The first post from Miguel

 This weeks readings were a jump from a lot of readings I have done so far. There were a lot of times while I was reading where I would have to pause and reread to make sure what I read was actually true, because of how bizarre some of the scenarios were. I could definitely see how the readings connected to one another, whether it be the texts directly referring to each other or like how Ice Man and Straw Husband were eerie in different ways, but still connected in some way. To me the Ice Man was my favorite reading because of how descriptive and mood-setting the reading felt. I also found it funny how when the reading talked about ice sort of sealing like memories/the past my brain made the connection to Frozen, specifically Olaf when he talked about water containing memory and thats how they were able to see the past as Elsa froze the water. The Straw Husband to me was the most frustrating of the readings because why did the husband care for that car so much, like I get that its probably and expensive car but I doubt that his meltdown was needed and then even after all that the couple stays together and acts like nothing happened? Also the instruments were just very confusing, like I imagined something nastier or scarier to pour out. Smartening Up I feel was the easiest to read and also very interesting, but I hated how I was left with a cliff hanger. I wanted to see what the aunts trick was going to be. I mean she talked all big about becoming monsters together and then bam the story ends with no continuation of that thought. However, I really liked the message of the story (or at least what I picked up from it), encouraging women to embrace their true selves and that societal beauty standards aren’t what you should be measuring up to. There is power behind hair! The Greengrocer’s Daughter was a bit of a harder read, but I just found the death of Oshichi pretty disappointing in a way I feel there was a way this could’ve been avoided and then the I know it was for his own good, but everyone avoiding telling Kichisaburo was pretty sad. However, at least in Silently Burning we see how people see this event or Oshichi herself as a sort of symbol for love and people come to her grave for their wishes.