Reflection Journal Compilation Group 4 BC

AINUN NAJMAH ALHADID - BRIAN SAMUEL SIMANUNGKALIT
GUSTI QEISHI RESSA AZZAHRA - KATARINA NINDITA WIDURI

NADIRA ARUM MAISYA - TRIVENA VICTORIA ASSA
English
Literature
&
Its Society
A COMPILATION OF OUR WORKS FOR

ENGLISH LITERATURE & ITS SOCIETY
CLASS
ENGLISH
LITERATURE
&
ITS SOCIETY
A COMPILATION OF OUR WORKS FOR ENGLISH
LITERATURE AND SOCIETY CLASS
AINUN NAJMAH ALHADID

BRIAN SAMUEL SIMANUNGKALIT
GUSTI QEISHI RESSA AZZAHRA
KATARINA NINDITA WIDURI
NADIRA ARUM MAISYA
TRIVENA VICTORIA ASSA
2023
UNIVERSITAS INDONESIA
FAKULTAS ILMU PENGETAHUAN BUDAYA
This page is intentionally left blank
Let's introduce you to
THE WRITERS NPM : 2206824193
AINUN NAJMAH
ALHADID
English Studies 2022
NPM : 2206071136
BRIAN SAMUEL
SIMANUNGKALIT
NPM : 2206071086
GUSTI QEISHI RESSA

AZZAHRA
NPM : 2207073614
KATARINA NINDITA
WIDURI
NPM : 2206810875
NADIRA ARUM MAISYA

NPM : 2206812786
TRIVENA VICTORIA
ASSA
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Foreword v
British Literature 1
1. Week 1: Beowolf 2
2. Week 2: Sir Gawain and The Green Knight
and The Knight's Tale: Canterbury's Tale 4

3. Week 3: The Elizabethan era 7
4. Week 4: Gulliver's Travels 9
5. Week 5: The World Is Too Much With Us 11
6. Week 6: Oliver's Twist 13
7. Week 7: Virginia Woolf 15
American Literature 16
1. Week 8: Happy Endings 17
2. Week 10: Rip van Winkle
a. by Ainun Najmah Al-Hadid 19

b. by Brian Samuel Simanungkalit 21
c. by Gusti Qeishi Ressa Azzahra 22
d. by Katarina Nindita Widuri 24
e. by Nadira Arum Maisya 25
f. by Trivena Victoria Assa 26
3. Week 11: Moby Dick 27
4. Week 12:
a. The Celebrated Jumping Frog of
Calaveras County 30
b. The White Heron 32
c. Desiree’s Baby 38
5. Week 13: Open Boat 40
6. Week 14: The Garden Party 43
7. Week 15: The Red Convertible
a. by Ainun Najmah Al-Hadid 45

b. by Brian Samuel Simanungkalit 52
c. by Gusti Qeishi Ressa Azzahra 54
d. by Katarina Nindita Widuri 56
e. by Nadira Arum Maisya 58
f. by Trivena Victoria Assa 60
Conclusion 62
Work Division Table 64

iv
Foreword
This book is made in order to fulfill the final project
assignment for the course "English Literature and Its
Society". It has been such a journey for the past semester,
and we have studied quite a lot of forms of literature from
different periods and different authros about various
subjects, showcasing literature as a form of refection of
the society that literature was written in.
Guided by Dr. Dhita Hapsarani, S.S., M.Hum. and Asri

Saraswati, S.Hum., M.Hum. Ph.D, throughout this
semester, we have learned a lot about British and
American Literature. We have learnt the development
each of them went through throughout different periods.
The common characteristics found in the literature in
each period, and how the different society influenced
literature for it to became some sort of relection of the
spciety that specific literature was written in.
Do follow our journey until the end and see how we

progressed throughout the semester. Please enjoy this
book, and may we see each other again in the future.
Sincerely,
Ainun Najmah Alhadid
Brian Samuel Simanungkalit
Gusti Qeishi Ressa Azzahra
Katarina Nindita Widuri
Nadira Arum Maisya
and Trivena Victoria Assa
v
British Literature
Our group's discussions about works in
British Literature
Beowulf
1. What qualifies Beowulf as an epic hero?

Beowulf, the main character, is the text-book definition of
a hero by Anglo-Saxon period standard. He is of noble
blood, brave, courageous, loyal, and he always prioritizes
other’s needs before his own. He is one of the Geats who
is famous as the greatest warrior of all among his
─
community. He is related by blood to his king the king of
─
the Geats Higlac, and is very loyal for him. His king and
his community know very well of his abilities, so once they
heard about the terror that is happening in the land of the
Danes, more specifically in Herot, in the hands of a
monster called Grendel, they decided to send Beowulf
there. Beowulf takes his strongest men along with him to
that land, crossing the sea, where he meets Hrothgar, the
king of Danes. Beowulf recalls the virtue that Hrothgar did
for Edgetho, his father, and is determined to return that
favour by killing Grendel.
When he finds out that Grendel cannot be harmed with

normal blades, he has to fight him bare-handed. He
succeeds to wound Grendel badly that the monster dies
while trying to go back to his lair. After that, he still has to
fight Grendel’s mother and other monsters in that lake she
dwells in. He ultimately wins and is honorably chosen to
rule over the Geats in his homeland. He rules over the
Geats with great justice that the land prospers for years.
Even when he is already too old to fight, he still fights for
his people against a dragon that threatens his land. In his
final breath, his influence reaches one of his followers,
Wiglaf, who swears to fight with him until the end and
rules the land once Beowulf is dead.
2
2. In what ways does Beowulf reflect the situation of the
Anglo-Saxon period?
The Anglo-Saxons were prominent during the beginning of
the 1 st century to 14 th century. They developed a rich
history filled with periods of migration and conquest. They
developed stories in Old English which was a very
different language compared to the English we know
today. During the Anglo- Saxon period, these
characteristics of the bravest of all warriors were found
throughout the stories circulating around the people at
that time. The Anglo-Saxons believed that the ultimate
honor, courage, and strength were enough to help them
get through anything, and were enough to change fate.
These characteristics were highly valued.
3
5
Sir Gawain and The Green Knight
&
The Knight's Tale: Canterbury's Tale
"Sir Gawain and The Green Knight" story infographic:
The story begins with the sudden appearance of a green
knight who challenges the knights of the Arthurian Court.
The green knight offers a deal to the knights: he will take
one blow from anyone in the room, and a year later, he will
return the same blow. Gawain, one of Arthur's knights,
accepted the challenge and beheaded the green knight. A
year later, Gawain traveled to meet the green knight and
received the promised blow. The green knight repeated
the blow without harming Gawain, as Gawain had
confessed his sin.
The story reveals honesty, courage, and forgiveness, as

well as moral judgment in the face of challenges and
facing the consequences of actions.
5
Sir Gawain and The Green Knight
&
The Knight's Tale: Canterbury's Tale
Two cousins and knights,

Palamon and Arcite, are captured and imprisoned by Theseus,
duke of Athens, after being found unconscious following his
battle against Creon. Their cell sits in the tower of Theseus'
castle, with a window which overlooks his palace garden. The
imprisoned Palamon wakes early one morning in May and
catches sight of Emelye, he quickly fall in love with her. Arcite
also wake up and also fall for her. They both fight after they
both got out of the prison the three character pray to their
each god, Palamon prays to Venus to make Emelye his wife;
Emelye prays to Diana to remain unmarried, or else to marry
the one who truly loves her; Arcite prays to Mars for victory.
The two cousin fight and Arcite win before he was struck by
Venus and die leaving a message to Emelye to marry his
brother instead.
This story revolves around noble romance romance and
chivalry surrounding instability of human life. The main
message of this story is how a knight was expected to
emphasize his chivalry and honor no matter what.
6
5
The Elizabethan Era
Infographic about the Elizabethan Era:
The Elizabethan Era was a period of English history that

lasted during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, from 1558 to
1603.
This era was characterized by the development of art and
literature that produced famous works such as
Shakespeare's plays.
Queen Elizabeth I is recognized as one of the greatest rulers
in English history, providing political stability and economic
growth.
During the Elizabethan Era, England experienced a period of
intense maritime exploration, such as the exploration of the
Americas and the conquest of the Spanish Armada.
Arts and culture flourished, including popular Elizabethan
theaters, such as the Globe Theatre, and literary works
depicting the life and social conditions of the time.
Clothing and lifestyle in the Elizabethan Era were very
distinctive, with lavish clothing and white makeup used by
the nobility.
Religion was also an important factor in this period, with
disputes between Catholicism and Protestantism affecting
people's lives.
The Elizabethan era left a legacy of literature, art and
inventions that are influential to this day, as well as playing
an important role in the formation of England's national
identity.
After the death of Queen Elizabeth I, this era ended and was
replaced by the reign of King James I in 1603, which marked
the beginning of the Jacobean period.
8
Gulliver's Travel
How do we read Gulliver’s Travels as a satire of 18th
century England?
Gulliver’s Travels, written by Jonathan Swift, is written to
show satire towards the social condition of 18th century
England. He put in critics towards the politicians,
scientists, human behaviour, and everything else that
were happening in 18th century England. These criticisms
were encompassed so well in this book in the form of a
travel recap of the main character, Lemuel Gulliver. It
contains stories of his travels around the world, visiting
several hidden nations which are fictional. The people
residing in those nations ranged from dwarves, giants,
gods, humans. Each nation has their own characteristics,
and written in such a way to portray any topic Swift
wished to criticize. For example, we can take the conflict
between the nation of Liliput and Blefuscu as a satire
towards how politicians at the time resolve conflicts.
We think that Gulliver’s Travels is still very relevant even

today because those criticisms written implicitly in the
book can still apply to our society. There are people in
high positions who abuse their power over people with
less and without any power. Politicians over common
people, Educated people over uneducated ones, and
many more. Those power abuses didn’t only exist in 18th
century England, but are still prevalent in our current
society. For example in our current society, we often see
on the news where corruptors get caught, but can still
enjoy their wealth in jail, and even were allowed to repeal
their jail time and negotiate the money they had to pay.
On the other hand, there was news about a person who
stole a chicken, but had to go through jail time longer than
those corruptors, and even had to pay a huge fine of
9
which they cannot even afford. People with high power
often receive preferential treatment even in the eyes of
law, because they have the resources to bribe judges and
police.
Gulliver’s Travels offers a reflection of human morals and

ethics in all positions. We can read it as a guide on what to
not do in order to not cause difficulties towards common
people. It encourage us to think about being human as a
whole, reflect on our purposes, and provokes new ideas
and thoughts to make the world a better place.
10
6
The World Is Too Much With Us
An infographic about the poem "The World Is Too Much

With Us":
"The World Is Too Much With Us" is a poem by William

Wordsworth published in 1807.
The poem expresses Wordsworth's concern for a
society that is too attached to materialism and the life
of the modern world.
The poem depicts dissatisfaction and a sense of loss
towards man's relationship with nature.
Wordsworth criticizes a society that is too
preoccupied with material desires and self-interest,
which ignores the wonders of nature and spiritual life.
He states that humans have lost sensitivity and
intimacy with nature, and invites readers to reconsider
their relationship with nature.
The poem uses strong natural imagery, such as the sea,
wind, flowers, and sunsets, to convey its poetic
message.
Wordsworth concludes that humans should better
appreciate the beauty of nature and be at one with
nature, rather than being slaves to the material world.
This poem reflects the spirit of Romanticism, a literary
movement that emphasized the importance of nature,
emotion, and imagination in the human experience.
"The World Is Too Much With Us" reminds us to see the
beauty and meaning found in nature and simple living,
and to explore our inner depths as human beings.
12
8
Oliver's Twist
An infographic about the story of "Oliver Twist":
"Oliver Twist" is a classic novel by Charles Dickens

published in 1838.
The story follows the life of an orphan boy named
Oliver Twist who lives in poverty and misery in
Victorian-era London.
Oliver is born in an orphanage and experiences
mistreatment before eventually running away and
falling into a world of crime.
He joins a group of petty thieves led by Fagin, a
criminal who utilizes children for criminal activities.
Meanwhile, Oliver also meets a number of interesting
characters, including The Artful Dodger, Nancy, and
Bill Sikes.
Throughout his journey, Oliver faces various
difficulties, including moral conflicts, betrayal, and
social injustice.
In the end, Oliver discovers the truth about his origins
and earns a better life through the help of kind-
hearted people.
The novel depicts social injustice, the mistreatment of
children, and Oliver's struggle to maintain his
goodness and integrity amidst a harsh and corrupt
environment.
"Oliver Twist" became one of Dickens' famous works
that highlighted social issues and became an
inspiration for social reform movements of his time.
The story touches readers' hearts by depicting the
battle between good and evil and the importance of
hope and justice in human life.
14
Virginia Woolf
The differences and similarities between The Waves and
Mrs. Dalloway in terms of their narratives
The similarity of The Waves and Mrs. Dalloway lies in how

both of them were written in a style called stream of
consciousness. This style refers to a technique where the
writer writes about the thoughts and emotions of either
the narrator or the characters in a way to show the fluidity
of their thoughts, in order to imitate a person’s train of
thoughts. They are both also written in third person
omniscient, where it means that it is written in third
person who can peek into the characters’ inner thoughts
and emotions. They both also change point of view
throughout the story to show the differences between the
characters, and how they view themselves and the
conditions that they are in. Both of them also have the
same place setting, that is England.
On the other hand, there are several differences between

The Waves and Mrs. Dalloway. One is the time settings.
The Waves follows the main characters from their
childhood until adulthood, while Mrs. Dalloway follows
the main characters in a single day. The other difference
lies in how The Waves focuses more on self-reflections
and how the characters think about the meaning of life in
their own ways, while Mrs. Dalloway focuses more on the
societal norms at that time, in which social standing
matters the most. In conclusion, The Waves and Mrs.
Dalloway though similar in terms of writing style, point of
views, and place setting, they still have plenty of
differences in the themes that Virginia Woolf wanted to
convey.
15
American Literature
Our group's discussions about works in
American Literature
12
Happy Ending
The happy ending is a story with a different type of ending
ranging from type A through type F all the stories end with
the same ending they both fall in love at the end of the
stories this storie parodies romance story Atwood
meditates on the nature of plot and story, arguing that
plot is ultimately less interesting the story concludes that
we will meet one end, death. So she instead tells the
readers not to be too focused on what the ending of their
life is since the answer is already obvious. People should
be more focused on how they live their life, things that are
in between, their own plots, rather than worrying about
the output
18
Rip Van Winkle (by Najmah)
Image source: hudsonvalleyone.com
From the excerpt of the story “Rip van Winkle”, I can tell
that the writer, Washington Irving had a tendency to write
stories that are purely for entertainment. I feel like in this
course, all the literary works that we have learned so far
have a serious tone. Even if they are humorous, they are
mostly just satire of real, serious events that happened in
society around the time the literary work was written. With
this “Rip van Winkle” story, I feel like I just read some kind
of kids’ short stories. It reminds me of the time I used to
read a lot of children stories by Aesop, Lyman Frank Baum,
or Lewis Caroll. It is such a fresh breath of air to read short
stories like this after reading a lot of depressing literary
works in this course.
Even though I compared the feeling of reading Washington

Irving’s “Rip van Winkle” with the feeling of reading those
famous children fairy tales’ writers’ works, I noticed that
that is certainly a clear difference between them and “Rip
van Winkle”. Even when the character and the experience
that the character goes through in the story is fictional,
the bits about the American society, their spirit of
democracy, cannot certainly be in a children story. I feel
like that realistic bits differentiate it the most with
children fairy tales.
19
Furthermore, I noticed a striking difference between “Rip
van Winkle” and literary works in Postmodern era, the one
that we just learned. I feel like “Rip van Winkle”
deliberately tries to convince the readers that the story is
indeed real historical events, claiming that it had been
found among the papers of a man named Diedrich
Knickerbocker, a historian of the Dutch settlers of New
York. Obviously, this is a work of fiction, even the last
name of so called “historian” is hilarious. It is like Irving
deliberately tried to convince the readers that this is
indeed real, while simultaneously exposed it to be
fictional. On the other hand, literary works in Postmodern
era used elements like metafiction, breaking the forth wall,
constantly reminding the readers that their works were
purely fictional.
20
Rip Van Winkle (by Brian)
the story “Rip van Winkle”, written by Washington Irving
an entertainment of a writer. The story he wrote are
entertaining like the story “Rip van Winkle". it is a rather
nice stories after reading too much of a depress shot of a
stories or a horror story and brutal that we used to read in
the first semester and in the early second semester
Washington Irving’s “Rip van Winkle” there's a different

between other fairy tale like stories and “Rip van
Winkle”.like When Rip had woken up it was really neat to
read the changes that had went through the town he
knew. His reactions and the time periods that he went
through was a really great way to twist this story and I
must say this story about rip van winkle was great to read
a great combination of phycological mystery and
fantasical fiction filled with american Theme and history.
21
Rip Van Winkle (by Qeishi)
Unexpectedly. One word that can best describe the
impression this short story had on me. Although I wasn't
expecting this narrative to have such a plot, I was even
more taken aback by how captivating it was. The first
thought I had after reading a couple of the paragraphs was
that it was boring. Perhaps my initial impression was
biased since I read this story late at night and it is quite
lengthy for a "short story," therefore towards the
beginning of the story, I get bored and even worn out. The
language used in the story is complicated and complex. To
fully understand the meaning of this short story, I had to
read it twice, listen to the attached audio, then read a
further analysis that discussed the plot. As the novel
progressed, I gradually started to be able to comprehend
what was happening. The latter, the more immersed I am
in the story being told. The plot succeeded in getting me
hooked on this short story made by Washington Irving.
Based as far as I can gather, this story is supposed to take

place in the 18th century in the Catskill Mountains of New
York. The story revolves around a guy by the name of Rip
Van Winkle, who happens to be the name of the story.
Because of his willingness to lend a hand to others, Rip
Van Winkle is well-liked by many who know him, but his
wife despises his tendency to be lazy. Rip stumbles into a
group of strangers playing nine pins one day in the woods.
Essentially, he joined, drank alcohol, and dozed off.
However, what he thought would be a single night of sleep
turned out to be twenty years. When he woke up, his world
changed drastically. His clothes were shabby, his beard
was growing long. He goes to a village, where the residents
mistake Rip for a spy. However, he immediately explained
what had happened. He questioned some of his close
22
relatives, some of whom were deceased but others of
whom were congressmen. When Rip learned of his wife's
passing, he started crying. Amid the sadness, there is a
woman holding a baby saying that she is his daughter.
Even so, residents still doubt the credibility of Rip. Finally
one of the oldest residents there confirmed that he
remembered Rip, he also told how haunted The Catskill
mountains were. Rip eventually settles down with his
daughter.
I think this story alludes to the changes that the American

Revolution brought to American society. The strangers'
Rip meets in the woods stood in for the new concepts and
methods of thinking that the Revolution brought about,
while Rip symbolizes the old ways of living.
The fact that Rip fell asleep for twenty years and woke up
to discover a new world around him can be seen as a
metaphor for how the American Revolution drastically
affected American culture and left many people unable to
adapt to the changes.
This story seems to be well written, in my opinion, in terms

of the language itself. I adore deeply and in the manner in
which Irving describes things. Even though I had difficulty
understanding this story at the beginning because of the
unique and complex choice of language. Despite that, I
find this story to be timeless and continues to captivate
readers to this day.
23
Rip Van Winkle (by Katarina)
When I first started reading the story, I felt that Rip was
such a carefree though caring towards his neighbors. But,
as I continue to read, I realized how that good point
became an obstacle as although he’s helpful towards
others, he could care less about the living condition of his
family. So, even though he is well-liked by his neighbors,
he is not a good role model to his family, as he ignores his
responsibilities as an adult and as the head of the family,
which is to work in order to provide for his family. This
irked his wife to no end, resulting in her nagging Rip every
day, which caused her relationship with Rip to sour, as Rip
became relieved that she had died once he woke up from
his 20 years of sleep.
I think the character I like the most from this story is Rip’s
wife, who supported the whole family on her back as Rip
refused to do so. It is quite sad to learn that she died while
Rip slept for 20 years, with Rip rejoicing her death, as their
family would be in shambles without her during those 20
years, or even before Rip went to a long sleep.
When Rip realized that he couldn’t adapt to the current

way of living after his 20 years of sleep, I feel like he
deserved it, but on the other hand, I also want him to
experience the harshness of reality and learn how to be
grateful and remorseful towards his own wife.
In my opinion, the story itself as a whole explores the

theme of coming of age and change. Though Rip himself
not in his coming of age stage, but the end shows the
wishful thinking of how he wished things could be the
same as the past, when in reality, it's impossible to
happen.
24
Rip Van Winkle (by Nadira)
"Rip Van Winkle" is a fictional story written by Washington
Irving, first published in 1819. The tale follows the life of
Rip Van Winkle, a man who falls asleep in the Catskill
Mountains and wakes up twenty years later to find that
the world around him has changed.
The story serves as a reflection on the passage of time and

the effects of change on both individuals and society.
Rip's long sleep symbolizes the desire to escape from the
pressures and responsibilities of everyday life, offering a
form of temporary relief. However, when he wakes up, Rip
realizes that his prolonged absence has resulted in a
significant transformation of the world he once knew.
Through Rip's experiences, the story explores themes of

nostalgia, the consequences of inaction, and the
inevitability of change. It highlights the tension between
tradition and progress and raises questions about the
impact of societal shifts on personal identity and
relationships.
"Rip Van Winkle" serves as a cautionary tale, urging

readers to actively engage with the world around them
and adapt to changes rather than passively allowing time
to pass them by. It encourages reflection on the
consequences of choosing complacency over active
participation in shaping one's own destiny and the future
of society.
25
Rip Van Winkle (by Trivena)
Most of this story is about Rip, I was quite interested in

the people Rip met while he was in the cave and the dogs
he brought with him. People who met Rip seemed to talk
about the things he wanted. Like helping people, he wants
to help but feels weird and awkward. From the
grandparents he met, he was able to express his desire to
help.
Also to the strange people he met, such as his desire to

rest and drink, maybe because he was tired that's why it
was explained that he was lazy, maybe he was just tired of
his activities. But from the people he met, it was still like
resting for him.
The reason I say this relates to today's life because.

Everyone seems to want to rest and want to speed up
time. Many people want to fall asleep and wake up when
they are already in the future. Because of Rip's
experience, it describes what humanity wants today.
26
Moby Dick
Written by Herman Melville and published in 1851, Moby
Dick is widely regarded as a major work of American
literature, embodying the ideas and themes that prevailed
in the United States during the era of Romanticism and
Transcendentalism. This period, from the late eighteenth
century to his mid-nineteenth century, emphasized the
importance of individualism, nature, intuition, and
exploration of the human mind.
When it comes to romanticism, Moby Dick has several key

traits associated with this movement. Romanticism
emphasized individual experiences, feelings, and
imagination, often favoring a subjective point of view
rather than an objective one. Moby Dick captures this
essence by delving into the inner thoughts and feelings of
its characters, especially the protagonist, Captain Ahab,
and the narrator, Ishmael. Melville explores their
psychological depth, portraying their passions, obsessions
and desires, consistent with romantic notions of delving
into the human psyche.
The novel also reflects a romantic idealization of nature.

Romantic writers celebrated nature as a source of
inspiration, spirituality, and a way to escape the pressures
of industrialization and urbanization. In Moby Dick,
Melville portrays the ocean as a vast, awe-inspiring and
enigmatic entity. Depictions of the sea, whales and marine
environments evoke a sense of sublime, a central concept
of romantic aesthetics.The majestic force of nature and its
capacity to provoke spiritual enlightenment was
frequently praised by American Romanticism. The
descriptions of the broad seas and the frightening yet
majestic presence of the whale create a sense of awe,
27
being washed away symbolizes the loss of youth and
innocence because of the character’s life experiences and
them growing older and wiser. The characters' relationship
with nature often serves as a backdrop for pondering
existential questions and forging a connection with God.
Other than that, the broad cultural landscape of the

United States was reflected in American literature at the
time, notably as a result of immigration and the growing
number of urban areas. Moby-Dick depicts a multicultural
crew on board the Pequod, with characters coming from
different racial and ethnic backgrounds. This portrayal
illustrates the multiculturalism of America and shows how
various cultures and views can coexist.
In its transition to transcendentalism, Moby Dick

integrates elements that are also consistent with this
philosophical movement. Transcendentalism emerged as
a reaction to institutionalized religion, emphasizing belief
in the innate goodness of man and the divinity of nature. It
advocated the transcendent power of intuition and the
search for truth through personal experience.
In "Moby Dick", Captain Ahab can be seen as the

embodiment of the transcendental ideal and its potential
dangers. Ahab's relentless pursuit of the Moby Dick, his
belief in higher powers that guide his actions, and his
rejection of conventional authority are consistent with
transcendental notions of self-reliance, disregard for
social norms, and the search for individual truth. However,
Ahab's obsession ultimately leads to his ruin,
demonstrating the dangers of unbridled individualism and
the potential for human arrogance towards the divine
nature.
28
Moreover, the narrator, Ishmael, embodies a
transcendental quest for self-discovery and
enlightenment. His contemplative nature, search for
meaning, and observation of the natural world reveal a
transcendental sensibility. Ishmael frequently reflects on
his experiences at sea and draws philosophical
conclusions about life, morality and the
interconnectedness of all things.
In conclusion, Moby Dick has a complicated relationship

with both romanticism and transcendentalism. This novel
celebrates romantic ideals such as individualism,
exploration of human emotions, and reverence for nature,
while also offering critiques of excessive individualism and
the limits of transcendence. The novel deals with
philosophical and spiritual issues of the time and reflects
the broader intellectual and cultural movements of
American Romanticism and Transcendentalism.
29
The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras
County
"The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" is a
humorous short story written by Mark Twain, first
published in 1865. It revolves around the narrator's
encounter with Simon Wheeler, a garrulous and
loquacious man, who tells a rambling tale about a
renowned jumping frog.
The story is set in a gold rush-era mining camp in

California and follows the narrator's attempt to gather
information about a man named Leonidas W. Smiley.
Instead, he is led into a long-winded and seemingly
irrelevant story about Jim Smiley, a local gambler.
The structure of the story is framed as a "frame story,"

with the main narrative serving as a pretext for Simon
Wheeler's anecdote. The narrator initially appears
uninterested and annoyed with Wheeler's storytelling but
eventually gets drawn into the tale. This serves to create a
humorous and ironic effect as the reader, like the narrator,
becomes engrossed in the story's amusing details.
The central character, Jim Smiley, is portrayed as an

eccentric and unconventional individual who engages in
various forms of gambling. He is described as a man who
will bet on anything, from dogfights to horse races. The
most notable of his wagers involves training a frog named
Dan'l Webster to out-jump any other frog in the region.
30
The story's humor arises from the absurdity of the
situations and the unexpected outcomes. For instance,
when Smiley challenges a stranger with a supposedly
sickly frog, the stranger fills the frog with lead shot to
make it heavier, leading to its failure in the jumping
competition. The stranger turns out to be an accomplice
of Smiley, undermining Smiley's reputation as an
unbeatable gambler.
Through this story, Twain satirizes the American cultural

fascination with gambling and the exaggeration of stories.
He highlights the tendency of people to embellish or
fabricate tales to entertain and impress others. The tall
tale about the jumping frog serves as a metaphor for the
deceptive and unpredictable nature of life.
Additionally, "The Celebrated Jumping Frog" exemplifies

Twain's distinctive writing style. It is characterized by
regional dialects, colloquial language, and the use of
vernacular speech patterns, which contribute to the
story's humor and authenticity. Twain's skillful use of
irony and satire showcases his wit and social commentary,
making the story a classic example of American literary
humor.
31
The White Heron
Explain sylvia's character, who is she and what does the
story reveal about her? Notice her connection to the
woods and the cow, what does this reveal about her?
Sylvia's character is like a dryad, fairy of nature, protector
of the woods. Even thugh she was not born there and
spent the first 8 years of her life in the urban areas, she
enjoys the woods, the farm, and the little house her
grandmother has here in this little rural area. She knows
her ways around the woods and always observes the
animals living in them.
"Everybody said that it was a good change for a little

maid who had tried to grow for eight years in a crowded
manufacturing town, but, as for Sylvia herself, it seemed
as if she never had been alive at all before she came to
live at the farm. She thought often with wistful
compassion of a wretched dry geranium that belonged to
a town neighbor."
“How low they looked in the air from that height when one
had only seen them before far up, and dark against the
blue sky. Their gray feathers were as soft as moths; they
seemed only a little way from the tree, and Sylvia felt as
if she too could go flying away among the clouds.”
She and the cow are close friends. She canmes the cow
Mistress Moolly and the cow answers her calls whenever
they get separated.
32
"So Sylvia had to hunt for her until she found her and call
Co’! Co’! with never an answering Moo, until her childish
patience was quite spent. If the creature had not given
good milk and plenty of it, the case would have seemed
very different to her owners. Besides, Sylvia had all the
time there was, and very little use to make of it.
Sometimes in pleasant weather it was a consolation to
look upon the cow’s pranks as an intelligent attempt to
play hide and seek, and as the child had no playmates
she lent herself to this amusement with a good deal of
zest. Though this chase had been so long that the wary
animal herself had given an unusual signal of her
whereabouts, Sylvia had only laughed when she came
upon Mistress Moolly at the swampside, and urged her
affectionately homeward with a twig of birch leaves. The
old cow was not inclined to wander farther, she even
turned in the right direction for once as they left the
pasture, and stepped along the road at a good pace."
She rarely communicates with humans other than her own

grandmother, so when she meets the hunter for the first
time, she is nervous. It is only later that she starts to like
him, but she is still scared about the fact that the hunter
kills animals and carries a big gun. She is conflicted. She
wants to like him bun the gun scares her.
"Suddenly this little woods-girl is horror-stricken to hear a

clear whistle not very far away. Not a bird’s whistle, which
would have a sort of friendliness, but a boy’s whistle,
determined, and somewhat aggressive. Sylvia left the cow
to whatever sad fate might await her, and stepped
discreetly aside into the bushes, but she was just too late.
The enemy had discovered her, and called out in a very
33
cheerful and persuasive tone, “Halloa, little girl, how far is
it to the road?” and trembling Sylvia answered almost
inaudibly, “A good ways.” She did not dare to look boldly
at the tall young man, who carried a gun over his
shoulder, but she came out of her bush and again
followed the cow, while he walked alongside."
"The next day the young sportsman hovered about the

woods, and Sylvia kept him company, having lost her first
fear of the friendly lad, who proved to be most kind and
sympathetic. He told her many things about the birds and
what they knew and where they lived and what they did
with themselves. And he gave her a jack-knife, which she
thought as great a treasure as if she were a desert-
islander. All day long he did not once make her troubled
or afraid except when he brought down some
unsuspecting singing creature from its bough. Sylvia
would have liked him vastly better without his gun; she
could not understand why he killed the very birds he
seemed to like so much. But as the day waned, Sylvia still
watched the young man with loving admiration. "
What is the conflict in the story? Consider the symbols

and the literary style of that time.
The conflict of the story is when the hunter shows up and
asks Sylvia and her grandmother about the white heron he
has been hunting and that hw will pay a good amount of
money if they help him find the bird. Sylvia is conflicted,
the white heron is rare, and she does not want to let the
hunter hunt it as the white heron is part of the woods she
loves, but the money will make her and her grandmother's
life easier.
34
This is obviously a romantic literature, from the way it
describes nature as the true home for us humans and that
it is such a divine action for us to take care of it.
"'You would know the heron if you saw it,” the stranger
continued eagerly. “A queer tall white bird with soft
feathers and long thin legs. And it would have a nest
perhaps in the top of a high tree, made of sticks,
something like a hawk’s nest.”' Sylvia’s heart gave a wild
beat; she knew that strange white bird, and had once
stolen softly near where it stood in some bright green
swamp grass, away over at the other side of the woods.
There was an open place where the sunshine always
seemed strangely yellow and hot, where tall, nodding
rushes grew, and her grandmother had warned her that
she might sink in the soft black mud underneath andnever
be heard of more. Not far beyond were the salt marshes
and beyond those was the sea, the sea which Sylvia
wondered and dreamed about, but never had looked
upon, though its great voice could often be heard above
the noise of the woods on stormy nights. “I can’t think of
anything I should like so much as to find that heron’s
nest,” the handsome stranger was saying. “I would give
ten dollars to anybody who could show it to me,” he
added desperately, “and I mean tospend my whole
vacation hunting for it if need be. Perhaps it was
onlymigrating, or had been chased out of its own region
by some bird of prey.” Mrs. Tilley gave amazed attention
to all this, but Sylvia still watched the toad, not divining,
as she might have done at some calmer time, that the
creature wished to get to its hole under the doorstep, and
was much hindered by the unusual spectators at that
hour of the evening. No amount of thought, that night,
could decide how many wished-for treasures the ten
dollars, so lightly spoken of, would buy."
35
What do the hunter and white heron symbolize?
The hunter symbolizes urbanization and thw whole
westward invasion, about industrialization taking over
rural areas. The white heron symbolizes the divinity of
nature and how we should protect it.
The story is written during the time of regional literature,

industrialization, and urbanism? How does the story
reflect its time?
Some of the quotes are written differently, fot the

grandmother's for example, the accent is there is her
quotes and so are with the hunter's quotes.
“Sylvia takes after him,” the grandmother continued

affectionately, after a minute’s pause. “There ain’t a foot
o’ ground she don’t know her way over, and the wild
creatur’s counts her one o’ themselves. Squer’ls she’ll
tame to come an’ feed right out o’ her hands, and all sorts
o’ birds. Last winter she got the jay-birds to bangeing
here, and I believe she’d ’a’ scanted herself of her own
meals to have plenty to throw out amongst ’em, if I hadn’t
kep’ watch. Anything but crows, I tell her, I’m willin’ to
help support,—though Dan he went an’ tamed one o’ them
that did seem to have reason same as folks. It was round
here a good spell after he went away. Dan an’ his father
they didn’t hitch,—but he never held up his head ag’in
after Dan had dared him an’ gone off." The guest did not
notice this hint of family sorrows in his eager interest in
something else. “So Sylvy knows all about birds, does
she?” he exclaimed, as he looked round at the little girl
who sat, very demure but increasingly sleepy, in the
moonlight. “I am making a collection of birds myself. I
36
have been at it ever since I was a boy.” (Mrs. Tilley
smiled.) “There are two or three very rare ones I have
been hunting for these five years. I mean to get them on
my own ground if they can be found.” ... “I can’t think of
anything I should like so much as to find that heron’s
nest,” the handsome stranger was saying. “I would give
ten dollars to anybody who could show it to me,” he
added desperately, “and I mean tospend my whole
vacation hunting for it if need be. Perhaps it was
onlymigrating, or had been chased out of its own region
by some bird of prey.” Mrs. Tilley gave amazed attention
to all this, but Sylvia still watched the toad, not divining,
as she might have done at some calmer time, that the
creature wished to get to its hole under the doorstep, and
was much hindered by the unusual spectators at that
hour of the evening."
We can see the characteristics of regional literature there

in the accnet. And we can see how the urbanization took
over the rural areas by the hunter offering money to the
grandmother for something precious in the woods around
her area, the white heron.
37
Desiree's Baby
What can we tell about Armand and Desiree's relationships?
They were married, and they loved each other at first, but
Armand love's has the tendency to be more lustful than real
love.
What kind of person is Armand?

Easily persuaded, hot-headed, and cold-hearted (paragraph
5), have a racial prejudice
What is the importance of the setting in the story? Notice not

only the spatial setting but also the social condition notice
how a L'abri is described.
The spatial setting is L'Abri, the plantation owned by Armand.
This setting serves to contrast the harsh realities and
injustices that occur within the social structure of that time. It
underscores the stark contrast between the outward
appearance of prosperity and the underlying racial prejudices
and discrimination that exist within the society.
Reference "The plantation, with its gilted, airy colonnades,
was a supreme mockery of peace."
What is the irony in the story?

The irony in "Desiree's Baby" lies in the revelation of the true
ancestry of Desiree and the baby. Throughout the story,
Armand and society assume that Desiree and the baby are of
mixed race because of their physical appearance. However,
the twist of irony comes when it is revealed through a letter
that it is Armand himself who carried the mixed genes.
38
What assumptions did Armand and the society have, that
influence their judgment about Desiree and the baby?
They assume that racial purity is crucial and that any other
than white European ancestry is seen as inferior. Society
belief in racial hierarchy and considers individuals with mixed
heritage as socially and racially undesirable. Armand and
society also assume that a person's racial identity can be
determined solely by their physical appearance.
39
The Open Boat
Four men in a dinghy. The ship on which they were sailing

sank overnight, and they are the only survivors, left to bob
up and down in the waves until their bathtub-sized boat
capsizes and they too drown. They do not have a
moment’s peace. they works tirelessly to keep the boat
afloat. The correspondent and the oiler share the work of
rowing, while the cook huddles on the floor of the dinghy,
bailing water. These men take their direction from the
captain, who was injured during the shipwreck they were
saved by a man who has appeared on shore and plunged
into the sea to save the crew. On land, the correspondent
drifts in and out of consciousness, but as he regains his
senses, he sees a large number of people on the shore
with rescue gear. He learns that the captain and cook have
been saved but the oiler has died. The story tells us how
cruel a nature can be and how they are an unstopable
force of destruction.
40
"The Captain: I Should've Died There With
Honor With My Brothers." An Oil Tanker
Sunk in The Middle of Nowhere, Only 3
Survived
Stephen Craven, xx-xx-xx
Still shaken by the catastrophic disaster that his ship

endured, none of the captain's speech was able to be
deciphered. Two other survivors, with skins as white as a
paper, could barely give an account on what happened.
Their oil tanker was doing fine when all of a sudden, all
they could remember was all their crewmates vanishing,
leaving only the injured captain, the oiler, the
correspondent, and the cook in a tiny boat, rowing and
rowing to no end in the middle of high tides.
"A seat in that boat was not unlike a seat upon a jumpy
horse, and a horse is not much smaller. The boat was
much like an animal. As each wave came, and she rose for
it, she seemed like a horse leaping over a high fence," the
correspondent stuttered.
41
"The lighthouse, the lands we came across, why? It's like
the sea wanted us to die yet didn't at the same time,"
groaned the cook, traumatized.
Apparently, they had tried searching for help, standing on

a land, waving a white flag, hoping for the lighthouse, the
rescue boat, or just anyone to help them yet no one came,
not until their boat could not hang on any longer. It sunk
near a shoreline, forcing them to swim to the shore.
"Upon arriving there, they looked barely alive, one of them

laid face-down, dead," recounted a local.
In the end, only the injured captain, the cook, and the
correspondent survived, the oiler died just when he made
it to the shoreline.
42
43
The Garden Party
The Garden Party written by Katherine Mansfield The
story focuses on the life of a teenage girl named Laura
Sheridan and her wealthy family in England.Laura is
preparing to throw a lavish garden party at their
home.While Laura is excited about the party preparations,
tragedy strikes when she hears the news that a poor
laborer near their home has died.Laura has a moral
dilemma about whether the party should continue or be
canceled as a sign of respect for the deceased.She
decides to go ahead with the party, but feels guilty and
disturbed by her own feelings. This story illustrates the
contrast between the Sheridan family's luxurious and
priviledged world and the suffering and reality of life
outside their fence.Through Laura's conflict, the author
raises themes about social priviledge, morality, empathy,
and human connection."The Garden Party" depicts Laura's
emotional journey and growth as she realizes the injustice
and complexity of the world around her.The story offers
reflections on the meaning of life, social justice, and the
importance of empathy and understanding among
individuals of different backgrounds and social conditions.
44
The Red Convertible (by Najmah)
1. Discuss the character Lyman. What kind of person is

he? Consider this part of the text, and what does this
reveal about Lyman?
"It wasn't long before I was promoted to busing tables,
and then the short-order cook quit and I was hired to
take her place. No sooner than you know it I was
managing the Joliet. The rest is history. I went on
managing. I soon became part owner, and of course
there was no stopping me then. It wasn't long before the
whole thing was mine."
Answer:
From that part of the story, I can conclude that Lyman is
quite a hard-worker and somewhat lucky guy to be able to
gain such positions in a relatively short period of time.
Considering he is a Native American, I thought it would be
harder for him to get promoted so quickly. I get that he is
very proud of this. But I did see some parts of the story
that was off.
“I was the only kid they let in the American Legion Hall to
shine shoes, for example, and one Christmas I sold
spiritual bouquets for the mission door to door.”
I do not see why he is somewhat proud of that
achievement, that he was the only kid they let in the
American Legion Hall to shine shoes. This part just feels
like he was being treated like an object, letting a minor did
such work just does not sit right with me.
2. Consider what kind of person is Henry and in what

ways is he different/the same with Lyman? What conflict
did Henry face? How was this revealed in the story? What
cause this problem?
45
Answer:
At first, this part of the story reveals that Henry was a
hard-worker too and at some point, he was a fun person to
hang out with, he was somewhat of a happy-go-lucky guy
who had a close bond with his brother, Lyman. Lyman
himself is pretty much influenced by his brother’s
demeanor, in a good way, Lyman enjoyed Henry’s
company and his lively personality. They both did crazy
stuff together with that red car they both bought with all
their pocket money combined and just had fun together.
“We went places in that car, me and Henry. We took off

driving all one whole summer. We started off toward the
Little Knife River and Mandaree in Fort Berthold and then
we found ourselves down in Wakpala somehow, and then
suddenly we were over in Montana on the Rocky Boy, and
yet the summer was not even half over. Some people hang
on to details when they travel, but we didn't let them
bother us and just lived our everyday lives here to there.”
At some point, however, Henry came back home from the
military after The Vietnam War and became a completely
different person. He became anti-social and pretty much
disinterested in anything. He did not talk with Lyman
anymore and for some time, it looked he forgot about the
red car they used to ride and had fun together with.
Though not mentioned in the story, this is perhaps
because of the traumatizing he faced in the army during
the war.
“When he came home, though, Henry was very different,

and I'll say this: the change was no good. You could hardly
expect him to change for the better, I know. But he was
quiet, so quiet, and never comfortable sitting still
anywhere but always up and moving around. I thought
back to times we'd sat still for whole afternoons, never
46
moving a muscle, just shifting our weight along the
ground, talking to whoever sat with us, watching things.
He'd always had a joke, then, too, and now you couldn't
get him to laugh, or when he did it was more the sound of
a man choking, a sound that stopped up the throats of
other people around him. They got to leaving him alone
most of the time, and I didn’t blame them. It was a fact:
Henry was jumpy and mean.”
“Henry had not even looked at the car since he'd gotten
home, though like I said, it was in tip-top condition and
ready to drive. I thought the car might bring the old Henry
back somehow. So I bided my time and waited for my
chance to interest him in the vehicle.”
His family contemplated to bring him to get help. But they
are Native Indians and at that time it was not that easy to
find help for them.
“While Henry was not around we talked about what was

going to happen to him. There were no Indian doctors on
the reservation, and my mom couldn't come around to
trusting the old man, Moses Pillager, because he courted
her long ago and was jealous of her husbands. He might
take revenge through her son. We were afraid that if we
brought Henry to a regular hospital they would keep him.
‘They don't fix them in those places,’ Mom said; ‘they just
give them drugs.’ ‘We wouldn't get him there in the first
place,’ I agreed, ‘so let's just forget about it.’”
The fact that they had to look specifically for an Indian

doctor means that at the time, not everyone was willing to
help the Native Americans. And the family became
hopeless in the end.
47
Lyman was understandably upset by this change and tried
to get his brother’s attention by deliberately obliterate
the red car to piss him off. It worked and it led to some
crazy conversation between them. Henry ended up fixing
it and went on a trip with Lyman yet again. When they
stopped near a river, they both had yet another crazy and
chaotic conversation and somehow, this seemed to bring
the old Henry back, just like what Lyman wanted.
“He looks as though he will take this wrong at first. His face
twists, then clears, and he jumps up on his feet. "That's
right!" he says. "Crazier 'n hell. Crazy Indians!" I think it's
the old Henry again. He throws off his jacket and starts
springing his legs up from the knees like a fancy dancer.
He's down doing something between a grass dance and a
bunny hop, no kind of dance I ever saw before, but neither
has anyone else on all this green growing earth. He's wild.
He wants to pitch whoopee! He's up and at me and all
over. All this time I'm laughing so hard, so hard my belly is
getting tied up in a knot.”
Still, Henry was pretty much depressed and suicidal as he

did not even try to scream or ask for help when he was
brought by the river’s current and pretty much drowned
to his death.
"’Got to cool me off!’" he shouts all of a sudden. Then he
runs over to the river and jumps in. There's boards and
other things in the current. It's so high. No sound comes
from the river after the splash he makes, so I run right
over. I look around. It's getting dark. I see he's halfway
across the water already, and I know he didn't swim there
but the current took him. It's far. I hear his voice, though,
very clearly across it. ‘My boots are filling,’ he says. He
says this in a normal voice, like he just noticed and he
doesn't know what to think of it. Then he's gone.”
48
3. What hardships do you see the Native Americans are
facing in the story?
Answer:
There are several of them:
The fact that they were treated like an object.
Lyman was proud of his achievement in this part of the
story.
“I was the only kid they let in the American Legion Hall to
shine shoes, for example, and one Christmas I sold
spiritual bouquets for the mission door to door.”
All I can see from that quote is the fact that the Native
American kids were treated like an object.
Also, in this part of the story, I feel like it implies that

Native Americans were treated like an object for the
military as well because their body was “well-suited” for
the military.
“I don't wonder that the army was so glad to get my

brother that they turned him into a Marine. He was built
like a brick outhouse anyway. We liked to tease him that
they really wanted him for his Indian nose. He had a nose
big and sharp as a hatchet, like the nose on Red
Tomahawk, the Indian who killed Sitting Bull, whose profile
is on signs all along the Dakota highways.”
Basic needs, such as healthcare was not easily

accessible for them.
“While Henry was not around we talked about what was
going to happen to him. There were no Indian doctors on
the reservation, and my mom couldn't come around to
trusting the old man, Moses Pillager, because he courted
her long ago and was jealous of her husbands. He might
take revenge through her son. We were afraid that if we
49
brought Henry to a regular hospital they would keep him.
‘They don't fix them in those places,’ Mom said; ‘they just
give them drugs.’ ‘We wouldn't get him there in the first
place,’ I agreed, ‘so let's just forget about it.’”
The fact that they had to specifically search for an Indian

doctor implies that not every doctor wanted to treat a
Native American and some even treated them like the
Indians were nasty.
4. Discuss the car as a symbol. What meaning can you

draw from the story? As the car was washed away, what
does this mean to the meaning in the story?
Answer:
I feel like the car represents the two brothers’ innocence
and freedom as they went on a trip without proper
planning and were just enjoying themselves. The car also
represents good memories of them together.
“We went places in that car, me and Henry. We took off

driving all one whole summer. We started off toward the
Little Knife River and Mandaree in Fort Berthold and then
we found ourselves down in Wakpala somehow, and then
suddenly we were over in Montana on the Rocky Boy, and
yet the summer was not even half over. Some people hang
on to details when they travel, but we didn't let them
bother us and just lived our everyday lives here to there.”
50
As the car was washed away, all is gone. The brothers’
innocence, freedom, and good memories were washed
away with that car being drowned in the same river in
which Henry drowned.
“We owned it together until his boots filled with water on a

windy night and he bought out my share. Now Henry owns
the whole car, and his younger brother Lyman (that's
myself), Lyman walks everywhere he goes.”
51
The Red Convertible (by Brian)
reveal about Lyman?
Lyman is a determined and persistent person. He starts as
a busboy and elevates through his positions to manage
the Joliet. He never give up on his goal. He seems to have
it a little easier than other Native Americans. He has many
skill that he can utilize
2. Consider what kind of person is Henry and in what

ways is he different/the same with Lyman? What conflict
did Henry face? How was this revealed in the story? What
cause this problem?
Henry was similar to Lyman.They were both still
optimistic, happy, and loaded with energy. They were
both joyful with life and had a close brotherly
relationship. But everything change about henry after the
war causing him to be changed and need help.

During the time the story takes place, Native Americans
were often looked down as an animal rather than people.
They were treated harshly and different from the caucasia

The car serves as a kind of symbol for Henry and Lyman's
bond throughout the story. They initially have a lot of fun
and adventures with the car, indicating how close they
are. But after Henry returns from the war, things become
different. He has been affected by the war, and he is no
longer the same person.
52
when the car gets washed away by the river, it becomes a
symbol of the broken relationship between Henry and
Lyman. It represents how their bond has been lost and
cannot be repaired, just like the car that is carried away by
the river.
53
The Red Convertible (by Qeishi)

reveal about Lyman?
and then the short-order cook quit and I was hired to take
her place. No sooner than you know it I was managing the
Joliet. The rest is history. I went on managing. I soon
became part owner, and of course there was no stopping
me then. It wasn't long before the whole thing was mine."
It is clear that Lyman is an eager and driven guy. Based on
the text, he seems willing to step up and embark on new
tasks. "There was no stopping me then" demonstrate
Lyman's resolve and self-assurance. He isn't afraid to take
any chances.
2. Consider what kind of person is Henry and in what ways

is he different/the same with Lyman? What conflict did
Henry face? How was this revealed in the story? What
cause this problem?
Henry is shown as a daring and joyful guy. Because of the
experiences he has during the Vietnam War, Henry's
character goes through a lot of changes. After the war, he
is a different man—haunted by the terrible things he saw
and tormented by PTSD. He struggles frequently to re-
establish his relationships with his loved ones and
withdraws, becoming emotionally cold. He stops being
interested in the things he used to like, such as the red
convertible. The horrible experiences Henry had while
serving in the war are responsible for his problems. These
experiences have left a lasting impact on his mentality,
leading to his emotional detachment.
54
The struggles that the Native American characters in "The
Red Convertible" go through highlight the broader issues
that many Indigenous communities deal with, such as
economic inequality, trauma, cultural marginalization, and
the effects of war on both people and their families.

The car in "The Red Convertible" is a metaphor for the
nature of joy, the development of relationships, and the
catastrophic repercussions of war on people and their
relationships. The cars that were carried away by the river
stand for the lasting changes in Henry's personality and
the emotional toll of his experiences.
55
The Red Convertible (by Katarina)
reveal about Lyman?
Lyman can be seen as a self-driven, self-assured, and
hardy kind of person. He yearns for success and keeps
working hard to rise up the ranks in his line of work. He
doesn’t mind doing any kind of work to reach the success
he dreamt of.
2. Consider what kind of person is Henry and in what ways

is he different/the same with Lyman? What conflict did
cause this problem?
Henry was quite similar to Lyman, until he returned from
the war, from which he suffered from PTSD and struggled
to heal himself and reconnect with the people around him.
PTSD changed a person a lot as it could cause people to
lack sleep, becoming irritable and anxious towards
everything because of wound nerves.

In this story, the Native Americans are facing some
hardships such as discrimination, inequality, and trauma
from the war.

The car in this story symbolizes youth, as a red convertible
car at that time was considered stylish and fashionable.
Not only that, convertible car’s roof can be pulled down,
which symbolizes freedom and being carefree. The car
56
being washed away symbolizes the loss of youth and
innocence because of the character’s life experiences and
them growing older and wiser.
57
The Red Convertible (by Nadira)
1. Lyman, as depicted in the given text, is a determined
and ambitious individual. He starts off as a busboy and
works his way up to becoming a short-order cook and
eventually the manager and part-owner of the Joliet,
which suggests that he is hardworking and motivated. The
statement, "The rest is history," indicates that he has
achieved considerable success in his endeavors and has
taken control of his life. Lyman appears to be someone
who seizes opportunities and pursues his goals with
tenacity.
2. Henry, Lyman's brother, is portrayed as a more carefree

and adventurous person compared to Lyman. While
Lyman is focused on building his career, Henry is more
inclined towards enjoying life and embracing experiences.
However, as the story progresses, it becomes evident that
Henry is significantly impacted by his experiences in the
Vietnam War. He undergoes a drastic change in his
personality, becoming withdrawn, emotionally detached,
and haunted by the traumatic events he witnessed and
participated in during the war. The conflict Henry faces is
the internal struggle caused by the post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD) resulting from his war experiences.
3. The story touches upon some hardships faced by Native

Americans. Although not explicitly highlighted, the
cultural and historical context suggests that Native
Americans, including Lyman and Henry, face challenges
related to their identity and assimilation into mainstream
American society. Their Native American heritage is subtly
emphasized through references to their tribal background,
rituals, and the significance of the red convertible as a
symbol of their connection to their culture.
58
Additionally, the story also hints at the marginalization
and loss of traditional Native American ways of life,
symbolized by the decline of their reservation and the
impact of war on Native American soldiers like Henry.
4. The red convertible serves as a powerful symbol

throughout the story. Initially, the car represents freedom,
adventure, and the bond between Lyman and Henry. It
becomes a central motif of their shared experiences and
joyous moments. However, as Henry returns from the war,
traumatized and emotionally distant, the car loses its
significance. It becomes a symbol of the damage inflicted
upon Henry's psyche and their fractured relationship.
When the car is eventually washed away by the river, it
represents the irreparable damage caused by the war and
the inability to restore what once was. The car's
destruction signifies the loss of innocence, the
fragmentation of their brotherly bond, and the lasting
effects of the war on both individuals and their Native
American heritage.
59
The Red Convertible (by Trivena)
Discuss the character Lyman. What kind of person is he?
Consider this part of the text, and what does this reveal
about Lyman?
and then the short-order cook quit and I was hired to take
her place. No sooner than you know it I was managing the
Joliet. The rest is history. I went on managing. I soon
became part owner, and of course there was no stopping
me then. It wasn't long before the whole thing was mine."
lyman is someone who has high empathy, loyal, carrying,

and naive. But he also has a childish nature, this trait
makes him easily emotional and oversensitive. He blamed
himself when he realized there was a change from
someone else. make him try too hard to restore the nature
of the person as before.
Consider what kind of person is Henry and in what ways is

he different/the same with Lyman? What conflict did
cause this problem?
Henry was a kind and friendly person before but when he
went off to war it caused him to be withdrawn, introvert,
mostly aloof, and trauma because of the war. Before he
went to war, his relationship with lyman was very good,
and after he came back, he became like that. Maybe
because when he goes to war, this is depicted when they
tell stories about the war that befell the Native Americans.
60
What hardships do you see the Native Americans are
This story seems to involve the inequality of Native
Americans and the trauma caused by the war that
occurred
Discuss the car as a symbol. What meaning can you draw

from the story? As the car was washed away, what does
this mean to the meaning in the story?
The car is a picture of the relationship between Henry and
Lyman, where they used to spend time together laughing
and joking, but when the car broke down, it was like their
broken relationship, which became tenuous and not as
warm as it used to be.
61
Conclusion
Conclusion
Q1. What are the biggest takeaways from the lesson?
We think that every literature works throughout the years
will change along with the society it represents. Because,
as writers, readers are important, so the works they wrote
will reflect the society to allow them to connect with their
readers. No writers can beat those who experienced the
society in real time in regards to writing stories meant to
portray the society's condition at that point of time.
Q2. What are your group's favorite works?

Najmah, Brian, and Trivena: Our favourite work is "The Red
Convertible" because how realistic it is. People suffering
mental illnesses are real and they are not the only one
who can be affected by them, but people around them
can become mentally ill too. We also like the nihilistic
nature of the ending, that everything is futile, even
memories from the loved ones. It also depicts the
behavior and the mind of the victim of PTSD especially
soldiers after they come back from the horrors of wars. It
also tell us how a man and a relationship can be broken if
it is not being helped properly.
Qeishi, Katarina, and Nadira: Ours is "Desiree's Baby". The

reason is because of how interesting and unexpected the
plot twist was. I love how intriguing the plot was. The
reveal at the end was very unexpected and we felt sad
about the fate of Desiree and her baby, while also being
frustrated with how the blame was put unto Desiree
without question because the society at that time still see
women as lesser than man, which can still be true even
now.
63
Work Division Table
Work Division Table
Tasks in British Literature's Part Tasks in American Literature's

Name
of This Course Part of This Course
Implementing the idea of

splitting the roup into 3 sub-
group. Each taking care of
each week one after another.
Together with Brian, taking
care of the reflection
journals in the respective
Ainun Najmah
weeks they were assigned
Alhadid
in.
Taking a look at other sub-
groups' submissions in the
Google Drive folder to make
sure they were okay and
were already submitted as
well as could be viewed.
As most of the meetings were

Together with Najmah,
offline, our tasks were basically
taking care of the reflection
interchangable: one of us created
a Canva and shared the link and
the rest of us would discuss and
in.
Brian Samuel fill in the Canva file. If needed,
Simanungkalit one of us would create a Google
Docs link that we could all edit.
Together with Trivena,

in.
Gusti Qeishi
Ressa Azzahra
65
Work Division Table
Tasks in British Literature's Part Tasks in American Literature's

Name
of This Course Part of This Course
Together with Nadira, taking

care of the reflection
in.
Katarina Nindita
Widuri
Together with Katarina,

in.
Nadira Arum
Maisya
Together with Gusti Qeishi,

in.
Trivena Victoria
Assa
66
The End
Booklet
Project
AINUN NAJMAH ALHADID - BRIAN SAMUEL SIMANUNGKALIT
GUSTI QEISHI RESSA AZZAHRA - KATARINA NINDITA WIDURI
NADIRA ARUM MAISYA - TRIVENA VICTORIA ASSA

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AINUN NAJMAH ALHADID - BRIAN SAMUEL SIMANUNGKALIT

GUSTI QEISHI RESSA AZZAHRA - KATARINA NINDITA WIDURI

A COMPILATION OF OUR WORKS FOR

AINUN NAJMAH ALHADID

THE WRITERS NPM : 2206824193

GUSTI QEISHI RESSA

NADIRA ARUM MAISYA

and The Knight's Tale: Canterbury's Tale 4

a. by Ainun Najmah Al-Hadid 19

a. The Celebrated Jumping Frog of

a. by Ainun Najmah Al-Hadid 45

Guided by Dr. Dhita Hapsarani, S.S., M.Hum. and Asri

Do follow our journey until the end and see how we

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The story reveals honesty, courage, and forgiveness, as

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We think that Gulliver’s Travels is still very relevant even

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An infographic about the story of "Oliver Twist":

"Oliver Twist" is a classic novel by Charles Dickens

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On the other hand, there are several differences between

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Even though I compared the feeling of reading Washington

Washington Irving’s “Rip van Winkle” there's a different

Based as far as I can gather, this story is supposed to take

I think this story alludes to the changes that the American

This story seems to be well written, in my opinion, in terms

When Rip realized that he couldn’t adapt to the current

In my opinion, the story itself as a whole explores the

The story serves as a reflection on the passage of time and

Through Rip's experiences, the story explores themes of

"Rip Van Winkle" serves as a cautionary tale, urging

Most of this story is about Rip, I was quite interested in

Also to the strange people he met, such as his desire to

The reason I say this relates to today's life because.

When it comes to romanticism, Moby Dick has several key

The novel also reflects a romantic idealization of nature.

Other than that, the broad cultural landscape of the

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The story is set in a gold rush-era mining camp in

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The central character, Jim Smiley, is portrayed as an

Through this story, Twain satirizes the American cultural

Additionally, "The Celebrated Jumping Frog" exemplifies

"Everybody said that it was a good change for a little

She rarely communicates with humans other than her own

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"The next day the young sportsman hovered about the

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What kind of person is Armand?

What is the importance of the setting in the story? Notice not

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