During the week we worked on discussion questions from each chapter of The Gilda Stories that we read. The final question asked, "what do you think Gomez's purpose was in writing The Gilda Stories?" I personally think this story's purpose was to take the reader out of reality and cause us as readers to be more open minded. In a way, it takes us out of our comfort zones and forces us to see things different from the norm. I believe this method by Gomez was effective.
Usually when we think of vampires, we get the image of a white male or female. However, Gilda's character is very unique. Not only is she black, but she is a female as well. Once we discover this it is very obvious that The Gilda Stories would not be the average novel. From that point on we read about situations that would never happen in reality, such as vampires traveling from place to place turning humans into vampires. Gomez somewhat places us into a different world that we are trying to understand as the novel progresses.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Andrew Blog 4
Throughout The Gilda Stories, we see how the main character Gilda changes and progresses as a character over a very extended period of time. We even get to see into the future and we see how the world changes in the future and the effect it has on Gilda. We learn of her rough past, and her struggles to forget what she has gone through, and her quest to settling down and being happy. She really develops as a character throughout the book, and I think that the more we learn about her throughout the book, the more we realize that Gilda only used her powers for good.
She only killed humans when it was extremely necessary, and when she took the blood of humans, she had no intentions of harming anyone, she only did it because it was essential to her survival. She only turns humans into vampires if she feels that the time is right, but she never has any intentions of hurting anyone. She helps many people who are in need, and she always is looking out for the people that she cares about.
She only killed humans when it was extremely necessary, and when she took the blood of humans, she had no intentions of harming anyone, she only did it because it was essential to her survival. She only turns humans into vampires if she feels that the time is right, but she never has any intentions of hurting anyone. She helps many people who are in need, and she always is looking out for the people that she cares about.
Alex Beilman - Blog Post #4
This week, the class finished The Gilda Stories. Overall, I think the book was interesting. It was certainly different from anything I have read in the past. I think there are a few major themes that Jewelle Gomez wants the reader to absorb. One is the concept of family. Not only family, but the idea of non-traditional families and the acceptance of those families. Gilda's family, because she is a vampire, is obviously not the traditional idea of a family. She refers to Bird as her mother, Julius as her brother, and Ellie is her sister. Her family and the experiences she shares with them are far from what is consider "normal" by society. I think Gomez is looking to get people to accept the fact not all family's are normal, but are still able to function like a "normal" family.
I think another thing Gomez does with this novel is break stereotypes. Typically, a vampire is a white male. Gomez strays from that norm and uses a black, female vampire as her protagonist. She also constructs Gilda as a character who is not the typical vampire. Normally, a vampire is a blood thirsty, merciless creature that will stop at nothing to get its share of blood. However, Gilda is different. Gilda can be very compassionate and gentle at times. She also shows love and friendly feelings towards others. So, that stereotype is also broken by the character of Gilda.
-Post #4 by Alex Beilman
Leah Villari Post 4
The final two chapters of The Gilda Stories continue to help support the notion that vampires have many layers to their personalities. They are not just the stereotypical vampires that we discussed in class, with white skin, fangs, capes, and no heartbeat. This is proven in the novel with the main character Gilda. Gilda looks nothing like a typical vampire, and the fact that she is a women goes against the stereotype. Gilda not only was different in her looks, but in the fact that she genuinely cared about people and their existence showed her as different from typical vampires.
Gilda showed that she cared about people throughout the entire novel. Although she did kill a few humans, and did turn people into vampires, she did it for the right reasons. The people that Gilda turned into vampires were unhappy with their lives, or they were in need of help. She always would look to help the people that she turned into vampires by looking into their thoughts. Julius was a depressed human being, who was searching for something meaningful in life. Similar to this, in the end of the novel, Effie was ready to kill herself and Gilda was able to talk her into becoming part of her vampire family.
Gilda showed that she cared about people throughout the entire novel. Although she did kill a few humans, and did turn people into vampires, she did it for the right reasons. The people that Gilda turned into vampires were unhappy with their lives, or they were in need of help. She always would look to help the people that she turned into vampires by looking into their thoughts. Julius was a depressed human being, who was searching for something meaningful in life. Similar to this, in the end of the novel, Effie was ready to kill herself and Gilda was able to talk her into becoming part of her vampire family.
Maggie pooost # 4
Throughout the novel, The Gilda Stories, the main character, Gilda, has changed from being a confused vampire searching for a purpose, to a happy vampire who knows where she belongs. She went from moving around constantly, from down South to as far as New York City. She made many friends and found companions along the way, but still continued to search for something. After Bird left her, Gilda felt alone and confused. She found comfort in a few people, for example, Elenor. After realizing the bad company she was keeping around, Gilda decided to move forward with her life.
Gilda finally came to peace with herself at the end of the novel, when she stopped searching for people after realizing she had a complete family accompanying her. Bird played the role of her mother, Julius played the role of her brother, and her newest company Effie completed the family. Effie was chosen to accompany the vampires near the end of the novel because she was similiar to Gilda, and was about to commit suicide. After accepting Gilda's proposal to join their family, she became a vampire as well.
Adam Swift Post #4
After reading the last chapters of, The Gilda Stories, it is clear that the main character Gilda has changed and grown as a vampire. After much discussion and contemplation, we finally can see that Gilda is a good person at the end of the story. Throughout the novel, Gomez was testing our faith in Gilda. She had Gilda killing humans, such as the one person who attacked her in the beginning of the novel, and killing Sorel after Elenore's encouragement.
However at the end of the novel, we can clearly see that Gilda is a good vampire, with a good heart. Although she has killed humans and turned them into vampires, she tried to help them with the problems in their lives. For example, Julius was a lonely person who was unhappy with his life and very depressed. Gilda helped him by taking him in and turning him into a vampire, making him one of her family members. Also, Gilda saved Effie by turning her into a vampire and talking her out of committing suicide.
Now that we have finished reading Gilda Stories I found out that I liked the book much more than I thought I would. Gilda really becomes a character that you enjoy and can relate to. Her character grew from an innocent girl to aquiring a lot of knowledge and passing it along. Although at times Gilda's actions did seem selfish, that only made her more like us because people can also we selfish at times. Through reading this story it gave a look at the past and a view of what the future could be, although this future looks very dreary.
A main point of this story was the sense of belonging and family. I think that sometimes people can also struggle for this kind of bond with other people, we all want to feel like we belong to something, and people sometimes search forever for that sense of belonging just as Gilda did. This story also pointed out that stereotypes should mean nothing and that they should not stand in anybody's way, if you want something and feel as you belong there nothing should stop you.
Cassidy Weeks. Post 4
A main point of this story was the sense of belonging and family. I think that sometimes people can also struggle for this kind of bond with other people, we all want to feel like we belong to something, and people sometimes search forever for that sense of belonging just as Gilda did. This story also pointed out that stereotypes should mean nothing and that they should not stand in anybody's way, if you want something and feel as you belong there nothing should stop you.
Cassidy Weeks. Post 4
Post 4
So Gilda Stories is finally finished. Defiantly a change that I didn't expect to see. Between the changing for two people for her, and the ruined earth it was pretty intense. I thought it was interesting to see Gomez's take on the end of the world in 2050. It defiantly wasn't something that I would have predicted to happen within the world. Although, the discovery of the vampires and with the changes made where people are searching for vampires so that they can fight this disease that is going around killing their kind is interesting, just as the fact that there are studies saying that Mars might be suitable for living and then there are offworlders/ off earthlings I forgot there name, that are leaving earth and moving to other plants. Its crazy how the predicitons she made just based on the information she found out when writing this book is oddly the beginning topics of the modern day discussion, well besides video chatting.
I also thought it was a ending I could kind of see coming. The family coming together, like the brother the sister, the lover, the creator. Its cool how they end up all wanting to live together as one as the world is starting to become a place suitable for them only.
As for the book, I liked some parts, other parts were to dry, or to detailed oriented to a point in which I didn't or couldn't want to keep reading. It was interesting though that the tale would essentially keep us hanging, with Gilda knowing she is going to stop running. Probably the first and last chapters were my favorite. Their making of the tale is something that i enjoyed. And as prestated i think its cool that each chapter was like a short story in its own. And that although separately they could hold their place, together this piece by piece tale of her life is coming together.
Nadia Post .... end of Gilda Stories!
I also thought it was a ending I could kind of see coming. The family coming together, like the brother the sister, the lover, the creator. Its cool how they end up all wanting to live together as one as the world is starting to become a place suitable for them only.
As for the book, I liked some parts, other parts were to dry, or to detailed oriented to a point in which I didn't or couldn't want to keep reading. It was interesting though that the tale would essentially keep us hanging, with Gilda knowing she is going to stop running. Probably the first and last chapters were my favorite. Their making of the tale is something that i enjoyed. And as prestated i think its cool that each chapter was like a short story in its own. And that although separately they could hold their place, together this piece by piece tale of her life is coming together.
Nadia Post .... end of Gilda Stories!
Kaitlyn Dickey, Post 4
I really enjoyed the last two chapters of The Gilda Stories. I liked the way Gilda grew as the book progressed and she finally found a place she belonged and people she belonged with. I think that the main reason Gilda never stayed in one place for a long period of time was because she never had a reason too. She either didn't have a connection to the people she was with or she would get bored and not want to be with the same person anymore. That all changed when she met Effie.
I think that the reason Gomez made Gilda a black woman vampire was because she wanted to make her as vulnerable as possible. These two factors make a person extremely vulnerable, especially in the time period the story began in. By giving her superpowers Gomez was a making quite a statement. I interpreted it as her showing that even if the odds are against you, you can overcome anything. I think that this element of the story was important and I thought it was one of the coolest aspects of the book.
I think that the reason Gomez made Gilda a black woman vampire was because she wanted to make her as vulnerable as possible. These two factors make a person extremely vulnerable, especially in the time period the story began in. By giving her superpowers Gomez was a making quite a statement. I interpreted it as her showing that even if the odds are against you, you can overcome anything. I think that this element of the story was important and I thought it was one of the coolest aspects of the book.
Molly Rutter, Post #4
Chapters 5 and 6 are the only portions of the book where Gilda is seen in the same location. I feel that in doing this, Gomez marked a turning point in the story for Gilda. The Gilda that first arrived in New York City in 1971 is much different than the one that leaves in 1981. This is because she gains a new perspective on her life as a vampire.
In Chapter 5, we see that Gilda is in search of companionship and still struggling to fit in. Although she does form an eternal bond with Julius by changing him into one of her own, it is in Chapter 6 that we really see Gilda find herself. She finds happiness with her singing career, and becomes quite close with Ayeesha and her group of friends, for they are supportive of her music and remind her of the women at Woodard’s.
Gilda’s interaction with Effie though is perhaps the most significant part of the chapter. After discovering Effie is also a vampire, Gilda and her instantly connect. Effie helps Gilda recognize that as much as she wants to fit in with her human friends, she must understand that her life as a vampire is separate. When Gilda agrees to move to Effie’s home in New Hampshire, this shows that Gilda has finally realized that she cannot keep trying to be human.
Brittany Coppinger - Blog 1
The final two chapters of this book were by far my favorite. I think that Gomez really showed her creativity as a writer by writing the ending in the future. As we discussed in class, a lot of vampire books out there tend to take place in the past, or stay in the present. Giving a futuristic look at vampires is another thing that sets this book apart from the rest. I think that putting Gilda in a futuristic setting give her character more depth. We know that vampires live forever, but this really drives that point home. I think that is why Gomez decided to write about the future in the end of her book. I think she wanted to show that time changes, and people changes, but family doesn't. In the end, the world is dying, vampires have become the hunted, and yet here is Gilda. She and the love for her family, is the only thing that has stayed constant through out this book. All though all good things end, the support of family does not.
I am really happy with the way the character of Gilda progressed throughout the book. I think that it was a very natural and real progression that anyone could relate to, and I give kudos to Gomez for making her a "real" character. At the beginning, we saw her as just The Girl; very lost, very confused, and not really having anything worthwhile in her life. As the plot progressed she slowly struggled to find how she fit in with other people and society. I think that everyone goes through this struggle. Everyone has that point where they are unsure of who they are and unsure of where they should be. I think that Gomez perfectly represents this in Gilda. In fact, the more she accepts her life as a vampire and accepts that she cant act or behave like a normal human, the more comfortable she get and the more meaningful relationships she can make. I think that this is a great point Gomez tries to make: that trying to force situations will get us no where. We need to just accept things, and the rest will fall into place.
Jaime Wallace, Post #4
While we discussed chapter six of The Gilda Stories in class there was much talk about Julius as a vampire compared to Gilda as a vampire. When Gilda was first transformed into a vampire she was scared and nervous all the time. She also hated the fact that she never could belong to a place for more than a ten or so years. Gilda also was always on a hunt to find her place in life. Julius on the other hand was way different than her. When Julius was first transformed into a vampire he lived life the way he was never able to before. Julius took advantage of this new life by traveling around to see all the places he always wanted to see and also having an everlasting life.
In the final two chapters there is a futuristic view in the years 2020 and 2050. I absolutely love the end of the novel. The world is ending so there are hunters that are going around and trying to capture the vampires. This is mostly because they want the eternal life that these so called vampires hold. I love the ending way better than the beginning of the novel because I really like how she ran away from every place. She had to leave every person that she met along the way, but at the end it was nice how everyone came back together to form one big family. Which was what Gilda was looking for all along.
In the final two chapters there is a futuristic view in the years 2020 and 2050. I absolutely love the end of the novel. The world is ending so there are hunters that are going around and trying to capture the vampires. This is mostly because they want the eternal life that these so called vampires hold. I love the ending way better than the beginning of the novel because I really like how she ran away from every place. She had to leave every person that she met along the way, but at the end it was nice how everyone came back together to form one big family. Which was what Gilda was looking for all along.
Post #4
In the beginning of The Gilda Stories, it seemed as if Gilda was searching for a purpose. She moved from place to place trying to find where she truly belonged. She met several people that in some way had an impact on who she was such as Aurelia and Julius. She also engaged in different activities and professions ranging from a beautician or singer to a well known novelist.
In the final chapters, we get the sense that Gilda has discovered where she belongs and what her purpose is. She is no longer looking for companionship because she sees that all those she has become close to , Julius, Bird, Effie, Sorel, and Anthony, are all there for her. She no longer needs to move from place to place, seeking out connections that will make her feel whole. She sought out a family, and found one in all those she met throughout the years.
Chelsa Wlodarczyk post #4
In the final chapters, we get the sense that Gilda has discovered where she belongs and what her purpose is. She is no longer looking for companionship because she sees that all those she has become close to , Julius, Bird, Effie, Sorel, and Anthony, are all there for her. She no longer needs to move from place to place, seeking out connections that will make her feel whole. She sought out a family, and found one in all those she met throughout the years.
Chelsa Wlodarczyk post #4
Laura Giunta Post 4
While reading The Gilda Stories, as readers we see many different sides to the main character Gilda. We see her evolve as a vampire and how she copes with the new lifestyle. In the beginning she struggled a lot without Bird and longed to be with someone who loved her. When Bird left her she traveled the world for many years trying to figure out who she was. At some points she found herself in bad company with Eleanor but she had to find that out the hard way. For some reason Eleanor was almost irresistible to her, Sorel tried to warn her but she did not want to believe it. Until she final realized Eleanor's ways she knew she had to leave.
Towards the end of the book we see how Gilda has matured. When she meets Julius she found someone who was like her. He longed for a family and had nothing left in his life. All he wanted was companionship and Gilda had just the right solution. She changed Julius and made him one of the family. She and Bird now had a brother and it went very well. He adjusted to their lifestyle very easily and took advantage of it to travel. Then at the very end, one last time Gilda finds Effie, who again was like herself almost. She was about to commit suicide when Gilda wanted to save her, and offer her a better life with a family. Effie accepted, and then Gilda, Bird, Julius and Effie were a family. Throughout the story Gilda made good and bad decisions, but in the end she understood and grew more wise throughout the years.
Towards the end of the book we see how Gilda has matured. When she meets Julius she found someone who was like her. He longed for a family and had nothing left in his life. All he wanted was companionship and Gilda had just the right solution. She changed Julius and made him one of the family. She and Bird now had a brother and it went very well. He adjusted to their lifestyle very easily and took advantage of it to travel. Then at the very end, one last time Gilda finds Effie, who again was like herself almost. She was about to commit suicide when Gilda wanted to save her, and offer her a better life with a family. Effie accepted, and then Gilda, Bird, Julius and Effie were a family. Throughout the story Gilda made good and bad decisions, but in the end she understood and grew more wise throughout the years.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Zack Schwartz Post 4
Throughout the beginning chapters of The Gilda Stories, it was often debated weather or not Gilda was truly good, or if she was an evil vampire. She showed many acts of compassion and humanity such as sparing the life of Samuel despite the urging of Eleanor. She also formed deep rooted bonds with many individuals including Bird, Julius, Effie, and many others. She also, however, provided evidence of being a evil as well. Gilda took the life of one of the men who attacked her and also fed on people by taking somewhat of an advantage of them and not leaving a fair trade in return for her taking of blood.
In the final chapters of The Gilda Stories, it becomes clearly evident that Gilda is, in fact inherently good. The first way she showed this was by restraining herself from killing Vampire Hunters that wanted nothing more than to capture and exploit her amazing powers. She could have easily done this, however, she did not even have the desire to, as she has not wanted to kill anyone since she was a human girl. Also, she turned a woman into a vampire who was attempting for very selfless reasons. This woman had no family life to speak of, and Gilda new she was turning her for the good of this woman. Finally, Gilda made the decision to stay on Earth even though the planet was failing. She decided this because it was the home that which she was made and she is not ready to see it die.
In the final chapters of The Gilda Stories, it becomes clearly evident that Gilda is, in fact inherently good. The first way she showed this was by restraining herself from killing Vampire Hunters that wanted nothing more than to capture and exploit her amazing powers. She could have easily done this, however, she did not even have the desire to, as she has not wanted to kill anyone since she was a human girl. Also, she turned a woman into a vampire who was attempting for very selfless reasons. This woman had no family life to speak of, and Gilda new she was turning her for the good of this woman. Finally, Gilda made the decision to stay on Earth even though the planet was failing. She decided this because it was the home that which she was made and she is not ready to see it die.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Zack Schwartz Post 3
The term "family" takes on a completely different meaning when refering to the vampires in Gomez's novel than the human families we are used to encountering in society. Gilda never knew a family in her human life as she was a slave on a plantation. It appears as though throughout the chapters, she searches for adequate substitute families in her vampire life. Examples of these include the women in the brothel in the first chapter, as well as the original Gilda and Bird, Eleanor Anthony and Sorel in the second chapter, Aurelia in the third, and Tonya and Savannah in the fourth. All of these people she has encountered have all played a part in keeping Gilda tied to earth because she loves them. Despite all of these people she met and felt close to, she did not yet decide to turn anyone into a vampire, and officially make them part of her vampire family.
In the most recent chapter, she meets a man named Julius. She is immediately enthralled with him, and they form a very deep connection. Although initially she is unsure about her intentions with him, she eventually decides to turn him into a vampire. She realizes that she formed a bond with him that will last an eternity. This vampire bond is even more powerful than the human families because of this longevity. Similar feelings exist, however, as it was evident how much Gilda and Bird care for each other. Bird and the original Gilda had very strong feelings as well. Family is the most important bond in human relations as well as vampire relations.
In the most recent chapter, she meets a man named Julius. She is immediately enthralled with him, and they form a very deep connection. Although initially she is unsure about her intentions with him, she eventually decides to turn him into a vampire. She realizes that she formed a bond with him that will last an eternity. This vampire bond is even more powerful than the human families because of this longevity. Similar feelings exist, however, as it was evident how much Gilda and Bird care for each other. Bird and the original Gilda had very strong feelings as well. Family is the most important bond in human relations as well as vampire relations.
Margaret DeMarco- Post 3
The difference between Gilda and her search for a family is very different from that of typical vampires. Comparing her to the vampires of Twilight is a prime example. In the Gilda Stories, it seems as though Gilda is trying to fill different voids she has in her life by turning people into vampires. For example, Bird was her "mother," and Julius acted as a brother figure. She continues to be unhappy and search for people to complete the family she does not have.
In the Twilight Saga, the vampires are in a very close nit family. No one would dare to leave the rest behind, as Bird did to Gilda, and they always have each others backs. They are constantly looking out for each others best interest and they do not go looking to turn people into vampires.
Although this may be true, there are some similarities between the two pieces, and their ways of "hunting." In the novel, the Gilda stories, Gilda turned Julius into a vampire. He was a lonely character, who was on his own, with no family or friends. It seemed as though he had nothing to live for. Because of this, Gilda took him in and turned him into a vampire. As well as in the Twilight series, Edward is turned into a vampire after a near death experience. He would have died if he were not to be taken in and cared for by his vampire family. In a sense, both pieces are similar in that they both have a case in which the human was turned into a vampire to further benefit the human, but for every human this is not the case.
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