"The Kitchen of Meaning"
1. What is the subject and point?
• The subject and point of this chapter is the attempt to inform reads that all signs and symbols are not all physically simple nevertheless they contain double meanings.
2. Who says so?
• The author explains that "The world is full of signs, but these signs [don't]... all have the fine simplicity of the letters of the alphabet... they are... infinitely more complex."(paragraph 5 : sentence 1) 3. What is the evidence? • The evidence stated is that "...an incessant shock of observation [is required]... in order to deal not with the content of message but with [its meaning, one]... must enter the kitchen of meaning." (paragraph 6 : sentence 2) In other words, to fully understand a sign or symbol one must comprehend it purpose. 4. What is this connected to? • This is connected to life overall because signs and symbols are seen every day without noticing its meaning. For example anyone could look at a book although, what is a book trying to represent? A book could represent knowledge, wisdom, even achievement. 5. So what? • The message that this chapter is trying to reveal, is that with a little thought and time one could find the true meaning of everything instead of looking at its general appearance. 6. What if? • Without explanations from this chapter, people wouldn’t notice the hidden definition that many objects and actions have. The significance of these symbols would be meaningless.
"Learning to Read and Write"
As a young child it is less difficult to understand how to read and write. It is easier to grasp the concept due to the fact someone is there teaching the child step by step, on the other hand Frederick Douglass did not have someone there teaching him step by step. Douglas had to be on his toes and search for ways to learn. At first his masters wife thought him the alphabets, unfortunately the mistress changed her attitude towards him when her husband requested that she show who the masters are and act like one. I felt his disappointment of not continuing with his learning but I admire his passion to learn.His passion brought him to becoming friends with young white boys around the area and using them as teachers. This would allow him to continue with his goal to learn how to read.Writing was no step behind, he challenge himself by teaching himself how to write. I look up to people who don't allow their situations come in between there education.
"Mother's Tongue"
I an relate to the situation of growing up with a parent who speaks broken English. My father originally was born in Mexico and has been currently living in the U.S for the past 20 years. One would think that with this amount of time living here he would have grasp the English language as if it were native to him, unfortunatly he has not. Just like Amy i could see my father, in her case her mother, struggle to communicate. In my view i believe that ust because someone cant speak the language in the same tone as someone born and raised here doesnt mean they are ignorant or unintelligent.
