hamaderim

[hamaderim]

Literary Montreal Old Montreal – Jeffery Casselman Oblique grey art The thoughtfulness of An afternoon set apart In corridors of merciless Hewn stone The restless gleam Of reflections in hidden windows Where the eye paints in afterthought Trapped and surreal in Shelter from the sun Dreaming eyes picture Reflections still Unrealized still In transitions as Implicit shadows, awaiting nightfall. The mile end tour with professor Richard Cassidy helped me realize the literary potential present in Montreal. Reading poems out loud while being present in the exact location of where the poems were written and what they described gave me a deeper understanding of the texts and their meaning. Not only were I able to relate more to the poems but I was also able to associate myself with the authors. From the mile end tour, I gained a new sense of awareness of my surroundings. Being able to witness the different relationships the authors have formed with not only Montreal as a whole, but with a street, a park, a building, led me to pay more attention to what is around me. The fact that one can be inspired by something that can, at first sight, seem mundane propelled in me the need to constantly create links between what I see on the surface and what I may seem to understand and assimilate internally. When reading Casselman’s poem, I was first struck by the multiple imageries conveyed. From a simple “afternoon set apart/ In corridors” to “The restless gleam/ Of reflections in hidden windows/ where the eye paints” Casselman’s description of what his visual sight allows him to perceive is associated with the “Oblique grey art” present in, I assume from the title, Old Montreal. Yet, the exact nature of the “Oblique grey art Casselman writes about is unknown to the reader. Yet, one can assume from the word “corridors” that it can be a building, or the shape of windows that are allowing the speaker of Casselman’s poem to both perceive the afternoon sun and to shelter himself from it, “awaiting [the] nightfall”. While I was reading the poem out loud, recording the sound of my voice, I realized how helpful it is to hear one’s self. It was also helpful to be in Old Montreal, in front of a building that contains windows, grey of color, obliquely shaped. Although I was aware of how limited the chances are that this might be the location Casselman’s was writing about, I thought of the immense possibilities this poem offers its readers. Indeed, it is the vast interoperations of “Old Montreal” that made me read it, for it allowed me to choose a space that I can associate and connect myself with, without being entitled to follow the author’s point of view. Casselman writes about how the “Dreamy eyes picture reflections/ Unrealized” and still “In transitions” as if one visual sight is not limited and fixed, because it is connected to the infinite possibilities of the mind and its dimensions. Therefore, when I was reading the text, I realized how unnecessary it is to found the location of Casselman’s poem to truly understand it, for it is “the thoughtfulness” of the text itself that give its meaning. When I recall the poem, I don’t think about the oblique grey art. I think about the “dreamy eyes” and “the eye that paints” because it is through them that Casselman’s was able to write such a text.

[hamaderim]

Post-Workout Studies

    When one is both a full-time student and working on a part-time job, it is important to take the time for some sort of physical activity. As someone who didn’t care enough about any specific sport, I learned throughout the years, that going to the gym or attending any physical activity class, even if it is twice a week, help regulate not only my body but my mental health.

   Before enrolling in fitness classes, I wasn’t aware of the benefits of physical activity. Later on, upon enrolling to the Laab Gym, with its diverse range of classes and top-quality coaches, I finally understood the benefits of sports. After going twice, a week to the classes, I noticed significant changes in both my mental and physical energy. When the day is going well, usually what I do, is study a little bit, or at least, try to catch up on my readings. Then, when the time comes (my classes start at seven pm) I get ready to go. At first, it is difficult to find the motivation, the days are long and during the winter, the cold and the snow don’t help the process, especially when you’re walking or taking the bus. Still, as soon as I start the workout, the necessary energy to keep going comes back and the one-hour class goes by very quickly. When I am done, I am fully energized. My brain is re-wired and ready to tackle another set of homework and readings. For a while, at least, I feel my body re-charged, and the homework’s are getting my full attention. Like the first cup of coffee in the morning, when the caffeine kicks in, and you feel the rush in your brain, that is how it feels to study after a workout. However, after some time, the rush goes away, and the body, especially after a workout, gets tired and requires the time to sleep and rest.

      After a long day and especially when the finals are coming up, going to the gym just take the edge off.

[hamaderim]

Friend Proofread my Essay

      I hate it when someone proofread my essay. But that does not mean that I do not edit and correct the grammatical errors and wordy sentences, that I am aware of. Although, I understand the importance of having a second opinion giving the essay written a different perspective and that other someone can probably, notice the mistakes that I did. Still, when someone proofread my essay, I tend to think about the possibilities, that what I wrote is just plain bad or possibly, off topic.

     I have to admit; it was not an essay but mostly the first response paper we had to do on Professor Curran’s lecture. That day, while I was studying in a coffee shop with a friend, he was working on a math exercise, while I was trying to finish the response paper, I asked him to read it, not because I wasn’t sure of the topic, but because his opinion would be completely objective. He didn’t attend the lecture, therefore, his proofreading will be mostly based on grammatical and syntax errors, but also on the way in which he might understand my opinion of the lecture.  It was a two-page essay so it didn’t take long to read, and since his critical reading was mostly based on coherence, his critique was straight and to the point. He said that the paper was clear and can be read easily. He seemed to have understood the idea of the face as a physical entity on its own and necessary to the formation of our identity. He did suggest though to take off a sentence that didn’t seem necessary to the overall comprehension of the essay, which I did.

 Overall, I must admit, the essay was not very long and the person reading didn’t take part of the lecture the paper was based on, meaning that his proofreading dependent only on certain aspects of the paper.

[hamaderim]

Post on Working Outside of Home: Aunja Coffee Shop

     When I am home alone, I tend to run away from homework as soon as possible. Therefore, depending on my mood and on my level of concentration, I appreciate working outside of the house. Not only does it help me focus, but most importantly, it helps me get the work done. In Montreal, the choices of student café are wide, and this year, one of my favorite spots to study is Aunja Café on Sherbrook West.  

    Prior to working there for the first time, or at any other coffee shop in general, what concerns me the most is the loudness of such places, like Starbucks or Second Cup for example, that I find not ideal for any work that requires a certain minimum of concentration. That is why Aunja is perfect to get some homework done. A Persian café specializing in Iranian food and drinks, with Persian décor and music, somber lighting and multicolored walls, with a wide collection of middle eastern books, Aunja really takes one out of Montreal. The ambiance is very remote and the fact that it is not completely visible to the outside walkers helps accentuate this sensation of otherness.  

    The tables are managed in a way to suit a group of people who want to work together, and for students who want to study alone. I was quite disappointed by the food, a little bit dry for my taste but the drinks were really good. As for the work done, I mostly read and wrote a very short essay. It was relatively crowded but not for long, so it didn’t bother me much. What was the difference between working there and from home? Well, I finished my work more quickly because I didn’t move as much. When in a coffee shop, one feels entitled to remain on their seat, at least for a little while, or else, someone will just take your place.

    Mostly, if one feels stressed, changing your study location can help improve your mood. Studying can seem enjoyable when working outside of one’s desk.

[hamaderim]

Laura Broadben’s In On The Great Joke

   One of the most memorable poetry reading I have ever attended was from Concordia’s Alumni Laura Broadbent’s on her last collection of poems: In On The Great Joke. Laura Broadbent is a graduate student from Concordia, whom at twenty-six years old, got to write and publish two collections of poems. She also works as a free-lance writer in different companies, and if my information is correct, she also teaches a class at Concordia.

  First of all, I would like to mention that prior to the event, I didn’t who she was. I got in by surprise since I knew a friend who knew her. The event, held at Concordia, also welcomed another poet whom I forget the name. The ambiance of the room was nice, most of the attendees were Concordia students belonging to the English department, all of them cheering and praising Laura. One of the students gave a speech, mentioning how Laura is the envy of all the English department. Her accomplishments at such a young age really struck me. Not to mention that I really love In On The Great Joke.

   A mix between ancient Chinese philosophy and religion, a constant mention of Taoism and its links to everyday life. From the relationship between films script and writing poems, to giving a voice to the dead, Laura’s poems are the very proof of how to be consciously alive and aware of our surroundings. She writes about characters that at first, seem absurd to talk about. A Posthumous interview with Jean Rhys, for example, is based on Rhys’ view on death where she states: “There are always two deaths, the real one, and the one people know about”. With this simple and clear poem, Laura managed to reprise Rhy’s persona into our present time.  As a reader, I appreciate the different tones and meaning behind every one of her poems.  

   I look forward to the day Laura Broadbent launches a new collection of poems. And I certainly look forward to the day, I will get to attend another one of her events.

[hamaderim]

Post on Additional Poetry Reading

      On the 11thof November, I attended a poetry reading organized by the Metatron press. An indie literary publishing house created in 2014, mostly focused on publishing a diverse range of poetry by young millennial. I first encountered the event on Facebook and decided to attend because of the multiple poets presenting, all of them coming from different cultural and sociological background. I was really intrigued by the theme of the event: The 11:11 portal dimension, based on the spiritual belief that the number eleven is a sign from the angels or from the afterworld in general, reminding us to stay conscious and aware of our surroundings and thoughts.

  The organizer and magazine editor of Metatron, Ahsley Obscura, a poet herself, explained the reasons behind her connection to the number eleven. The fact that the event was created because of spiritual connections made it even more significant. It propelled the art of reading poetry to a higher level, linking it to the spiritual world, making the people who believe in those signs, welcomed and accepted.

  They were eight poets in total. Each of them read at least two to three poems, inspired by their everyday life and background. One wrote a poem about her cat, another on her strict religious family, while some read about the hardships encountered during their journey while transitioning. My favorite poet was Marcela Huerta. The daughter of political refugees from Chile, Huerta’s poems dealt with themes such as grief, memories, immigration, childhood trauma and the pain from being separated from a loved one from a very young age. Making her collection very diverse and important to the current political state of our world.

   In general, what was interesting about those poems was in the way in which they were all relatable. The routine of everyday life, the relationship one can have with its family, the consequences of being labeled different are all subjects coming from the world we live in today. The Metatron event was unique on its own and familiar enough to make me want to assist another one of their poetry reading, hoping to discover more interesting poets.

[hamaderim]

     As someone who comes to the library often, and because of the English Composition 2 class I did with professor Lyanne Moyes two years ago, the library visit, I must admit, was not a surprise. A lot of my expectations during the visit were met. Before our group work, we had to attend a presentation on the numerous research possibilities the library site offers. Something I’ve been using throughout the three years of the program. Although I am aware that it is a first year class, making the library tour very helpful to those who just entered the university. When I was in professor Moyes class, this presentation was very useful since we had to use the Atrium site for analytical work.  

    However, the group work we had to do was quite enjoyable because of the quality time spent with my classmates during the treasure hunt. The idea to take a picture of all the items collected was interesting, because now at least, we get to keep these memories with us after graduating. The library visit was certainly a change. It was very different from most of our courses, offering the possibility to get out of a standard classroom. Also, the staff working during the visit were helpful and friendly. Other than that, I get to do for the first time the library card. I have never thought of doing it before because most of what I need for my classes are available online.

    Usually, I go to the library to study and to use the quiet space to really focus on the work, but this time, in order to find the items, the work I have to do was based on group interaction and mutual help.

[hamaderim]

Why Study Literature?

    Before entering the English program three years ago, I hesitated a lot. One of my concerns came from my fear of the English language. Since I was educated and raised in a French-based system, entering a program that relies on a deep critical analysis of what the English language may offer seemed like a doubtful idea. Yet, three years into the program, I have come to realize that my experience helped me understand many aspects in my daily life I wasn’t necessarily aware of.

    Indeed, the wide range of genres, styles, and concepts that I have read made me appreciate both the history and the politics of different cultures. With every book I read, my attention to detail grew and the similarities found between the readings and my everyday life became stronger and stronger. Not in terms of plot, but more in relation to character development. The physiological analysis of every character, their backgrounds and social contexts allowed me to dissect my surroundings in more a critical way. I also discovered the necessity to read non-fiction and to appreciate the critical depth that any analytical texts may offer. Making me able to understand the relationships I have formed throughout the years, and to deal with the living world in a more conscious way.

  Still, although I understand that for every program, academic writing is necessary to acquire and develop a specific type of knowledge, I must admit, upon entering the program, my desires and expectations were mostly based on the creative writing I thought we would do. However, I came to understand, that to acquire certain types of skills, individual work and constant effort must be put into place. Not everything comes easily. That is not to say that I do not enjoy the essay topics and the work done in class. It is quite the contrary actually. As someone who came to Canada with basic knowledge of English, everything I have learned came from the teachers and the classes. Then, throughout the years, a lot of individual effort was put into place.

     Overall, studying literature is a great experience. It made me recognize our ability to self-develop and to dissect the world we live in.

[hamaderim]

Post on the Handmaid’s Tale

     Since I can remember, Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale was always on my list of books to read. I have encountered many of Atwood’s works over my years as an English major, from novels to poetry, I have always been fascinated by her ability to transcend her time period. When reading The Handmaid’s Tale for the first time, I was surprised by the depth of the characters. Set in a world where women are forced to live under a patriarchal male society, the Handmaid’s Tales focus on women deprivation of identity and their separation from their children and families, made me once again realize, the relevancy of these issues in the world of today. The themes of fertility, childbirth, extreme religious beliefs are omnipresent in the world of Atwood’s novel. The television show, that I also got to watch because of this class, made the dystopian world of Atwood even more explicit.

  Prior to watching the show, I expected to find some similarities between the two medium, for, in Atwood’s novel, I believe that certain characteristics cannot be changed or replaced since they help shape the continuity of the novel and the plot.  The colors, for example, are representative of not only the worlds of both the novel and the show but are related to the different social hierarchies. The color red represents the blood when giving birth when women are in their menstrual period, but it is also a symbol of aggression and violence. The role of color is really emphasized in the show, adding visual representation to the many symbols present in Atwood’s text, making the experience of reading and watching more important.

  Additionally, the demonstration of both the violence and the sexual content on the screen adds to their poignancy. The flashbacks in the novel are also represented in the series showing how the character’s backstory, especially Offred’s, is taken in consideration to not only add character depth but mostly, to allow some kind of continuity between the readers of the novel and the spectators of the show.

   However, like all adaptations, some elements cannot be transposed. The language Atwood uses in the novel cannot work on television. Her poetic tone and style would not have worked in a show created, to attract the most possible range of viewers. Indeed, when watching a TV show, the audience of today expect the same kind of modern language used in everyday life. Thus, the script was modified to conform to these norms.

    Overall, since the show started, the sales of Atwood’s novel propelled significantly, making it one of the most read novels of 2017 in the United States.

[hamaderim]

Blog Post on The Profession

      Before entering the English literature program at “L’Universitéde Montreal”, my main concern was about the career opportunities that will be presented to me after I finish the bachelor. From journalism to translation, to a career in publishing, the nature of the jobs was too wide and not concise enough to get a clear idea of what the future may hold to an English literature student, in contrast, to let’s say, a pharmacist or an engineer. However, I must say, that after three years, I came to appreciate the variety of what the English program presents.      

      Still, teaching was and is still for me, the best job opportunity. Not only does it offer the possibility to have flexible working hours but it is a job that provides the ability to practice all over the world. Also, teaching English can come in different forms. One can be teaching English as a second language (tesla), or as a foreign language (tefl), for both elementary and high school, or at a university. After a lot of research, I found that McGill University offers a Masters degree for each of these possibilities. To enter the program, I must submit a letter of intent, two letters of recommendation, and of course, a transcript of all of my grades. Also, it is very helpful to have some previous teaching experiences, which is something that I am still working on. The program is about a year and a half, full time with night classes only, including internships. After the program, I will be eligible to be part of “l’ordre des enseignants du Quebec” and I will be able to teach all over the world. I consider that teaching English as a second language is the most reasonable option, thus, the safest one.    

     However, I must admit, this is not my first choice. What I really wish to do, the most is to pursue a Master’s degree and hopefully, a Ph.D. degree in literature so I can become a University teacher. But it is a long process, and my main concern is, I will not have the necessary patience to do such long studies. Also, I am not sure if I will be able to stay in Canada for such a long time.

     Overall, I still have a few months to think about these two options, and if I end up doing my Master’s, I would like to enroll in the program the University of Montreal offers.