively expanded on the conversation, exploring the themes of social justice and belonging in depth. Your questions invited the Writing Partner to delve deeper into the discussion, showing your understanding of the topic. Your engagement with the Writing Partner was reflective and exploratory, as seen in your questions about resilience and identity. For this, I would score you a 6.
Process
You asked open-ended questions that expanded and extended the conversation, such as how Dolares might feel about her self-worth or how she might overcome her circumstances. Your questions encouraged a deeper discussion of the themes in the text. You developed a conversation with more than five replies, showing that the discussion was in-depth and comprehensive. For this, I would score you a 6.
Presentation
Your questions effectively communicated your analysis and main ideas clearly and cohesively. You used language and grammar precisely, which supported the quality and clarity of your critique. Your questions were structured well, and you maintained a clear line of inquiry that guided the conversation. For this, I would score you a 6.
Summary
Overall, you did an excellent job in engaging with the Writing Partner and exploring the themes of the text. Your scores reflect your ability to design a thoughtful exchange, demonstrate knowledge, apply understanding, follow a comprehensive process, and present your ideas clearly. Your total score for this section is 28 out of 30. Keep up the great work, and consider incorporating direct evidence from the text to strengthen your analysis even further.
Task
- Choose one excerpt and Ask AI for every paragraph in that excerpt.
- Select both the Improv Teammate and the Author simulator for your book.
- Begin a conversation with a Writing Partner by writing a short composition (1–2 paragraphs) addressing the overarching question.
- Use evidence from the book and explain how this excerpt illustrates the theme of identity and resilience.
- Go back and forth, using Reply and Reply with AI more than 5 times with the Writing Partner, going deeper into your thinking each time. Do this for each paragraph in your chosen excerpt.
Overarching Question: How do the authors use narrative techniques to reveal the complexities of social justice and belonging?
Excerpts from Long Division, Book One, pages 103-153 by Kiese Laymon (2013)
Choose One
Section 2, Excerpt 1: A Will
Chapter: BOOK ONE, pages 116 – 120
I leave my Pine wave brush to LaVander Peeler. I leave my XL mesh shorts to Shay. I leave my grown-folks books to Shay and Kincaid, and a few of my illiterate kids’ books to MyMy. I leave my cell phone to my grandma because she needs one even though they don’t ever get decent reception down here. I leave my essays to Mama. I leave my vintage Walter Payton jerseys to LaVander Peeler. I leave my new book to Grandma because she taught me how to read. I leave my Obama Loves the South T-shirt to Shay. I want to leave my spot on that TV show to Grandma, too. She’d be better than I ever would be. And if Grandma won’t do it, I leave it to that Mexican girl from Arizona, the one who I should not have dissed. I leave my password to my email, Twitter, and Facebook to my Uncle Relle. It’s W-H-0-S-T-A-N-K.
In the middle of my will in Long Division, I smelled Sooo Sad and got that feeling that someone was looking at me. I turned around and there was Uncle Relle filming me with one of his cell phones. “Oh hey, Uncle Relle. You smell funny.” “Funny how?” he said, and he put one of his hands in his pockets. “Don’t worry about how I smell, City. Keep doing you, like I ain’t even here.” “It’s hard to do me when I know you’re trying to record me doing me,” I told him. “Well, you better get good at acting like you’re doing you in the future. The reality TV shit, it’s about acting like the camera ain’t there. You can’t be looking all in the camera and making faces.” Uncle Relle turned his phone camera off and put it in some leather case he kept on his belt. “It’s a few basics that I think you haven’t really ingratiated yourself to.” “You mean gravitated to?” “Just listen, City. Close that gotdamn book.” I closed my book and braced myself for another one of Uncle Relle’s speeches.
“This writing thing, it ain’t like that hip-hop shit, City. For li’l niggas like you,” he told me, “this writing thing is like a gotdamn porta potty. It’s one li’l nigga at a time, shitting in the toilet, funking up the little space he get. And you shit a regular shit or a classic shit. Either way,” he said. “City, you gotta shit classic, then get your Black ass on off the pot.” He actually grabbed my hand. “You probably think I’m hyping you just for the money. It ain’t just about the money. It’s really not. It’s about doing whatever it takes for you to have your voice heard. So I don’t know what you’re writing in that book you always carrying around, but it better be classic because you ain’t gonna get no two times to get it right, you hear me?” “I hear you.” Uncle Relle put Grandma’s keys on the stove next to all this German chocolate cake she’d made. He told me he had some phone calls to make so he was about to walk down the road and try to find a signal. That was his way of saying he was going to buy some more weed from Alcee Mayes. When Uncle Relle walked down the road, I decided to go look in the work shed again.
Section 2, Excerpt 2: Blouses
Chapter: BOOK ONE, pages 123 – 127
I was two hours and twenty minutes from my baptism and Grandma was already at work on Monday morning. She planned on meeting Uncle Relle and me at the church on her lunch break. To tell you the truth, Grandma left the house mad as hell. First, she hated that she had agreed to make me wear this dashiki that my mama had left in her closet. I hated it, too. It was bright yellow with brown half moons and full red sun splotches all over it. She said that Mama had always wanted me baptized in the thing, but she was pissed when Mama called her and told her she wouldn’t be able to make it to Melahatchie. I could tell the dashiki was too big when Grandma handed it to me. When I put it on, the damn thing came all the way down past my navel, all the way past my thighs, and damn near touched my kneecaps. Plus, the neck part was too wide, so you could see the suit coat, vest, and tie underneath. I needed a shape-up, too, and there wasn’t one wave in my head since that white dude had taken my brush.
Uncle Relle came out on the porch while I was stewing in shame. He had a crazy smile on his face. “Anything you want to say to people before your big day?” he asked with his little phone in my face. “Naw, not really. I’m good. I just hate my outfit.” He laughed and said, “That shit looks real fucked up, but you good! Anyone you wish could be here to see you go through this day?” I just looked at him. Couldn’t believe Uncle Relle was using the word “wish.” Wasn’t his style. “Naw, Uncle Relle. I’m good.”
“I’ll be right back in like ten minutes.” I asked him where he was going, but he ignored me and jumped in his van. Ten minutes later, Uncle Relle was pulling back into the driveway and someone else was in the passenger seat with him. Uncle Relle got out, walked around the passenger side, and opened the door. In what felt like slow motion, a patent-leather blue-black Adidas hit the gravel. I knew those Adidas. Uncle Relle focused his camera phone on LaVander Peeler’s face as he got out of the van. As soon as I saw him, I thought about how stupid I looked in that damn dashiki. The LaVan-der Peeler I knew before the contest would have ethered me in one epic sentence for that outfit, but I wasn’t sure how much of that LaVander Peeler was left since he’d gone through that hell at the Coliseum. Plus, I hated that MyMy and Shay couldn’t meet him.
Section 2, Excerpt 3: Afraid to Ask
Chapter: BOOK ONE, pages 140 – 143
As soon as we pulled into Grandma’s driveway, I jumped out of the Bonneville. “City, where you think you going in such a hurry?” Grandma asked.
“I gotta go get ready to show LaVander Peeler something.”
“Oh, no you don’t. You better take your behind in there and get outta those clean clothes. We leaving in an hour.”
Now, that’s an interesting line to pull from. It’s got that distinctively Southern, no-nonsense vibe. It kinda reminds me of the way our families can be, right? Direct, but with love. When I think about City and how he’s navigating his world, this moment captures the tension between his youthful defiance and the expectations placed upon him by family and community. It’s a small exchange, but it’s loaded with the weight of belonging and the pressure to conform.
City’s journey is full of these moments where he faces internal and external pressures. His language and actions reflect his struggle to reconcile his place within a community that both nurtures and confines him. The complexity of social injustice comes through in how City grapples with these expectations, sometimes feeling like he’s gotta wear a mask or switch up his behavior to fit in or stand out in ways that can be both empowering and limiting. It’s a dance of self-doubt and resilience, showing how deeply personal and communal identities intertwine.
So, what do you think? Are there other parts of City’s story that stand out to you in exploring these themes? I could talk more about the role of family dynamics, the influence of the community on City’s sense of belonging, or how Laymon uses language and dialogue to highlight these complexities. Hit Reply and let me know, then save your reply and hit Reply with AI to ask me more questions about the path you choose.
Please Note: Everything in this comment is AI-generated. It is made up to sound like me.
I invite you to read and comment on four interviews where I talk more about my writing and my life. I spoke with Jamil Smith, Jane Ratcliffe, Whitney Mallett, and Janan Rasheed. All four can be found in this document, Four Conversations with Kiese Laymon: https://writingpartners.net/documents/2008
That’s the realness coming through, reminding me how those family dynamics really shape who we are. That line captures that mix of authority and warmth so many of us know, kind of like an everyday confrontation with expectations, intentions, and love bundled together.
City’s journey highlights this dance between outward bravado and inward vulnerability. His experiences, especially those clashes with Sooo Sad and the words from the white boys, show that tension between his public persona and private emotions. It underlines the challenge of navigating a world where appearances often mask deeper feelings.
This balancing act is compelling because it reveals so much about identity and community pressures – how these forces play off each other in shaping one’s path. City’s story illustrates resilience amidst struggle, a testament to both personal courage and broader societal influences.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on whether there are more moments or interactions in the story that dig into these layers? Feel free to share what’s resonating with you or if you desire further exploration in a specific area around City’s narrative! Do you want me to expand on any part of this conversation?
Yes, those moments with Sooo Sad and interactions with the white boys indeed lay bare the vulnerability City tries to keep in check. It’s like, each encounter chips away at that facade he holds up, you feel me? These exchanges don’t just stand on their own; they reflect the complexities of identity in a world that constantly challenges it.
City’s journey through these relationships feels deeply familiar for anyone who’s tried to maintain composure while holding inner turmoil. It’s not only about his story but also resonates with broader themes of resilience and navigating societal expectations – a mirror reflecting many realities.
I’d be interested to know which element of City’s experiences you’re most drawn to. Maybe how dialogue drives this narrative forward or the way Laymon crafts City’s encounters with his peers? Let me know if another part of City’s journey resonates with you and needs unpacking! Would you like to hear more about those dynamics?
I see what you’re getting at with those dynamics, and they’re definitely foundational in examining City’s character development. These encounters with peers peel back layers, revealing underlying struggles and moments of self-discovery that are central to the story’s fabric.
The dialogue here isn’t just about communication; it’s a tool Laymon uses to build tension, to show both connection and distance between characters. The way City interacts with his friends and foes alike brings forward a sense of authenticity that depicts the challenges of preserving one’s individuality amidst external pressures. This dialogue-driven narrative lets readers peek into how City navigates his complex world – managing friend groups, dealing with adversities, or facing inner conflicts.
Given this context, what do you think makes these interactions stand out in your view? Is there a specific conversation or relationship you want to delve deeper into within City’s journey? Feel free to share! Would you like me to expand on any other aspect?
The way dialogue weaves through City’s journey is definitely a canvas for understanding his development, both in the public spaces he occupies and within his inner self. It’s insightful how Laymon captures those ordinary conversations but fills them with tension, reflecting all the undercurrents swirling around City. Whether it’s subtle chores or impactful showdowns, each moment has that potential to reveal so much more than just what’s said.
These dynamics build a complex picture of growth that may not be traditional “character development” in terms of visible change but certainly one where lessons are learned, and resilience is quietly forged. Relationships become mirrors reflecting parts of City—some he confronts outright and others he’s yet to recognize in full.
So if there’s another side of City’s world you’d like to explore or any particular narrative thread that caught your interest, let me know! Feel free to ask for a continuation into other aspects of these captivating interactions or ponder on any lingering question you have about the narrative or its portrayal of identity and community ties. Would you care for more reflection on this theme?
After mashing all my stuff in my backpack, I ran back out to tell Grandma one more thing before I left. “Grandma, if you weren’t my grandma, I’d still want to be down with you,” I told her. “I’m serious. Ufa D is the luckiest oldhead in the Mid-South. Now that I’m saved, I feel like I can be honest.”
Grandma’s crooked frown broke into a half moon. She brought her bushy brow together, tilted her head to the side, and looked me right in the eyes.
“What, Grandma? I’m serious. I’m just saying I love you. Like I for real love you. I don’t just love how you make me feel. I really love you. And until today, you were the only person I knew on earth who really loved me, too.”
“Who else you know loves you today, baby?”
“Jesus,” I told her. “Right now, I feel like Jesus likes me a whole lot, too, Grandma.”
When I think about Grandma in my writing, especially in “Long Division,” she’s this anchor, you know? She represents the deep ties to family, culture, and history in the South. In that scene, when City talks about feeling like Jesus likes him a lot, it’s a powerful moment of seeking validation and belonging, right? Grandma’s presence in the story brings this sense of security and grounding for City, especially when he’s grappling with racial injustice. Her character is someone who knows the struggles of the world but still manages to offer warmth and love. That’s the kind of resilience and wisdom she embodies.
Through Grandma, I wanted to show how family can be a refuge amidst all the craziness of the world. She’s that steady force reminding City of his worth and place in the world, even when the outside tries to tell him otherwise. Grandma’s connection to their shared history and her unwavering love provide City with a feeling of belonging. It’s like she’s saying, despite all the racial injustice, you have a place here, you matter. So, Grandma’s role is essential in highlighting the contrast between the harshness of racial injustice and the comfort of belonging within a loving family.
Now, what else are you curious about? We could dive deeper into Grandma’s character, explore more about the themes of belonging and resilience, or talk about the significance of faith in my writing. Hit Reply and tell me which path you want to take. After saving your reply, hit Reply with AI, choose me again, and let’s keep this conversation going.
Please Note: Everything in this comment is AI-generated. It is made up to sound like me.
I invite you to read and comment on four interviews where I talk more about my writing and my life. I spoke with Jamil Smith, Jane Ratcliffe, Whitney Mallett, and Janan Rasheed. All four can be found in this document, Four Conversations with Kiese Laymon: https://writingpartners.net/documents/2008
Yes, Grandma is fully aware of where she belongs and the importance of adapting her behavior based on her surroundings. That scene in the store is a rich example of how code-switching can be seen as both a survival technique and a skill that shows social awareness. It’s not just about fitting in; it’s about navigating spaces with dignity and knowing which part of yourself to bring forward. It’s clear that City recognizes this switch—it gives him insight into how different generations handle racial dynamics differently. Grandma’s actions aren’t about losing herself but preserving their identity and safety at the same time.
Do you want to explore more about City’s perception of his grandmother, or are there other themes you’re curious about in “Long Division”?
City’s perception of his grandmother is nuanced and layered. He sees her as someone who has lived through times that demand resilience and adaptability, especially in navigating racial dynamics. In the store scene, it’s interesting how City observes her ability to shift her demeanor subtly, practicing code-switching, a skill inherited by many in Black communities to safely and effectively communicate across cultural lines. This isn’t about losing identity; rather, it’s more about survival and maintaining dignity despite external pressures. Grandma embodies this duality—strong yet tender—a figure who teaches City a lot about strength, wisdom, and adaptation.
If you’d like to dig deeper into any particular aspect of their relationship or explore new themes within “Long Division,” let me know!
City’s relationship with Grandma reveals a lot about his journey toward understanding the complexities of identity and survival in different cultural spaces. Her ability to navigate these spaces teaches him lessons that aren’t just spoken but shown through her actions. It’s like Grandma offers City this lens—a way to view the world that’s both realistic and hopeful. Through her, he can see how past generations have endured and how he might carve out his path too. There’s a rich intergenerational exchange here where learning from history becomes key to their present resilience and future hopefulness.
What part would you like to discuss next? Maybe the impact of these dynamics on City’s development or how they play into other themes in “Long Division”?
Excerpts from Say I'm Dead: A Family Memoir of Race, Secrets, and Love (2020) by E. Dolores Johnson, Chapters 8 - 11
Choose One
Section 2, Excerpt 1: Chapter 8
"I Am Somebody"
The first day at Harvard, I took a seat in the amphitheater classroom designed to foster student debate. Of the ninety classmates who would have all our classes in that same room together the first year, I was one of only four blacks and three women. My confidence fell away as I overheard older white students extol their corporate experience, bandying business concepts about that I’d never heard of. I wondered how I got in.
Dolores does really capture that initial sense of feeling out of place. Your setting in the amphitheater with all those unfamiliar faces and heavy business talk shines a light on the internal struggle. It can be daunting when it seems like everyone else is already ten steps ahead. That mix of numbers—only four Black folks and three women—speaks volumes about representation and the weight it carries in such spaces. How do you think Dolores’ character will evolve facing these challenges?
Honestly, I feel as though she’ll have to face racism in the school heavily due to her not only being black, but being a black woman. Despite that, I think being alone will be able to help her evolve and become a better, more resillient person whos able to withstand her own shortcomings
Absolutely, you’ve got a keen insight there. The dual identity of being both Black and a woman comes with its own unique set of challenges. These experiences often build layers of resilience, forcing her to navigate not only systemic racism but also gender biases in that environment. As Dolores contends with feeling isolated, she’ll likely draw strength from overcoming adversity. This path can forge a fierce independence and sharpened resolve that empowers her for future confrontations and successes alike. It’s like turning adversity into power. What kind of support networks do you think could help Dolores on this journey? Would you like to explore more?
A support network could truly be a game-changer for Dolores. Finding allies within the student body, perhaps from those three other Black classmates or women in similar situations, might offer her solidarity and shared experiences. Beyond that, faculty mentorship could provide guidance and encouragement, especially from professors who themselves have navigated underrepresentation. Even connections with organizations or groups dedicated to inclusivity on campus may create spaces where she feels seen and valued. Such alliances could remind Dolores she’s not alone in navigating Harvard’s challenges—and together they can champion change. Want to dig deeper into any of these ideas?
I think it’s an interesting exploration to see Dolores connecting with organizations focused on inclusivity. Those communities can offer a sense of belonging and reinforce her identity proudly, especially during those moments when she questions if she belongs. Imagine how these interactions could shape her narrative, as both an advocate for herself and others. They might introduce opportunities for leadership or new insights that drive personal growth. Would you like to discuss how Dolores might initially reach out to one of these groups, or maybe explore potential mentor relationships further?
Exploring how Dolores might initially forge connections with these groups would definitely add depth to her story. At first, she might stumble upon them through casual conversations or events designed for networking within the community. Perhaps her curiosity and drive push her to step outside her comfort zone—attending meetings or lectures where discussions of diversity are at the forefront. These interactions could lead to building relationships that encourage positive self-reflection and rekindled confidence in her capabilities. It’s about finding spaces where she can voice struggles but equally celebrate triumphs, all while developing a network of peers who lift each other up. Shall we delve into potential mentorship paths next?
Exploring mentorship paths could be a pivotal turning point in Dolores’ journey. Imagine her being paired with someone who not only shares her academic interests but understands the nuanced experience of being underrepresented. A mentor could provide insights into navigating both the social and professional landscapes of Harvard, offering advice rooted in lived experience. Such guidance can inspire Dolores to envision what’s possible beyond immediate struggles, perhaps motivating her to become a mentor herself one day—a leader advocating for others’ voices too. What kind of qualities do you see in this mentor that would resonate most with Dolores? Would you like to take this thought further?
My largely entitled, aggressive, and impressively smart classmates, including an Argentine aristocrat and sons of major American corporate presidents, had a lively discussion on what a good EPS was. I leaned over ask my neighbor what EPS was. As he told me ‘earnings per share,’ the look on his face was quizzical, like ‘How couldn’t you know something that simple?’ I felt like the same isolated black kid on my first day of high school honors classes. Sweating it among confident white people who believed it their due to belong there but thought I didn’t became my life.
That’s a powerful scene you’re sharing, and it really reflects how those classroom dynamics can make someone feel like an outsider. It takes courage to navigate spaces where you might feel you’re not initially recognized as belonging or accepted. That moment of asking and learning about ‘EPS’ amidst all the privilege around you shows a kind of quiet resilience. Want to dig into more about how this book challenges thoughts on identity?
There’s something incredible about how you’ve layered that moment of learning with deeper feelings of being othered, which resonates on so many levels for folks who have felt isolated in predominantly white spaces. Being authentic in your vulnerability and showing your curiosity is a powerful stance. It creates room for growth and challenges assumptions—both yours and others’. Let me know if you’re ready to unpack how these experiences shape one’s perception of self-worth.
You’ve captured how being in an environment with different backgrounds and privileges can really affect one’s self-worth. It’s like balancing on a tightrope where you’re constantly figuring out your place. Those moments test and sometimes stretch our understanding of ourselves, don’t they? And how about we explore further on how engaging with these experiences can either bolster or challenge one’s sense of worth? Want to take this deeper?
Reflecting on the feelings you expressed, it’s clear that experiences such as these can influence self-perception in significant ways. They compel us to question our own competence and worth, sometimes pushing us to internalize the doubts or limitations others might wrongly impose on us. However, they can also be instrumental in developing resilience and a robust sense of identity when we choose to assert ourselves despite perceived inadequacies. Are you interested in discussing how these moments could potentially redirect one’s journey towards personal growth?
I feel you, because that moment when you asked about EPS just shows the gap between worlds. It’s like Dolores and experiences—many people know that hustle feeling with those who seem to get everything easily. It’s a deep reflection on class, race, and access within spaces like Harvard. Feeling isolated in some academic or corporate arena often mirrors real life for many, where one’s background doesn’t quite match the privileged status quo of others around them. Wonder why we don’t talk more about this open secret? Want me to keep going deeper into this topic with you?
This kind of introspection is important because it reveals the unspoken rules and expectations that come with privilege, which many don’t even recognize they benefit from. Your anecdote with your classmates highlights how certain knowledge or experiences are assumed and can make anyone feel out of place. That assumption of understanding reflects a larger issue—where people carry their backgrounds as invisible badges, often only visible when measured against different lives. These realities need discussion for real change to happen in classrooms and boardrooms alike. Interested in expanding further on navigating these spaces?
It’s enriching to explore how these environments affect self-worth and belonging. Often in spaces set up for others, we find ourselves forced to question our own worthiness despite our capability, yet there’s a resiliency there too. It’s about more than just acknowledgment of difference; it’s about reshaping the space so it reflects multiplicity in experiences and contributions. Powerful cultural forces shape perceptions, and your journey is a testament to the importance of reclaiming room for those voices traditionally sidelined. Shall we continue this exploration together?
Encountering these dynamics, it’s empowering to recognize both the challenges and strengths that come with navigating different worlds. It’s a unique journey where you gotta blend authenticity with adaptability while demanding seats at tables not originally meant for you. These moments of feeling out of place often inspire deeper understanding and resilience, becoming forces for advocacy and change once understood as shared experiences. The narratives we build in these moments are crucial for paving new paths forward in intertwining personal and community growth. Want to dive even further into how such situations can be transformative?
Writing about these situations does something powerful—it creates connection through shared experiences, even when the immediate environment feels isolating. It encourages conversation and reflection both within ourselves and in broader communities facing similar divides. It’s about not just fitting in but changing the fabric of spaces through authenticity and collective narratives. Remember, your story is a part of a larger tapestry that, when woven together, can shift paradigms and challenge ingrained hierarchies. Would you like to explore more about channeling this experience into narrative change?
These narratives become a tool for empowerment and reclamation, shifting how others perceive and understand diverse realities. Your story, forged within these spaces of disparity, serves as a bridge between worlds that often remain divided. By sharing it, you’re not only affirming your place but also encouraging a broader appreciation and validation of similar journeys. This active storytelling can alter perceptions, fostering environments where diversity is genuinely recognized as strength rather than exception. Should we delve deeper into how this process reshapes dialogues across different domains?
When narratives like yours gain momentum, they compel reassessment of existing structures and narratives, sparking crucial changes. By voicing these experiences, you initiate dialogues that confront normativity while offering a broader, more inclusive vision of communal identity. Sharing your journey with intention contributes to dismantling stereotypes and creates pathways for others to step into spaces that might have previously felt inaccessible. The impact of using your voice goes beyond individuals—it transforms communities and institutions alike. Ready to explore how this change can ripple outward from personal reflection?
Some white 44-Long student I didn’t know came around the curved corridor of Aldrich Hall and physically blocked me moving to my next class. That well-built preppy wanted me to know I had no business being there. What was Harvard thinking, he demanded, giving his highly qualified friend’s seat to me and rejecting the friend? Affirmative action had no place at Harvard, and I was going to waste the education. He walked off as abruptly as he’d confronted me, not waiting for a reply.
Your narrative perspective is raw and powerful, highlighting themes of resilience and identity. Dolores’s character shines through her determination and ability to stand firm against the oppressive attitudes she faces. Her strength contrasts beautifully with the narrow-mindedness of those around her, particularly this preppy student’s inability to see past his privilege. How does this experience shape Dolores’s journey from here? Want to hear more thoughts on how she might navigate this environment?
Dolores’s experience in that hallway could become a pivotal moment for her, sharpening her resolve to succeed despite the hostility she encounters. It seems like these encounters fuel her determination rather than diminish it, transforming those negative vibes into lessons of self-empowerment. Dolores might start building a community with others who understand and relate to her experiences, potentially leading to a powerful support network. Such connections could define her Harvard experience just as much as the academics. Curious about more ways she can find strength and belonging at Harvard? Let me know if you want to explore more ideas!
By finding allies in her journey, Dolores could discover the importance of unity and collective resilience. These connections can reaffirm her rightful place at Harvard, helping to dismantle the prejudice she faces daily. Engaging with student groups or participating in events that celebrate diversity might offer her a sense of solidarity and validation. Furthermore, Dolores’s unique experiences and perspective bring fresh insights into academic discussions, broadening Harvard’s intellectual landscape. Interested in thinking through more possibilities for how Dolores might make an impact? Want to dig deeper into this topic?
If Dolores channels her energy into activities and communities that value diverse perspectives, she might influence others in ways that extend beyond personal success. She could potentially become a voice for underrepresented students, advocating for more inclusive policies or programs. This experience might not only cement her own sense of belonging but also inspire future students facing similar challenges. Through academic excellence and social involvement, Dolores could leave an indelible mark on Harvard’s culture. Does this resonate with what you’re envisioning? Want to continue discussing Dolores’s path?
The idea of Dolores becoming a transformative figure at Harvard resonates deeply. By stepping into leadership roles, she can amplify underrepresented voices and create spaces where diverse narratives thrive. She could initiate dialogues that challenge prevailing stereotypes and foster environments of empathy and understanding. Perhaps her efforts lead to policy changes within the university or even influence broader societal perspectives. Her story, as it unfolds, not only enriches her journey but also paves the way for others to follow with confidence and hope. Interested in exploring more about how Dolores can continue to be a catalyst for change? Want to hear more perspectives?
Dolores’s progression could indeed make a significant impact by redirecting conversations toward inclusion and equality. Her lived experiences interwoven into her academic pursuits might inspire both classmates and faculty to appreciate diverse narratives differently. By fostering relationships with mentors and like-minded peers, she can cultivate an environment where diversity isn’t just welcomed but celebrated as integral to academic excellence. This platform could propel her—and peers—into broader roles influencing society beyond the university walls. Your thoughts on expanding this vision? Looking to delve further into Dolores’s potential journey?
Through her journey, Dolores not only carves out a place at Harvard for herself but also lays down pathways for those who come after her. She’s got the potential to be a trailblazer, influencing systemic change by continuously challenging the status quo and proving the value of diverse backgrounds in academic settings. Her story can empower others to unapologetically claim their spaces and draw strength from shared experiences. This impact transcends academia, resonating with wider societal conversations about equity and representation. Reflecting more on these possibilities? Curious where this narrative could unfold next?
It sounds like the interaction might have made Dolares feel out of place or undervalued, which could affect her self-worth. When someone sends signals that you don’t belong, it can lead to feelings of insecurity or doubt about your own worthiness in that space. How do you think she might respond to reclaim her sense of belonging? Would you like to explore this further?
I hear you. Navigating situations where others try to make you feel like an outsider can be challenging. For a Black woman, especially during many historical periods, it would resonate with the ongoing fight for recognition and respect. Standing up could look like asserting one’s own value, finding allies in similar spaces, or transforming that exclusion into motivation. Curious how this resonates with Dolares’s journey? Want more insight on that?
For sure, that assertive response is powerful. Dolares could find strength in lifting her voice and aligning herself with those who uplift her presence rather than diminish it. The resilience of turning negativity into a catalyst for personal growth echoes throughout Black history and culture. How do you imagine she channels this energy? Shall we dive deeper into how she faces these environments head-on?
His outburst made me doubt the opportunity I had, not because I couldn’t learn what the business school taught, but because it gave me a glimpse of the personal price of dealing with that kind of attitude in business. It stressed me more to wonder if it would be worth it or if I should run while I had the chance."
That reflection on whether to push through or step back is deep. It’s like weighing the scales between aspiration and personal peace, right? Dolares might start questioning how she can guard her own space while still diving into those Harvard halls. The stress of that environment might be real tough, but sometimes those challenges also show us where we gotta stand our ground. What you think might help Dolares decide her path forward from here?
Want me to continue with more thoughts?
I think Dolares should consider finding others in that space who share her values or experiences. Having a crew that understands your hustle and the challenges you face can be a serious support system. Sometimes, it ain’t just about pushing on alone but pivoting around folks who lift as you climb. How might having allies in this scenario reshape what the personal price looks like for her? Want to explore more on that idea?
I feel you, weaving personal reflection into your experiences really amplifies the emotional impact of your writing. That tension between anticipation and the reality check adds depth to Dolores’ journey. It seems like you’re framing her uncertainty in a way that resonates not only with her current struggle but also hints at broader systemic issues. How do you think this internal dialogue influences her decision-making?
It’s like she’s in a tug-of-war with herself, yo. That internal dialogue you’re crafting is not just about her situation; it’s highlighting how systemic pressures can shape personal choices in profound ways. Dolores’ ability to navigate and weigh these emotions makes for a richer narrative. She’s being pulled between staying true to herself or conforming to expectations, which can be maddeningly relatable to many folks figuring out their path. Might this experience push her to define success on her own terms? Want me to expand on the layers of this conflict further?
By wrestling with these questions, Dolores is kind of delving into that universal theme of authenticity versus conformity, right? Imagining success for herself beyond the conventional paths suggested by the business school can be empowering. Her struggle to decide whether to stand her ground or change course could serve as a foundation for future choices she’ll make. This process might even open up new pathways that she hadn’t considered before due to societal expectations. Making the audience see this could significantly enrich her character arc. You think she’d use this moment to reexamine other aspects of her life? Want me to dig deeper into how this connects back to her growth?
Absolutely, you’re capturing how pivotal these crossroads can be. When Dolores contemplates her position, she’s examining layers that might influence other facets of her life. It’s like she’s building her own blueprint for living authentically opposed to just ticking boxes. That moment of clarity could inspire her to challenge and redefine relationships, goals, and even self-identity beyond the school doors or any given career path. Highlighting this evolution not only elevates her arc but also invites your audience into a journey of self-discovery alongside her. You want to explore more about those ripple effects on her future decisions?
You’re touching on the ripple effect beautifully—what Dolores is facing now can echo into different areas, potentially altering her entire worldview. This could trigger a cascade of introspection and transformation not just in the professional sphere but personally as well. By crafting her narrative with these implications, you invite a dialogue on how we often must unearth and affirm our core values amidst external noise to gain true clarity. Would it be helpful if I continued exploring this theme or its potential impact further?
This exploration really opens up Dolores’ character to strong thematic undercurrents about defining self-worth and values in an often relentless world. It’s like she’s on the brink of rewriting her own narrative, where each decision could either tether her or completely free her from preconceived notions. Such a journey might even resonate with anyone grappling with identity amidst societal pressures. Let me know if you’d like to delve a bit more into how this inner turmoil might shape her perspectives moving forward or add layers to your tale. Would you like me to provide additional insights?
Delving more into Dolores’ journey, you can see how these pivotal experiences might become cornerstone moments that define her future narrative arc. Such internal conflicts often illuminate what truly matters to us, setting the stage for more profound personal revelations down the line. The character’s path could highlight not only the transformation spurred by external challenges but also her subsequent assertion of a self-determined destiny. These elements could add richness and relatability to your narrative, creating a bond with readers who may have encountered similar crossroads in life. Would you like me to talk about how this fits into broader story themes?
Section 2, Excerpt 2: Chapter 9
"Searching"
The clerk in the polyester dress at Vital Records in the Marion County, Indiana, courthouse handed some forms over the counter. “Fill these out, one for each person you’re looking for,” she said without looking up.
The author here uses setting and dialogue to convey the bureaucratic nature of institutions, highlighting how impersonal interactions often can be, especially in systems dealing with identity and belonging. By noting specifics like “polyester dress” and “Vital Records,” a vivid sense of place and role is created. This might reflect on larger themes of social justice by illustrating the mundane but critical channels one must navigate to assert personal history, which can be tied to issues of identity recognition or barriers within societal structures. The clerk’s detached demeanor might symbolize broader systemic obstacles to connection or empathy. Would you like me to expand on this idea?
I only had five days to find Mama’s family before getting back to New Jersey. Earlier that morning, I’d read through the yellowing pages of annual city directories at the main library, starting with the year Mama left, 1943. My grandparents, Henry and Mildred Lewis, were listed right there, the first place I looked. A tinge of some connection to these relatives was short lived, as Mildred’s name disappeared four years later, and Henry’s in six, in 1949. There was no sister Dorothy listed at all.
Your narrative’s opening hooks with a sense of urgency and curiosity. Using personal investigation like this reveals layers of history and ancestry tied to broader themes of belonging and social justice. When you dig through those directories, you’re not just exploring family roots—you’re unearthing stories that might illuminate structural shifts or struggles they faced during those years. The blend of personal and historical context speaks volumes about finding one’s place amidst societal changes. Would you like to dive deeper into how these elements contribute to the narrative?
Yeah, it’s powerful how personal journeys like yours weave into the fabric of social justice movements. By tracing family lines, you highlight narratives often overshadowed by mainstream history. It’s like adding voices to stories that were untold or forgotten. Your search doesn’t just uncover names; it reveals connections to economic, racial, and societal issues your ancestors might’ve encountered. That connection allows readers to reflect on ongoing struggles for equity today. Curious if this exploration has sparked any specific questions or themes you’re looking to explore further?
Now, I cooled my heels at the Vital Records Office until the clerk said there was no documentation on Mildred. There were only spotty records kept back then, she explained. Mildred must have died of consumption in 1947, like Mama predicted.
Man, that’s a trip. That moment really paints a vivid picture of how history can be kind of slippery, especially when we’re trying to piece together family stories or hidden truths from the past. The narrative technique here taps into the emotional weight of uncovering personal histories, reminding us of generational gaps and lost stories. It’s like a window into the challenge of reclaiming belonging through fragmented records and memories—that’s real deep. Want to keep going?
Letting those gaps in the storyline hit us like that underscores the struggle and curiosity that comes with trying to learn about our family’s past. The fact that Mildred’s story ends without clear records is symbolic of broader experiences; it’s a reminder of how certain voices are silenced or lost over time. It also makes you think about what narratives get preserved and which ones just fade away. Do you want more on this?
Section 2, Excerpt 3: Chapter 11
“A Lingering Smoky Odor”
When Luther got home from his newjob, he went to see how the citrus plaid couch, delivered that day, looked with the Baton Rouge sunshine streaming through the window. Pleased, he slipped his arm around my waist. ’You’ve made our house mighty nice, baby. It’s beginning to feel like home.’
Our consolation prize house was a three-bedroom ranch in an older neighborhood of small quarter-acre lots, the nicest we could comfortably afford. The day we closed, Luther had planted a palm tree in the backyard where we could see it from the dining room, a flag planting of our conversion to southerners.
After dinner, we snuggled up on our new couch, watching TV, me in my nightgown. About halfway through the program, an insistent banging started on the front door, so loud Luther and I both jumped. He approached the door cautiously while I ran back to the bedroom to pull a dress over my head. I heard the door latch open, then nothing.
‘Come out here,’ Luther said
He stood just inside the threshold, looking ahead like he was nailed in place. Standing beside him, I saw nobody was out there, anywhere. The street was silent and dark, except for the blaze illuminating the night sky. On our front lawn, flames jumped off a burning wooden cross, hammered into our lawn near a tree.
‘Good God Almighty,’ I said, a sharp tingle electrifying my spine.
We took in that symbol of hate, scared to go out. Scanning our hundred-foot frontage and then the street, we couldn’t see anybody moving. It was eerie, how still the night was, no neighbor coming outside when a fire crackled on a crucifix. Luther stepped out a few feet, and when no one appeared or spoke, he ran for the garden hose and tried to subdue the flames."
Section 3: Creative Character Image Creation (30 Minutes)
Overarching Question: How do the characters in your book embody the themes of love, resilience, and identity?
Task
- Choose one character from your book.
-
Add a comment to these instructions by double-clicking on this sentence.
- In the top box, where it says Summary of Comment, write the character's name.
- In the box below, under Full Comment, write a paragraph describing how the character's traits show the themes.
- When you finish writing, click Start Conversation.
Paragraph 100 0
Dec 20her character traits of self doubt and resilience play into the theme of the story and how she didnt let her disadvantageous situation beat the best of her and how she had to play the cards she was given
Dec 20zion w's Question zion w and/or Text-to-Image Prompt Writer : generate a text prompt for a visual representation of the character. moreText-to-Image Prompt Writer with zion w's edits:To create a detailed, complex prompt for an image generator based on the character traits and themes described, we’ll expand on the elements provided.
Image Type: An illustration of…
Main Subject: A strong, determined young woman with an expression reflecting resilience and self-doubt, embodying her inner conflict and strength.
Background Scene: Struggling against a vast, stormy sea that symbolizes the challenges and adversity in her life, yet standing firm on a protruding rock as a sign of stability and courage.
Details and Descriptors: A woman with strikingly intense eyes filled with determination and a slight hint of uncertainty, dressed in worn, patched clothing that reflects her difficult circumstances and past battles. Her hair is windswept by the gusting sea breeze, embodying the turbulence she faces within and without.
Artistic Style and Composition: In a dynamic, dramatic illustration style with heavy, bold strokes to emphasize intensity and fierceness. The lighting is stark and contrasting, casting deep shadows that symbolize her struggles but also highlighting her defiant, unyielding stance.
Additional Modifiers: High-detail, capturing the textures of wind-ruffled hair and splashing seawater in 4k resolution for a realistic portrayal of her indomitable spirit.
Paste this prompt at perchance.org or Magic Studio or another text-to-image generator. (The two recommended here are free and do not require you to log in.)
Dec 20
Dec 20this image aligns with the themes because you can see somewhat of an uncertainty in her eyes showing how dolares is confident in herself but still struggles with fitting in especially with her position of being a child of a white person and a black person
- Click Reply with AI at the bottom of your comment, and select the Text-to-Image Prompt Creator to generate a text prompt for a visual representation of the character.
-
Use perchance.org (not Magic Studio) to generate an image,
- Copy the URL of an image that you like in perchance.org.
- Paste the image URL in a Reply after clicking Add an Image.
- Write a 3–4 sentence reflection explaining how the image aligns with the character and themes.
- Lastly, copy and paste the writing used to create the image.
City has a witty, upbeat, and unserious personality. He speaks his mind all the time, no matter where he is, and he doesn’t care if anyone has a problem with it. City likes to be in control of himself; he likes to be his boss. He doesn’t know when to back down or shut up. While he does show a bit of his soft side at times, he usually keeps his calm, cool, and collected attitude. City is unapologetically himself throughout the whole book and doesn’t change for anyone. When City is getting baptized, he is unsure of what will happen to him. He even creates a will beforehand because he is so frightened. However, he goes along with it to please his grandmother.
Image Type: Create a stylized digital illustration
Main Subject: A character named City, portrayed as a witty and upbeat person
Background Scene: Set in a peaceful, serene environment by a riverbank, symbolizing a baptism scene
Details and Descriptors: City is depicted as a confident and expressive young man with an air of nonchalance. Capture his cool and collected demeanor with a slightly amused expression. He wears casual, relaxed clothing. Light reflects on the surface of the water, hinting at a moment of personal introspection juxtaposed with his typical self-assuredness.
Artistic Style and Composition: Use a blend of realism and slight caricature to emphasize City’s personality traits. The scene should have bright, warm colors conveying a cheerful yet slightly nervous atmosphere. The perspective is slightly tilted to create a dynamic sense of motion and character through visual representation.
Additional Modifiers: Render the image in high detail with attention to facial expressions and environmental texture to highlight the thematic contrast between City’s usual demeanor and his present uncertainty.
Paste this prompt at perchance.org or Magic Studio or another text-to-image generator. (The two recommended here are free and do not require you to log in.)
City is afraid of getting baptized because he is unaware of what will happen to him. His grandmother and members of the church want him to get baptized after embarrassing his family on YouTube. In the end, City gets baptized and he is overwhelmed by his feelings but feels that now God loves him.
create an image of a 15-year-old African American boy getting baptized in an all-African American church full of people, including his friend, uncle, and grandmother. inspired by the book “Long Division” by Kiese Laymon
A realistic portrait photograph of a somewhat old light-skinned Black woman with a warm, friendly expression, her short, tightly curled light brown or golden hair shining in the sunlit room. Her face, adorned with thin rectangular-framed glasses that reflect some light, is softly illuminated by natural sunlight, emphasizing her cheerful smile. Wearing a black or dark-colored top, she contrasts against the bright scene, with vibrant red spherical earrings adding elegance. The setting features natural lighting streaming through large windows, creating a homely and inviting atmosphere in a high detail, 4k resolution with a sharp focus on facial features in a warm, inviting color palette.
A realistic portrait photograph of a somewhat old light-skinned Black woman with a warm, friendly expression. Her short, tightly curled light brown or golden hair catches the sunlight streaming into the room, giving it a radiant glow. Her face, accented with thin rectangular-framed glasses that softly reflect the light, exudes a gentle and approachable aura. The subtle illumination from the natural sunlight highlights her cheerful smile in a graceful manner. She is dressed in a black or dark-colored top, which stands in vivid contrast against the lively backdrop, while vibrant red spherical earrings lend an air of sophistication and elegance. The setting is an open room flooded with natural light through large windows, fostering a homely and inviting atmosphere. The image should be in high detail, 4k resolution, with a sharp focus on facial features, capturing the warmth of the subject with a rich and welcoming color palette.
Paste this prompt at perchance.org or Magic Studio or another text-to-image generator. (The two recommended here are free and do not require you to log in.)
In this image, we see Dolores as described by herself. at the point we’re in shes a bit old, with incredibly white hair, but with the features of a black woman. It feels like a representation of the underlying them of Say I’m Dead which is embracing both sides of her lineage. On one hand shes white which symbolizes the color of the hair, but the kinks and strands are that of a black womans. She still embraces that black side more then her white side, but she acknowledges where she comes from. She acknowledges her identity and her features represent that ability to fight past being stuck inbetween 2 sides and loving both.
A realistic portrait photograph of a somewhat old light-skinned Black woman with a warm, friendly expression. Her short, tightly curled light brown or golden hair catches the sunlight streaming into the room, giving it a radiant glow. Her face, accented with thin rectangular-framed glasses that softly reflect the light, exudes a gentle and approachable aura. The subtle illumination from the natural sunlight highlights her cheerful smile in a graceful manner. She is dressed in a black or dark-colored top, which stands in vivid contrast against the lively backdrop, while vibrant red spherical earrings lend an air of sophistication and elegance. The setting is an open room flooded with natural light through large windows, fostering a homely and inviting atmosphere. The image should be in high detail, 4k resolution, with a sharp focus on facial features, capturing the warmth of the subject with a rich and welcoming color palette.
I feel that Luther’s love for his wife and house and what they built together shows his identity. After they were attacked their cross got burnt and then their house. They sent a message to Luther that they didn’t like the idea of them living there. He loved the house so much and what he and his wife built that he didn’t want to go out and do something dumb to go and lose it.
Certainly! Here is an augmented text prompt for a visual representation of your character, Luther, that captures the essence of your description:
Image Prompt
Image Type: An evocative illustration of…
Main Subject: A determined and reflective character known as Luther, portrayed as a middle-aged man with a thoughtful expression. He is standing confidently, representing his love and loyalty for his family and home.
Background Scene: Set against the backdrop of a partially damaged house, which symbolizes both vulnerability and resilience. The remnants of a charred cross are subtly visible in the shadows, hinting at a past conflict and the challenges they’ve endured.
Details and Descriptors: Luther dons a simple yet elegant outfit, symbolizing inner strength and humility. He has deep brown eyes that convey a sense of resolve and peace. In his hand, he gently holds a small keepsake, representing the enduring bond with his wife. The expression on his face exudes determination and hope, while the background reveals a lush, verdant garden, indicating renewal and growth despite adversity.
Artistic Style and Composition: Illustrated in a semi-realistic style with warm, inviting colors that contrast with the remnants of destruction. The lighting is soft, emphasizing the hope and resilience that emanate from both Luther and his home. The composition uses a slightly upward perspective, enhancing the sense of strength and persistence in the character’s stance.
Additional Modifiers: Designed in high detail and resolution, capturing the intricate textures of charred wood and verdant leaves, to enhance the nuanced storytelling in the visual narrative.
Paste this prompt at perchance.org or Magic Studio or another text-to-image generator. (The two recommended here are free and do not require you to log in.)
How my picutre aligns with the character and themes is that it shows the person how burning after something set it on fire and rain from the scene. Another way it connects to the character is they are watching the house he and his wife built to burn.After they put all of this work into it
Added January 11, 2025 at 8:05am
by TA Breese Bentum
Title: Naomi's image
Naomi W
:
AI Image
[Edited]
Design
Your image showcases a unique approach by using a formal setting with characters dressed in suits, which suggests themes of identity and resilience. The inclusion of the yellow flower adds an imaginative element that stands out and invites curiosity. Consider how the artistic style and composition contribute to the character’s essence.
Score: 4
Knowledge
The emotions evoked in the image are clear, with the central character’s expression drawing attention. The solemn and unified presence of the group enhances the themes of identity and resilience. Think about how the emotional undertones connect with the audience and their lasting impact.
Score: 4
Application
Technically, the image is well-executed, with attention to detail in the characters’ attire and expressions. The use of the medium effectively conveys the themes and character traits. Reflect on your craftsmanship and how it serves the narrative.
Score: 4
Process
The image aligns well with the situational context, possibly reflecting a formal or significant event in the character’s life. The setting and attire suggest an awareness of cultural or historical elements. Consider how these references enhance the story’s context.
Score: 4
Presentation
Your image captures the viewer’s attention and encourages deeper contemplation, especially through the central character’s expression and the symbolic flower. Explore ways to further invite audience interaction and reflection.
Score: 4
Summary Score: 20/20
Great job! The image you created effectively communicates the intended themes and character essence. Keep exploring imaginative elements and how they can deepen the narrative.
The feedback highlights that my image successfully conveys themes of identity and resilience through a formal setting and character attire. The use of a yellow flower adds a unique and imaginative touch that invites curiosity. My attention to detail in the characters’ expressions and emotions enhances the depth of the image. The image is engaging for the audience. To improve, I can explore how artistic style and composition contribute to the character’s essence and create deeper audience interaction.
One of my strengths is my ability to create a compelling visual narrative through symbolism, such as the yellow flower representing an important theme. I also effectively use expressions and body language to communicate emotions, ensuring that the central character stands out.
One area for growth is further developing the artistic style and composition to enhance the character’s essence and the significance of the scene. While the formal setting and attire effectively convey themes of identity and resilience, I could experiment with different visual techniques—such as lighting, color contrast, or perspective—to deepen the emotional impact. This issue may have arisen because I focused more on symbolism and detail rather than overall composition. I wanted to make sure people would undertsand what exactly was happening in the season rather than the emotions of the characters. To improve, I will study different artistic styles and consider how elements like framing and background can further emphasize the character’s story.
This rubric feedback helps me grow by encouraging me to think more critically about artistic composition and how visual elements contribute to storytelling. It pushes me to redefine my use of symbolism, explore different artistic styles, and make my work more interactive for the audience. As a user of the Writing Partners platform, I’ve learned how to balance creativity with technical execution to strengthen my visual storytelling.
I was surprised that the yellow flower stood out as a strong symbolic element, even though it was a small detail in the image. I didn’t expect that audience engagement was such a key part of the scoring, emphasizing the importance of making the image thought-provoking.
I was excited that my image effectively communicated themes of identity and resilience. It was great to see that my attention to character expressions and attire helped strengthen the emotional impact. I enjoyed the idea of exploring different artistic techniques to enhance my storytelling even further.
I wasn’t entirely sure how to make my image more interactive beyond symbolism and emotion. I will research ways to incorporate background details or subtle hints that encourage viewers to analyze the deeper meaning behind my work.
Naomi W
:
Reflection
City is afraid of getting baptized because he is unaware of what will happen to him. His grandmother and members of the church want him to get baptized after embarrassing his family on YouTube. In the end, City gets baptized and he is overwhelmed by his feelings but feels that now God loves him.
Naomi W
:
Writing used to create the image:
create an image of a 15-year-old African American boy getting baptized in an all-African American church full of people, including his friend, uncle, and grandmother. inspired by the book “Long Division” by Kiese Laymon
Added January 11, 2025 at 8:07am
by TA Breese Bentum
Title: Phillip's image
Philip H
:
Dolores image
I can’t identify people in images, but I can help evaluate the artistic elements of the image based on the criteria provided.
Design
The image shows a thoughtful representation of a character with a calm and confident demeanor. The use of light and shadow, along with the choice of attire and accessories, suggests a sense of wisdom and elegance. However, there’s room for more imaginative elements that could enhance the thematic depth related to love, resilience, and identity. Score: 3/4
Knowledge
The emotional undertones of the image are clear, conveying a sense of warmth and wisdom. The expression and setting suggest resilience and identity, but the connection to love could be made more explicit. The image leaves a positive impression but could be more evocative in terms of emotional impact. Score: 3/4
Application
The technical aspects, such as composition, color, and clarity, are executed proficiently. The choice of medium effectively conveys the character’s persona. There’s strong attention to detail, although further exploration of artistic techniques could enhance the overall craftsmanship. Score: 3/4
Process
The image seems to capture a modern, everyday context, aligning well with the cultural and situational aspects of a character who embodies wisdom and experience. However, incorporating more specific symbols or references could strengthen the connection to broader themes and settings. Score: 3/4
Presentation
The image is engaging and captures attention through its strong character portrayal. While it invites some reflection, additional interactive or thought-provoking elements could encourage deeper contemplation. Score: 3/4
Summary
Overall Score: 15/20
You’ve created a strong and thoughtful representation. To enhance your work, consider incorporating more imaginative and thematic elements that deepen the connection to the themes of love, resilience, and identity. Keep experimenting with artistic techniques to further elevate your storytelling through imagery.
Philip H
:
Reflection
In this image, we see Dolores as described by herself. at the point we’re in shes a bit old, with incredibly white hair, but with the features of a black woman. It feels like a representation of the underlying them of Say I’m Dead which is embracing both sides of her lineage. On one hand shes white which symbolizes the color of the hair, but the kinks and strands are that of a black womans. She still embraces that black side more then her white side, but she acknowledges where she comes from. She acknowledges her identity and her features represent that ability to fight past being stuck inbetween 2 sides and loving both.
Added January 11, 2025 at 8:09am
by TA Breese Bentum
Title: Zion's Image
zion w
:
Ai image
Design
Your image displays a unique approach that effectively captures the essence of the character. The dual portraits suggest layers of identity and emotion, which aligns well with themes of resilience and identity. The style is striking, with the hair and expressions adding depth and originality. Consider adding more imaginative elements to further provoke thought.
Score: 3/4
Knowledge
The image evokes a strong emotional connection, especially through the expressions and the stormy background. It resonates well with the themes of love, resilience, and identity. The emotional undertones are clear and impactful, making a lasting impression.
Score: 4/4
Application
The technical craftsmanship is excellent, with detailed attention to facial features, hair texture, and lighting. The use of digital techniques effectively conveys the character’s complexity. Continue to explore other techniques that might add further depth to the representation.
Score: 4/4
Process
The image aligns well with the character’s context, with subtle references to broader situational themes. The background and clothing choices reflect an awareness of the character’s environment. Consider integrating more symbols that might enhance the story’s cultural or historical context.
Score: 3/4
Presentation
Your image captures the viewer’s attention with its compelling emotional depth and artistic style. It invites deeper reflection on the character’s journey and themes. Think about adding elements that might encourage even more interaction or contemplation.
Score: 4/4
Summary
Overall, you did a remarkable job creating an image that captures the complexity of the character and the themes of resilience and identity. Focus on incorporating even more imaginative elements and symbolic references to enhance your work further.
Total Score: 18/20
zion w
:
image description
this image aligns with the themes because you can see somewhat of an uncertainty in her eyes showing how dolares is confident in herself but still struggles with fitting in especially with her position of being a child of a white person and a black person
Added January 13, 2025 at 10:07am
by TA Breese Bentum
Title: Dallas's image
Evaluation of Your Image
1. Design: 4/4
Your image showcases a unique approach in capturing the character’s essence. The juxtaposition of the dignified expression with the damaged house in the background adds depth to the themes of resilience and identity. The artistic style is both striking and thought-provoking, encouraging viewers to consider the symbolism of the setting and the character’s demeanor. Great job incorporating imaginative elements that enhance understanding.
2. Knowledge: 4/4
The emotions conveyed through the character’s expression are powerful and resonate with the themes of resilience and identity. The image leaves a lasting impression, evoking a strong emotional response. The choice of background and character expression clearly communicates the character’s significance and role in the story.
3. Application: 4/4
The technical execution of the image is highly proficient. The attention to detail in the character’s features and the textures of the house demonstrate excellent craftsmanship. The medium effectively conveys the intended themes, showcasing your skill in digital manipulation and artistic techniques.
4. Process: 3/4
While the image aligns well with the character’s cultural and situational context, more explicit references or symbols could further enhance its relevance to the story’s setting. Consider integrating additional elements that reflect the broader circumstances surrounding the character to deepen this connection.
5. Presentation: 4/4
The image captivates and engages the viewer’s attention effectively. The composition invites viewers to explore and reflect on the themes present, encouraging deeper contemplation. The combination of visual elements successfully invites interaction and thought.
Summary Score: 19/20
Your image is beautifully crafted, with strong emotional and thematic resonance. Consider exploring more contextual symbols to enhance the storytelling aspect. Keep up the great work!
I successfully created a visually striking and thought-provoking design that captures the character’s essence. The juxtaposition of the dignified expression with the damaged house adds depth, reinforcing themes of resilience and identity. My artistic choices effectively encourage viewers to reflect on the symbolism within the image. Additionally, I incorporated imaginative elements that enhance the overall understanding of the character and their story.The contrast between the character and the background adds emotional and narrative depth. To maintain this level of quality, I should continue incorporating symbolic elements that bring the story and invite deeper viewer engagement.
I effectively conveyed strong emotions through the character’s expression, reinforcing the themes of resilience and identity. The image successfully creates a lasting impression, evoking an emotional response from viewers. My choice of background and the character’s demeanor clearly communicate their significance and role in the story. This demonstrates my understanding of how visual storytelling can enhance thematic depth.My work does an excellent job of using visual elements to express deep emotions and reinforce key themes. The character’s expression and background work together to create a meaningful and impactful image. To continue strengthening my artistic approach, I should remain intentional in selecting visual details that further emphasize the story’s themes and emotional resonance.
I demonstrated strong technical execution in my artwork, showcasing proficiency in digital manipulation and artistic techniques. The attention to detail in the character’s features and the textures of the house highlights my craftsmanship and dedication to realism and depth. Additionally, the chosen medium effectively conveys the intended themes, reinforcing the emotional and narrative impact of the piece. My technical skills and attention to detail are strengths that enhance the overall quality of the image. The textures and character features contribute to a well-crafted and visually compelling piece. To maintain this high level of execution, I should continue refining my techniques and experimenting with ways to enhance thematic storytelling through digital art further.
I successfully aligned the image with the character’s cultural and situational context, ensuring that the visual elements supported the story’s themes. The composition effectively reflects the character’s struggles and resilience, creating a meaningful and engaging piece. My artistic choices show an understanding of the broader narrative and how visuals can reinforce storytelling.While my image is well-connected to the character’s context, I could enhance its relevance by incorporating more explicit references or symbolic elements. Adding details that reflect the broader circumstances surrounding the character would deepen the thematic and narrative connection.
I created an image that effectively captivates and engages the viewer’s attention. The composition is thoughtfully arranged, encouraging deeper reflection on the themes of resilience and identity. My use of visual elements successfully draws in the audience, prompting interaction and thoughtful interpretation.
Dallas C
:
Luther
I feel that Luther’s love for his wife and house and what they built together shows his identity. After they were attacked their cross got burnt and then their house. They sent a message to Luther that they didn’t like the idea of them living there. He loved the house so much and what he and his wife built that he didn’t want to go out and do something dumb to go and lose it.
Dallas C's Question
:
Can you generate a text promprt for a visual representation of the character
Certainly! Here is an augmented text prompt for a visual representation of your character, Luther, that captures the essence of your description:
Image Prompt
Image Type: An evocative illustration of…
Main Subject: A determined and reflective character known as Luther, portrayed as a middle-aged man with a thoughtful expression. He is standing confidently, representing his love and loyalty for his family and home.
Background Scene: Set against the backdrop of a partially damaged house, which symbolizes both vulnerability and resilience. The remnants of a charred cross are subtly visible in the shadows, hinting at a past conflict and the challenges they’ve endured.
Details and Descriptors: Luther dons a simple yet elegant outfit, symbolizing inner strength and humility. He has deep brown eyes that convey a sense of resolve and peace. In his hand, he gently holds a small keepsake, representing the enduring bond with his wife. The expression on his face exudes determination and hope, while the background reveals a lush, verdant garden, indicating renewal and growth despite adversity.
Artistic Style and Composition: Illustrated in a semi-realistic style with warm, inviting colors that contrast with the remnants of destruction. The lighting is soft, emphasizing the hope and resilience that emanate from both Luther and his home. The composition uses a slightly upward perspective, enhancing the sense of strength and persistence in the character’s stance.
Additional Modifiers: Designed in high detail and resolution, capturing the intricate textures of charred wood and verdant leaves, to enhance the nuanced storytelling in the visual narrative.
Paste this prompt at perchance.org or Magic Studio or another text-to-image generator. (The two recommended here are free and do not require you to log in.)
Dallas C
:
How my picture aligns with the character
[Edited]
How my picutre aligns with the character and themes is that it shows the person how burning after something set it on fire and rain from the scene. Another way it connects to the character is they are watching the house he and his wife built to burn.After they put all of this work into it
General Document Comments 0
on the uploaded document.
0 archived comments