Kimo's Essay

Kimo Gray
3.21.09
English9
Mr. Salsich

Parties, Onions and Pokémon:
An Essay on Sentimentalism

(1) I don’t consider many things to be sentimental. (2) I have many objects that hold memories, but there are only a few that will spark that all-too-familiar nostalgia. (3) One such incident happened just a few days ago. (4) As I walked into my friend’s house, I was caught off guard by the old 8-bit music of Pokémon. (5) I stood there, lost and confused, clinging on the music that tore me from reality, and I felt true sentiment. (6) There are many literary works we’ve read this year that discuss sentimentalism. (7) Though maybe not apparent at first, everyone has something to bring them back.
TS Though thoroughly unappreciated, the onion is one honorable vegetable that deserves to be remembered, as defended in “The Traveling Onion” by Naomi Shihab Nye. SD1 She takes the history of the onion, from a noble sphere worshipped by the Egyptians all the way to her cookbook today;(Appositive Phrase) and honors it. CM She understands that through each of its layers the onion still strives to humbly fulfill its place in this world. CM Though in the end, limp and translucent, there is still a miracle in the onion, and in the simple beauty it presents to the world. SD2 In life there are many things that we don’t notice. CM In a stew, one might comment on the beef, or the vegetables, or even the herbs, but few would take the time to pay respect to the onion, who “for the sake of others, /disappear[s].” CS Though remembered unfairly as a foul, tear inducing produce, the nonchalant(SAT) onion should be remembered for the sacrifices it makes for the bettering of our pallets.
TS In the short story, “The Garden Party,” by Katherine Mansfield, there are obvious signs of remembrance. SD1 When planning the party the protagonist, Laura, despondently says to her sister, “Just think of what the band would sound like to that poor [widow].” CM Earlier in the day, they had learned of an accidental death not too far away, and throughout the whole story Laura obsesses over it. CM She cannot get over the fact that they are not honoring this man, but rather throwing a care-free party. SD2 Later in the day, she goes to visit the widow and bring her the leftovers from their party. CM There she comes face to face with the dead man, and experiences a rush that sentimentalizes her entire life, every little thing, every garden party remembered in a loving way, and she appreciates life. CM Through tears she expresses her realization of life to her brother, mumbling, “Isn’t life, Isn’t life--” To which her brother knowingly responds, “Isn’t it, Darling?” CS In obsessing over an unrelated happening Laura is able to appreciate her life, and by experiencing the marvel of death, cherishes every moment of her life, including that same, simple, garden party.
TS How does it feel to be nobody? SD1 According to Emily Dickenson’s poem, “I’m Nobody,” to be somebody is to be “dreary.” CM She prefers a life of nonentity over a life of unending display. CM Because she is nobody she can be whoever she wants to be. SD2 Her sentiment towards living an invisible life may have been what brought about all her wonderful poems. CM Because her poems were never displayed, she was free to keep on writing without confrontation of criticizing from anyone. CM After death when Dickenson’s poems were published, the world learned a lesson; we can’t possess beauty. CS Because of Emily Dickenson’s bravery to be free, she was somebody who gave but never received, fighting passionately to preserve what she herself found beauteous. (Participial Phrase)
(1) Many people say that true sentiment lies with smell, but I believe it is sound. (2) There is nothing like hearing the forgotten warm voice of a beloved grandparent, hear the song that brings you back, or just hear absolutely nothing. (3) It is transient(SAT) times like these in which we feel true sentiment and our spirits erupt, crashing feeling with feeling and reinstating the thrill of a time long gone. (4) I don’t consider much to be sentimental, but it was Pokémon that sparked the sentimentalist nature within me, reminding me to just live. (Participial Phrase)