To continue answering DG's question, my brother is another person I would love for more people to know. Although he probably wouldn't know what to do with the spotlight if he had it. He's faced more hardships than anyone his age should have to and he's come out of it fabulously. He's certainly an inspiration to me and he could be to others, as well.
1. What is the "famous quote" that is most meaningful to you? To whom is it attributed? Why does it mean so much to you?
"To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting." e e cummings
This is what I aspire to. I even have it on a t-shirt!
2. Which 20th Century work of literature is—in your opinion—the single most brilliant contribution to the art form? And why? Oh golly! This is a tough one! My first thought is Eliot's "Wasteland." It's not at all an easy read. It challenges to the reader to look harder not only at the text itself but to dig deaper into past works to find more meaning. Eliot showed great reverance for the masters before him in a way that puts him closer to them in importance. To me, this is an amazing feat.
3. What is your favorite poem? Why? Oddly, not "Wasteland." Or even "Prufrock," though I love that one, too. My favorite is by Edna St. Vincent Millay. It's one of her numbered sonnets that begins, "I, being born a woman and distressed" Here's the link:
http://www.poetry-archive.com/m/sonnet_millay.html Once you read it, I'm sure you'll know why i like it. I love Millay because she took the traditional form of the sonnet and used it to express very non-traditional views.
4. If you were stranded on an island with 3 fictional literary characters, whom would you choose and why? Elizabeth Bennet, Helena and Hermia from "Midsummer." What fascinating, strong women!!
5. What 3 songs make you cry every time you hear them no matter how many times you hear them? "Finale B" from Rent, "Coat of Many Colors" by Dolly Parton and "Song Sung Blue" by Neil Diamond.
Updated On: 2/22/06 at 11:51 AM