Mr Beeche's Magical Realism Class at SHCP – Spring 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
The Grass Dancer!
While reading the novel, I noticed the Backwards Style of writing Powers uses as she dates back all the way back to Red Dress' and Ghost Horse's time. Why do you think she writes backwards in time?!?! What is its significance!?!?!?
I think that she writes backwards in time to show the image of the characters and then transplant the reader into an earlier period in time when the character was more innocent and uninfluenced by society. By doing this I find it easier to see the transformation from a native american to a US citizen.
I think it gives this book a type of uniqueness that no other book has. It's something different that we can read. Maybe by reading the book this way, we can understand the characters more like the way they have changed throughout the years. Also I think it's kind of cool how it's like this because it's like looking back at memories and it's pretty neat to look back at their life and compare it to what their life is like now.
I think it's more of a way to understand where and how this Sioux culture generated along with the Wind Soldiers' and Thunders' family story and their relationship.
I also think it represents culture differences living with the American lifestyle throughout the generations as Jeannette is fascinated by the Sioux culture living as a white woman
I think that she writes backwards in time because it displays a way that she can give the reader a sense of history about the Sioux. The reader gets a sense of culture and history behind the story. The book goes more in depth about what the Sioux are all about. She shows how far the family history goes back in time. I like how she has each chapter told by a different point of view which makes the story more interesting. It allows the reader to get to know more about each character which enables the reader to analyze the character more. The significance is that it shows that the Sioux culture looks back on their history and tradition means a lot to them. History means a lot to the Sioux whereas American culture sometimes overlooks our history. We seem to look forward to the future instead of looking back in the past. American children are asked what they want to do for a career when they are at a very young age. Kids are in such a hurry to grow up that they don't appreciate the present and the past. When something bad happens people tend to put it in their past and forget about it.
For my explication this week, I was assigned to do chapter 8. I found that despite our discussion in class that Anna Thunder maybe somewhat of a wicked witch, I'd like to think other wise. In this chapter, she was accused of being a person of greed because of the material objects she received from Emery. Despite receiving all these things, it was something she had no control of because this was the way that Emery liked showing his love for her. In Sioux tradition, a mother is suppose to make her daughter her first traditional dress. Instead, Anna took on this responsibility knowing that Dina's mother would not do it for her. Not only did she do this, but she also made Dina's red mocassins that she was very happy to have. I think Anna Thunder is generous and does not mind giving a helping hand. Her voluntarily making her niece things that her mother was not able to make her, shows her what kind of person she is.
When Powers writes her story backwards, she introduces a creative opening that draws the reader into the book. In my opinion, the story becomes difficult to interpret. Characters, settings, and events are scrambled all over my mind. In doing this, I try to read carefully to grasp all the key information.
Powers' general order of events may parallel to a global theme: look closely at the bigger picture than the actual picture. Thus, when reading this book, I feel as if I'm part of the society and listening to a real story teller of the Sioux culture.
I think Powers writes backwards in order for readers to better understand the story and make the connection between all of the characters. It also allows her to write in the perspectives of all of the different characters in the book, whether young or old during the present time. It allows readers to further comprehend their development and personalities. In addition, it helps show why some characters act the way they do, such as Anna Thunder. Although she is an elder in the present time, or the very beginning of the story, readers cannot clearly see why she puts spells on other people. After seeing her perspective in some chapters, it is better understood that she casts her spells because of her jealousy and envy towards others.
Most importantly, I think it demonstrates the development of the culture and its lifestyles. By writing the book backwards, she can reveal the past traditions and cultures through people who experienced them and in the perspective of those who started to change them.
Power's writing style is unique but extremely important. This style of writing shows the how ancestors are significant especially in the Indian culture. By writing backwards Power displays how one's past influences who they are in the future. Whether they are fully aware of it or not the character's lifestyle is impacted by their past relatives. This way of writing has also allowed the reader to better understand the characters. It helps us to learn about how they think and why they behave they way they do.
I think Susan Power's backward writing style is significant because it helps us to learn about the history of the Sioux Indians, just how we go back into history and learn from that because history repeats itself. I agree with Ashley that it is a unique style of writing and enhances the book; although, at times, it can get confusing. It's different because in each chapter a new story about a different ancestor is brought up.
At first, I was thinking about why Susan Power chose this writing style. Her writing style is unique compared to other writers. As I was reading through the book, I realized that her form of writing represented, like Amanda said, the significance of ancestors. The significance of each character shapes the future generations. Her writing style allows us to better understand in how each character connects to one another and how significant culture can affect the lives of many. Her backward writing style also allows us to see the how the past generations were different from the present generations.
I find that Powers uses the backwards style of writing as a way of rememberance of the past. She starts in the present day and with each chapter she goes deeper into the past of each character. Also she uses this technique for the reader to be engaged and wanted to know why each character has turned out a certain way. I feel that in a way it's like peeling off the outer parts to get to the core of each individual character. At first I didn't like this style of writing but after chapter four, I got used to it. Most books go in chronological order and thats what makes this one unique.
Power's writing style is unique. By writing backwards, her readers are able to gain knowledge about the Sioux Indians and a greater understanding of each character's past. After each chapter, new information is known to the readers. It, in a way relates to how people get to know and meet others today. We mostly know the current individuals, and as we have closer bonds with them, we get to know more about their history and past whether good or bad.
I think this style of writing is interesting because it brings a different aspect on the characters. When the story goes to the past it shows how they acted when they were younger. As a result when its goes to the present time it reveals how their past has influenced their lives. At first I thought this style of writing was confusing but it makes the book more interesting.
IT gets kinda confusing as the generations go by. Other wise i like the style, my guess is to tell how we are getting to the main time in the story. How every family is connected through time and how they interact. We learn of the actions which led to the main story, how each segment has their own story. It is very interesting how they connect to each other.
Susan Powers uses an unique writing technique which takes the reader back a few years every following chapter. I personally did not especially like this writing technique in the beginning because it was very confusing. (I prefer the format of books following chronological order). Near the end chapters of the book, everything became clearer, since it returned to the same time period as the beginning of the novel.
I think she's trying to be different. Instead of following the norm of progressing through the years she digresses and it still makes sense. It's not very different because you're now given the answers and the reasons as to why they occur are to be read later in the book. It also possesses the same amount of suspense than if she wrote the book from the earlier years to the later ones.
i think the way that Powers does the Grass Dancer in a backwards style of writing is a very unique way that is able to grab the reader's attention. It's different than normal books and therefore makes the reader (or at least me) pay more attention to the details and how the book is written. Also, for this particular story, it is helpful because it reminds us of the history of the Sioux. I think this style helps me to stay engaged by making me want to know more about her past. Lastly, her style of writing every chapter in a different point of view helps me to grasp details from many different aspects, although the story can be confusing to understand at times.
I believe Power chooses to turn the story around to emphasis the changes the Sioux culture encounter throughout the years. Power may have intended to begin with the present to better engage her readers to the characters, their stories. The characters and their stories in The Grass Dancer hold many elements that pertain to their native roots. Through their stories, we gain knowledge about their culture.
For most stories the beginning is told first but Susan Powers adds a uniqueness to the Grass Dancer in the fact that she goes backwards through the story. I find this to be very important because it makes you think of all possibilities that lead to that present moment. Since she started the story backwards you don't know why the characters are the way they are and what shaped them into that particular character. Also, you may think that the main character is Harley becuase he is in the beginning of the story but you come to find out that the true main character are Red Dress and Ghost Horse. Throughout the story you are trying to figure out what these characters have to do with that present moment, which also adds an unique aspect to the story line.
I think that she writes backwards in time to show the image of the characters and then transplant the reader into an earlier period in time when the character was more innocent and uninfluenced by society. By doing this I find it easier to see the transformation from a native american to a US citizen.
ReplyDeleteI think it gives this book a type of uniqueness that no other book has. It's something different that we can read. Maybe by reading the book this way, we can understand the characters more like the way they have changed throughout the years. Also I think it's kind of cool how it's like this because it's like looking back at memories and it's pretty neat to look back at their life and compare it to what their life is like now.
ReplyDeleteI think it's more of a way to understand where and how this Sioux culture generated along with the Wind Soldiers' and Thunders' family story and their relationship.
ReplyDeleteI also think it represents culture differences living with the American lifestyle throughout the generations as Jeannette is fascinated by the Sioux culture living as a white woman
I think that she writes backwards in time because it displays a way that she can give the reader a sense of history about the Sioux. The reader gets a sense of culture and history behind the story. The book goes more in depth about what the Sioux are all about. She shows how far the family history goes back in time. I like how she has each chapter told by a different point of view which makes the story more interesting. It allows the reader to get to know more about each character which enables the reader to analyze the character more. The significance is that it shows that the Sioux culture looks back on their history and tradition means a lot to them. History means a lot to the Sioux whereas American culture sometimes overlooks our history. We seem to look forward to the future instead of looking back in the past. American children are asked what they want to do for a career when they are at a very young age. Kids are in such a hurry to grow up that they don't appreciate the present and the past. When something bad happens people tend to put it in their past and forget about it.
ReplyDeleteFor my explication this week, I was assigned to do chapter 8. I found that despite our discussion in class that Anna Thunder maybe somewhat of a wicked witch, I'd like to think other wise. In this chapter, she was accused of being a person of greed because of the material objects she received from Emery. Despite receiving all these things, it was something she had no control of because this was the way that Emery liked showing his love for her. In Sioux tradition, a mother is suppose to make her daughter her first traditional dress. Instead, Anna took on this responsibility knowing that Dina's mother would not do it for her. Not only did she do this, but she also made Dina's red mocassins that she was very happy to have. I think Anna Thunder is generous and does not mind giving a helping hand. Her voluntarily making her niece things that her mother was not able to make her, shows her what kind of person she is.
ReplyDeleteWhen Powers writes her story backwards, she introduces a creative opening that draws the reader into the book. In my opinion, the story becomes difficult to interpret. Characters, settings, and events are scrambled all over my mind. In doing this, I try to read carefully to grasp all the key information.
ReplyDeletePowers' general order of events may parallel to a global theme: look closely at the bigger picture than the actual picture. Thus, when reading this book, I feel as if I'm part of the society and listening to a real story teller of the Sioux culture.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI think Powers writes backwards in order for readers to better understand the story and make the connection between all of the characters. It also allows her to write in the perspectives of all of the different characters in the book, whether young or old during the present time. It allows readers to further comprehend their development and personalities. In addition, it helps show why some characters act the way they do, such as Anna Thunder. Although she is an elder in the present time, or the very beginning of the story, readers cannot clearly see why she puts spells on other people. After seeing her perspective in some chapters, it is better understood that she casts her spells because of her jealousy and envy towards others.
ReplyDeleteMost importantly, I think it demonstrates the development of the culture and its lifestyles. By writing the book backwards, she can reveal the past traditions and cultures through people who experienced them and in the perspective of those who started to change them.
Hi Mr. Beeche its Amanda : )
ReplyDeletePower's writing style is unique but extremely important. This style of writing shows the how ancestors are significant especially in the Indian culture. By writing backwards Power displays how one's past influences who they are in the future. Whether they are fully aware of it or not the character's lifestyle is impacted by their past relatives. This way of writing has also allowed the reader to better understand the characters. It helps us to learn about how they think and why they behave they way they do.
I think Susan Power's backward writing style is significant because it helps us to learn about the history of the Sioux Indians, just how we go back into history and learn from that because history repeats itself. I agree with Ashley that it is a unique style of writing and enhances the book; although, at times, it can get confusing. It's different because in each chapter a new story about a different ancestor is brought up.
ReplyDeleteAt first, I was thinking about why Susan Power chose this writing style. Her writing style is unique compared to other writers. As I was reading through the book, I realized that her form of writing represented, like Amanda said, the significance of ancestors. The significance of each character shapes the future generations. Her writing style allows us to better understand in how each character connects to one another and how significant culture can affect the lives of many. Her backward writing style also allows us to see the how the past generations were different from the present generations.
ReplyDeleteI find that Powers uses the backwards style of writing as a way of rememberance of the past. She starts in the present day and with each chapter she goes deeper into the past of each character. Also she uses this technique for the reader to be engaged and wanted to know why each character has turned out a certain way. I feel that in a way it's like peeling off the outer parts to get to the core of each individual character. At first I didn't like this style of writing but after chapter four, I got used to it. Most books go in chronological order and thats what makes this one unique.
ReplyDeletePower's writing style is unique. By writing backwards, her readers are able to gain knowledge about the Sioux Indians and a greater understanding of each character's past. After each chapter, new information is known to the readers. It, in a way relates to how people get to know and meet others today. We mostly know the current individuals, and as we have closer bonds with them, we get to know more about their history and past whether good or bad.
ReplyDeleteI think this style of writing is interesting because it brings a different aspect on the characters. When the story goes to the past it shows how they acted when they were younger. As a result when its goes to the present time it reveals how their past has influenced their lives. At first I thought this style of writing was confusing but it makes the book more interesting.
ReplyDeleteIT gets kinda confusing as the generations go by. Other wise i like the style, my guess is to tell how we are getting to the main time in the story. How every family is connected through time and how they interact. We learn of the actions which led to the main story, how each segment has their own story. It is very interesting how they connect to each other.
ReplyDeleteSusan Powers uses an unique writing technique which takes the reader back a few years every following chapter. I personally did not especially like this writing technique in the beginning because it was very confusing. (I prefer the format of books following chronological order). Near the end chapters of the book, everything became clearer, since it returned to the same time period as the beginning of the novel.
ReplyDeleteI think she's trying to be different. Instead of following the norm of progressing through the years she digresses and it still makes sense. It's not very different because you're now given the answers and the reasons as to why they occur are to be read later in the book. It also possesses the same amount of suspense than if she wrote the book from the earlier years to the later ones.
ReplyDeletei think the way that Powers does the Grass Dancer in a backwards style of writing is a very unique way that is able to grab the reader's attention. It's different than normal books and therefore makes the reader (or at least me) pay more attention to the details and how the book is written. Also, for this particular story, it is helpful because it reminds us of the history of the Sioux. I think this style helps me to stay engaged by making me want to know more about her past. Lastly, her style of writing every chapter in a different point of view helps me to grasp details from many different aspects, although the story can be confusing to understand at times.
ReplyDeleteI believe Power chooses to turn the story around to emphasis the changes the Sioux culture encounter throughout the years. Power may have intended to begin with the present to better engage her readers to the characters, their stories. The characters and their stories in The Grass Dancer hold many elements that pertain to their native roots. Through their stories, we gain knowledge about their culture.
ReplyDeleteFor most stories the beginning is told first but Susan Powers adds a uniqueness to the Grass Dancer in the fact that she goes backwards through the story. I find this to be very important because it makes you think of all possibilities that lead to that present moment. Since she started the story backwards you don't know why the characters are the way they are and what shaped them into that particular character. Also, you may think that the main character is Harley becuase he is in the beginning of the story but you come to find out that the true main character are Red Dress and Ghost Horse. Throughout the story you are trying to figure out what these characters have to do with that present moment, which also adds an unique aspect to the story line.
ReplyDelete