I thought this essay was unique but also extremely weird. First of all why would Erdrich choose to be a skunk of all possible animals she could have chosen? But the fact that she chose to focus this essay around a skunk is unique.
Throughout the essay Erdrich learns many lessons about certain aspects of life. But instead of experiencing them through a humans eyes, she chooses to view them in the eyes of a skunk. It seemed to me that Erdrich was fascinated by skunks, which I found was very odd. She wondered how they would feel in certain situations and wondered if they dared to dream.
I thought this essay was missing quite a few things though. Erdrich didn't give very much information about herself at all. For example, how old was she when all these events occured? Was she still a teenager like she was in the beginning of the essay? Or did she age and is much older? Also, why would anyone want to sleep in a football stadium? I love football but I would only sleep in a football stadium on a bet that would guarantee me money. A fourteen year old girl wanting to sleep there makes it even more odd.
The author, Louise Erdrich, was very descriptive throughout this essay and it was extremely easy to see what she was describing, whether it was her dream or sleeping under the cold stars on a North Dakota Football field.
How could a simple skunk make such an impact on one's life?
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I really like the last sentence of your post; it made me laugh. It's unique and funny to think about that one skunk caused that whole essay and has impacted her life so much. Good clincher!
ReplyDeleteThis essay also left me with a lot of questions (most of them were exactly the same as yours). I'm really puzzled why she'd want to sleep on a football field at night! You're right-- a teenage girl would NEVER willingly sleep outside like that with only a sleeping bag! I was also confused about the time frame of the essay; I never really knew how many years passed between the events she wrote about or how old she was. It's strange that a skunk inspired her for the rest of her life.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have a lot of questions. The essay was confusing, but a reread might answer a few of your inquiries (I think she said why she chose a skunk in one of the last paragraphs). I read the darn thing at least three times, and I still don't get parts, heh.
ReplyDeleteThis was a good response, especially when you pointed out the lack of detail. Sure, Erdrich described events and her surroundings, but offered very little information about herself. That was vexing. However, I think she slept in the stadium out of good ol' fashion teenage angst. It's weird, but that's what Erdrich said.
Anyway, good job, it was short, sweet, and blunt.