Journal 13

Name: erin

Journal #13 – Edgar Lee Masters Epitaphs (p. 502)

Read “George Gray” and “Lucinda Matlock” and answer the following questions.

1. What object symbolizes George Gray’s life? How is this object representative of him?

His sailboat represents how he lived his life in fear. He never just let go, and let life happen, like wind can push a sailboat. He was always hesitant. He did not live his life to the fullest. Instead, he lived with meaning.

2. How was Lucinda Matlock’s life different than George Gray’s? How do you interepret the last line of the poem?

Lucinda’s life is different from Gray’s because Gray feels regretful that he did not live his life to the fullest. Lucinda’s epitaph shows her dancing. Dancing is a happy thing. She had lived a full life. While Gray’s life seems to lack emotion, Matlock’s life is full of excitement, eagerness, and blessings. Matlock’s life had the aspects of adventure. Life in general is rewarding when the time is well spent and reflected on, without holding back.

3. How are “George Gray” and “Lucinda Matlock” examples of realism?

Gray never took a chance, and failed to live his life to the fullest. This is the reality of many people. Everyone is too scared what people think, or fear the outcome of certain actions. Living like this takes the excitement out of life, which many people regret. On the other hand, Lucinda lives her life on edge, and embraces every aspect of it. Many people live like this, searching for fullfillment, adventure, and excitement. Overall, both of there lived were live realisticly, but were on contrasting margins.