One of the most important things in writing is focus. The author has to be attentive to what they are writing at all times, else they lose the attention of the reader. In Natalie Goldberg’s Writing down the Bones, this concept is addressed with a descriptive example. Her example is the description of a restaurant, where there is too much detail on the fly in the room when the focus should be on the waiter, who is creating action in the scene. This takes away from the focus of the story, and the reader will lose interest if there is no focus, thus the writer will fail at his purpose. There is, however, a time and place for the fly. As Goldberg says, “The fly on the table might be part of the whole description of a restaurant. It might be appropriate to tell us precisely the sandwich that it just walked over, but there is a fine line between precision and self-indulgence.” The key words here are “precision” and “self-indulgence”. Precision is to be exact. To be precise about something one must be focused on that thing. It is important to know, as noted in Goldberg’s example of the restaurant, where to be precise and which direction to follow with that precision. This of course depends on the reader’s intentions for their story; maybe the story really is supposed to be about the fly, or maybe the writer needs to switch gears to the waitress serving the food before it is too late. Self-indulgence is acting on one’s whims. A whim may be a certain clear idea, but it is not precise because by definition a whim cannot be focused on; it is a spur-of-the moment feeling. There is an obvious difference between the two terms, and yet there is a “fine line” when it comes to writing. Why may that be? It is because when one’s writing starts to drift as the writer’s focus drifts, the writer does not notice that their attention level has changed in that moment and they continue to write about whatever starts to randomly stick out in their mind. This lack of notice creates the fine line; it’s hard to tell as something is being written if it is changing from precision to self-indulgence.

It is easier to see the idea of focus in writing if another example is given. John Steinbeck uses a special technique of focus in his novel The Grapes of Wrath. He would intermittently have a chapter that did not follow the main plot but instead described a whole new static scene or interaction between unknown characters for a few pages. An example of one of these chapters is a scene in which a man’s children want the some of the candy on the counter at a restaurant, but the man can’t afford it even though it is only dime candy, so secretly the waitress lets him take some for pennies. This may seem like self-indulgence, describing things that don’t pertain to the action of the story, but actually these precise details do not lose the reader. This is because they provide good background information to the time period of the story (like showing how poor people were during that time), and it is information that is not just told outright but hinted at in a scene for the reader to pick up on, a method often used by writers to keep the reader interested. Here it even causes the reader to feel empathy and tie them emotionally to the novel. So, actually, these little chapters help to further engross the reader into the novel with the direction of their focus.

It is clear that focus is important when writing. It keeps the reader’s absorption in the novel, and tells them where the attention is supposed to be. In Goldberg’s simply-put words, “If the writer wanders, then the reader, too will wander.”

“You must claim where you come from and look deep into it.  Come to honor and embrace it, or at least, accept it.” - Natalie Goldberg, Writing Down the Bones

I have roommate who grew up in New Delhi and has to be one of the smartest, fastest learners I’ve ever known.  She’ll watch me sit in my chair, folding origami figures.  While it might have taken me weeks to memorize each of the folds, it’ll take her all of five minutes to copy my steps. But whenever we stay up late talking about nothing in particular, she tells me, “You’re so interesting, and I’m so boring.” In a sort of awkward rebuttal I say, “No, look at yourself.” As someone who’s never grown up anywhere in particular, I find her life amazing.  She doesn’t know that I want to hear all about her childhood friends.  The aunties and uncles who may or may not be related, but she’s know them too long to care.  How she used to study for the IB, and what it’s like to speak two languages interchangeably.  What it’s like to spend so many years with the same people and not go completely crazy. And then I try to envision what my life must look like from her point of view. I grew up constantly moving around the Pacific and Asia, I have family in Europe, and I’m an American.  You’d think after all of this time, I’d appreciate how valuable these experiences are, but somewhere along the lines I grew numb to them. She and I are two completely different people with different backgrounds and ideas of what’s ‘interesting.’ As students, we’re professional observers.  And as writers, we sell ideas.  And oftentimes, we become oblivious to anything but what we observe, so that’s what we end up selling.  We write and we forget the perception from which we’re writing. We create characters we’ve never met and scenes we’ve never seen, trying to thicken our plot and blot out the ‘boring.’ But honestly, when is the last time you’ve really taken time to reflect on who you are and your place in the world? What writers, students, and people in general fail to miss is that what is “interesting” and what is “important” is often right in front of them.  There things we miss in our own lives when we are too preoccupied examining other people’s lives. This is what happens when we classify what is ‘interesting’ as ‘only the things we’re not personally familiar with.’   If we look back to Mignolo’s “Epistemic Disobedience”, we see a similar trend arise, though more specifically directed towards colonialism.  Mignolo demonstrates how, through the lens of our own perception, things may be expressed differently than they are seen by other people. He begins arguing from the point of linguistics, saying, “[conversation] requires a frame, that is, a context familiar to all participants (…).” (2) All the more, then, do we need to “de-link” ourselves from our own perspectives to serve our audience.  We have to try to figure out what they find interesting and therefore where we’re coming from. Naturally people aren’t willingly going to write about something that they think is boring - at least, not by choice. So the issue then becomes finding something interesting to write about. People look long an hard to find some material to rebuke this type of writers’ block.  However, they fail to look in the most accessible place to find something which they can be passionate about - themselves.“Often we can look to someone else’s life as interesting and out life as dull.  We lose our center and are lopsided because we are looking for something we think we don’t have.” (1) In a sort of identity crisis, people forget that we’ve already been given a story to write about.  Once in a while, we have to look up from our pen and paper and get a good look at what’s been going on around us the whole time.

The chapter “Fighting Tofu,” from Natalie Goldberg’s Writing Down the Bones, brings to attention some of the many distractions that come up during the writing process, as well as ways to avoid the distractions. It is human nature that we take the path of least resistance. If we have a choice between doing something that we enjoy and doing something that is boring, tedious, and at times hard, we will almost always choose the more enjoyable activity. we also find ways to avoid tedious tasks, such as writing through procrastination. The author also mentions suggestions as to how she is able to deal with her difficulties of starting to write. One way was just simply sitting down and writing. Even if she couldn't think of something, she would just write down thoughts on her mind. She would next rip up her paper, however, by this time, she was already committed to the writing process and therefor would accomplish her goal. Rewarding herself was also a way that she could write for long period of times. A little reward here and there after getting some work done. Getting started on this very assignment is similar to the inner conflict the author is writing about. Writing every day is something that is not easily done. There are so many things that can get in the way of writing, such as electronics, the boringness of writing, and the wandering minds that we all have. This problem of making progress on writing is a term referred to as “fighting tofu.” The struggle of beginning an essay presented by Goldberg is one that I can relate to. First off, I usually find myself starting an essay at the last minute. Already that is an obvious sign of problems to come because I will feel rushed by the deadline closing in on me. This sense of feeling rushed may further lead to the problem of not getting all of my thoughts down or having those thoughts butchered in some way. Another thing that I find myself doing is creating distractions for myself; cell phone, tv, etc. I always tell myself that work needs to be done at a certain time, but as soon as that time rolls around I find myself doing something distracting. For example, if I am watching tv and I tell myself I have to start writing at 3:00 PM, but look at the clock when a commercial hits and that time has passed to 3:02, I usually say “okay well I guess I will start at 3:15.” By doing this, I am taking the easy way out, something Goldberg wants us to avoid. Writing is supposed to be challenging. Putting all of your thoughts down on paper to is neither the easiest thing to do, nor the most exciting. Aside from the techniques Goldberg mentions, I have found that the environment in which we write in is key to our writing success. For me sitting in a quite space with my headphones in is most beneficial. Listening to songs I do not know the words to, because I tend to sing a long and that distracts from my thoughts I need to get down. Sometimes even just having the area around me be very neat and clean allows me to think better. Somehow the clear desk represents a clear mind with no distractions. It does not matter how strange a person’s way of starting the writing process is. As long as it helps the individual and you are able to “fight the tofu,” then you have succeeded.

summary adaptation: It was the year 2000 and people gathered along the Atlantic Coast to experience the appearance of alien ships to Earth. Upon arrival, no one expected the foreigners to offer America all of the resources that would solve their current issues and decades to come: gold for the debt crisis, chemicals that could deplete pollution, and safe nuclear engine and fuel to solve the nations deteriorating fossil fuel sources. In return for all of those things, the aliens wanted every single black American in return. The African American president and his democratic cabinet members were placed in the ultimate decision-making position because the president and two hundred people of his choice would be exempt from departing with the alien beings. The emergency gathering of the president and his cabinet was brief and to the point. Nearly every democrat in the room voted against the trade. Their conversation included arguments for human rights and took into consideration America’s dark past and how much progress has been made since then. They claimed that surely the samples of the resources provided by the aliens could be used for research and America would find a way to solve their own problems. The ultimate decision included no consideration of trading human lives for a relatively short-term solution.  

excerpt adaptation: 2 January The President called together his cabinet, all of who were white democratic men. They all gathered the next morning to discus the dilemma put before them. Joining the men was one of the President’s most trustworthy friends, Golightly, a white professor from a well-respected university; he was mostly of conservative upbringing, but nonetheless intelligent and valued in his community. “It is obvious why we are gathered here this morning,” said the President. “But I think I know where most of us stand on the issue at hand. It is in no question what we are supposed to do. We have progressed rapidly on the issue of civil rights that it wouldn’t make sense to go backwards. We cannot vote in favor of the trade and send the rest of my race to an unknown fate, even if our problems can go away.” The Vice President continued, “Why yes, of course. The democrat party has the upper hand for a reason. The people, especially minorities, trust that in a situation like the one before us, that we will support the people, no matter what race. Golightly, representing the conservative party, added to the conversation: “We have to take into consideration the benefits of this scenario. Surely, if the black American’s are traded, America will be in a Golden Age for decades to come. Most of all the people that called in favor of the trade were conservative white families thinking about the future of our country. Think about how devastated they would be if we turned down this opportunity.” He went on, “Don’t forget sir that you are omitted from the trade; you and two hundred others of your choice. Please we have to think about both options. And think about the trade in a positive light. These people up for offer would be leaving to better this country, to help everyone in the long run. We can display the trade in the media this way. You can tell people that they are going to be heroes, and that they will be going to a better place.” The President thought for a moment of the prosperity the trade would bring, but ultimately was not convinced. “It wouldn’t be right. Black, white, Hispanic, Native American, everyone is a living human being and this is no longer a topic of question,” The President said making up his mind.

Introduction:

The miracle was created by a scientist named Victor. He awoke to the admiration of his creator and many important scientific figures that were hungry to know every inch of him. His body artistically assembled from only the best assortment of limbs. He had the speed and strength of the greatest athletes and the appearance of an angel.  The perfect man. Everywhere he was escorted crowds gasped at the very sight of him, amazed by his beauty. Comments filtered through his ears “miracle”, “angel”, “freak of nature.” The miracle, however, was in constant pain. His body functioned but knew it was not meant to be alive. The miracle was blessed with moments of relief but there was always that ache that came sporadically and made him cry and lash out like a tortured beast. Victor assured him at every viewing and presentation that the pain was an unfortunate side effect that he must learn to live with. Victor would tell his miracle that they would achieve the greatest glory and their existence forever remembered and admired. Not everyone felt so loving toward the miracle. There were always a hand full of  people in the crowds that would yell and scream that he was unnatural and had no place to be alive. The miracle heard these comments and would feel shame from somewhere inside as if he had done something wrong and that he was out of place. Even among his admirers he felt apart. They would examine him and speak of him instead of to him. They criticized his intelligence and scoffed when he did something odd. The miracle, however, understood many things and kept them to himself afraid that the more of himself he revealed the more probing they would do. He did try once or twice to hold conversation and although his speech was eloquent nobody would listen. When he inquired about things they told him he just wouldn’t understand and there wasn’t any point in explaining. He was a specimen and meant to stay quiet while his body was studied.

Literary adaptation:

           The miracle grew lonely and one day snuck away to wonder. He cloaked himself so he wouldn’t be so recognizable. He was thankful for the peace and privacy of his body. Suddenly he felt the ache inside of him and fell to his knees. He moaned in agony and held himself tight. He heard someone approaching and recognized the young Frankenstein. His pain grew stronger and the young boy went to him asking if he was okay. The miracle lashed out and grabbed him by the throat screaming for the pain to stop. He begged and shook the boy until he was limp. The miracle saw what he had done ran.

The miracle loved the De Lacey’s and finally had the courage to approach the father while his children were away after weeks of observing them. The father was kind on their meeting. The miracle expressed his feeling of loneliness and isolation.

“I am an outcast in the world for ever” he confessed.

“Do not despair. To be friendless is indeed unfortunate but the hearts of men, when unprejudiced by any obvious self-interest, are full of brotherly love and charity,” (147)  De Lacey was a great comfort and they spoke for hours. De Lacey even at one point asked the miracle if he had heard of the horrible incident of a woman who killed a young boy. Everyone was shocked and nobody believed the woman’s innocence. The family condemned her as the killer. The miracle stayed quiet on that subject and knew nobody would think that he was the killer with the face of an angel.

           While De Lacey and the miracle continued to converse the children had arrived at home and on seeing the miracle Agatha fainted from his beauty and Felix gasped in terror.

“You’re the miracle aren’t you? You are unnatural and a demon on this earth. Step away from my father you soulless monster!” Felix stuck him violently with a stick and chased him while his father yelled to stop his cruelty. (148) Felix continued anyways and chased the miracle out. The miracle was hurt and could not comprehend why Felix would not accept him. He was beautiful. He could not understand why his father could. He was not human. The miracle was flooded with emotion and knew the only person who could accept and understand him was someone like himself. The miracle knew what he must demand from Victor.

Analysis:

The Tempest Act 1 Scene 2

In this act, Prospero finally tells Miranda why he was usurped from his position of the Duke of Milan. In the original test, Prospero is not involved in the political side of his position and often took his job lightly. While Prospero was not doing his job, Antonio decided to go on the attack and take the position from Prospero. Antonio and his army successfully drove Prospero out of Milan, to an island where he and his daughter Miranda live.

Miranda “You have often begun to tell me why we are on this island, but you have always stopped.” Prospero “I guess it is time that you are finally informed Miranda.” “I was a man with no morals.” Miranda “What do you mean father?” Prospero “Well Miranda, while I was the Duke of Milan, there was lots and lots of money was coming in a and out of the kingdom.” Miranda “Of course there was. You were the Duke. The most wealthy man in Milan.” Prospero “Yes I was, but not all of the money that came into the kingdom was mine.” “You see, the people of Milan were forced to pay taxes and that money was supposed to all go to the betterment of Milan.” Miranda “Father, you had the best kingdom I have ever seen and everybody loved you and the royal family.” “You must have been spending the money wisely.” Prospero “I did spend the money wisely to create one of the best kingdoms known to man, but you were young and I have yet to tell you the real reason why we live on this island.” Miranda “Well go on with it then father.” Prospero “Miranda, I was stealing a lot of the tax money and using it to better our lives.” “All those servants we had, I payed with the tax dollars.” “All of those cars I had, I payed with the tax dollars.” “A lot of the ways in which we lived, was bought threw the tax dollars of others.” Miranda “What….”

Prospero “I was found out one day when my loyal subject Gonzalo walked in on me taking money from the vault.” “He swore to tell everybody in the kingdom of the crime I had committed so I knew we must flee.” “That night, I took you with me and we sailed to this island where we have lived since.” “It was either this life we now live, or face execution back in Milan.” Miranda “How could you…” “You are not the man I always thought you were.” *Miranda runs away to a new part of the island

The chapter “Fighting Tofu,” from Natalie Goldberg’s Writing Down the Bones, brings to attention some of the many distractions that come up during the writing process, as well as ways to avoid the distractions. It is human nature that we take the path of least resistance. If we have a choice between doing something that we enjoy and doing something that is boring, tedious, and at times hard, we will almost always choose the more enjoyable activity. we also find ways to avoid tedious tasks, such as writing through procrastination. The author also mentions suggestions as to how she is able to deal with her difficulties of starting to write. One way was just simply sitting down and writing. Even if she couldn't think of something, she would just write down thoughts on her mind. She would next rip up her paper, however, by this time, she was already committed to the writing process and therefor would accomplish her goal. Rewarding herself was also a way that she could write for long period of times. A little reward here and there after getting some work done. 

Getting started on this very assignment is similar to the inner conflict the author is writing about. Writing every day is something that is not easily done. There are so many things that can get in the way of writing, such as electronics, the boringness of writing, and the wandering minds that we all have. For me, starting an essay or some form of writing is always the hardest part. I always tell myself that work needs to be done at a certain time, but as soon as that time rolls around I find myself doing something distracting. For example, if I am watching tv and I tell myself I have to start writing at 3:00 PM, but look at the clock when a commercial hits and that time has passed to 3:02, I usually say “okay well I guess I will start at 3:15.” It is an on going pattern for me and usually results in me staying up way later than I need to be doing my work. 

Reflection

Adapatation of "Be An Animal" by Goldberg

Take a walk. But don't just walk. Use your senses to fully engage in your surroudings. Notice the small things around you: street signs, the color of the car that just passed by, the type of flowers in your neighbor's yard. Look up at the sky and take note of the different shapes the clouds make. Life is truly beautiful and has so much to offer, but we have to take initiative and actually notice it. Who knows? Maybe you'll find something worth writing about. Or maybe the walk you take will clear your mind and give you a chance to focus on other things besides the things you have to do.

Sometimes we are so busy worying and stressing about stuff that we forget to just be. Relaxation seems like a thing of the past, especially as a student. We constantly worry about what assignments we have to complete and what things we have to buy that we forget to notice our surroundings. So, take a walk. Pay close attention to the things around you. You might miss something beautiful.

Reflection

In Goldberg's "Be An Animal", the author wants to emphasize the importance of noticing our surroundings. She says that we should be like cats: watching, listening, smelling. We should forget about money and materialistic things and reflect on more important things. She iincluded an anecdote about her friend from New York and her fear of venturing out and getting lost.

This is what actually drew me to the piece. Just yesterday I was on my way to San Francisco to visit a friend and then to the airport to pick up another friend. My phone happened to die while I was driving. And naturally I was using my phone for directions. I panicked for a minute...or maybe an hour. I pulled off the freeway to find my way to my friend Mahdi's new place in the middle of downtown SF. Completey lost in the middle of too many one-way streets and abnormal turn lanes that I freaked out. Finally I found the street I was looking for and after walking for a few blocks I stumbled upon the person I was supposed to meet. And of course he didn't have the type of charger I needed. I wanted to cry. No way of contacting the friend I was supposed to pick up, at the air port that I had never been to,in an extremely busy city that I had never driven in.

I forgot to just breathe. Instead I hit the big red panic button like there was no other option. Luckily the friend I met up with is the most laid back, care free person I know. He told me to calm down. We walked around and we pointed out all the cool buildings and intersting people on the street. Found a convience store and picked up a car charger. In no time I was on my way to where I was supposed to be, I just had to take a breath. So lesson learned: do not panic when you're lost. But more importantly, notice the things around you. I seemed to calm down after doing that.

The main point, similar to Goldberg's, is to venture off. Walk around. Somwhere new or old and use your senses to take in your surroudings. I think this is a useful thing to do for anyone, especially in an English class.

It can be really useful for free writing exercises. Even anaylizing literature and paying close attention to the words on the paper and looking at the individual words to uncover meaning.