Relationships - Formal Response Essay

          The poems thoroughly read and analyzed by the class, "How is Your Heart," "To a Stranger,"  and "Unentitled" all have different authors, as well as meanings, but all three poems share similar themes. Relationships are intricate, whether they are formed through bonds of love, friendship, indifference, or hate, those bonds weave through the everyday lives of people.
         
          The author of "How is Your Heart,"Charles Bukowski, has gone through many hardships in life, and has written multiple poems about his experiences. Although a very large percentage of teenagers have not experienced half the things the author has, many can relate to  how he feels. In "How is Your Heart" he describes his feeling of contentment, feeling neither satisfied or unsatisfied. Despite having to wake up and face his grim life that stood before him, he carried on without much complaint. Similarly, many teenagers who are struggling with issues of their own do not feel particularly happy or unhappy; for those feelings were all they know. Feelings like these are sometimes triggered by dysfunctional relationships, may it be with members from family or members from society.

         Like Bukowski, Walt Whitman most likely did not have many relationships. As a  bisexual humanist in the 1800s, Whitman had to hide who he was, fantasizing the people he sees as his past lovers. Although today's society is much more accepting and open minded, many teens can easily sympathize with his situation. Similarly, seeing another person on the street and creating a fantasy around them is common, especially with youth.

          Finally, the third poem the class evaluated is called "Unentitled" written by    Jennifer L'Hirondelle, can be perceived as feeling one with home, and sharing what is given to you with the people the environment cares for. The relationship in "Unentitled" is between the writer and the environment, which was very important to her.

         All together, these poems show the diverse range of relationships, may it be through a people or an environment. These poems are easily relatable with many people, as everyone experiences different types of relationships with different types of feelings.

Interm Self-Assesment

This semester, I need to improve on finishing assignments on time, as well as contribute to the class more by commenting on other people's blog posts/personal pages. I  think my strengths are my writing skills and I'm also easy to cooperate with. Goals for next semester is to finish assignments on time, as well as put more effort onto my work.