Adam Cole
English 100 online
25 March 2010
What is the significance of Shirley Temple? What meaning does she hold for Lovely?
In the reading “happy endings” written by Lois-Ann Yamanaka, the significance of Shirley temple is a desire of a wonderful, happy and joyous life. A life that is filled with happy moments and thoughts that brings beautiful memories. Her life was near perfection.
To lovely, a child growing up in a poverty stricken area, this was a lifestyle completely different that hers. You see, her life was one that did not bring much hope. She was living in a culture that was making it difficult to have a better life. Her surroundings were keeping her from thinking that there was hope of something different.
The value that Shirley temple plays to lovely is that of a lifestyle that has happy endings instead of bickering and making fun of each other. Lovely can imagine herself in Shirley’s shoes. The beautiful hair, the pouty lips and crying for happiness. What a wonderful feeling it was for her to imagine that she was in that frame. To her this was heaven.
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Hi Adam,
ReplyDeleteYour post has me thinking about the stark contrast between Lovey’s experience and her beliefs about Shirley Temple’s life. Some of Lovey’s problem is the power she gives to the images seen on television. She doesn’t realize that it’s not real, not even close. Her life is tough, but attaining a better life doesn’t necessitate replicating what’s on television. The fact that she sets her sights on Shirley Temple, which is completely unreal and hence unattainable, makes her unhappiness greater.
Thanks for these ideas!
Lauren :)
Hey
ReplyDeleteIt sucks how kids already have high expectations for them self and dont imagine how harmful it can be for them. Specially because they make them selfs feel less then others just because they cant be like them and their self-esteem goes down in such and early age.
Hi Adam, I agree with your post. Lovey was in a forced situation as a child and is unable to change her surroundings, therefore restricting her achievement. I think she looked up to Shirley Temple's lifestyle and looks. She, instead of the pretty, curly red hair got a "oompah loopah" afro.
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