Willy Martinez's Blog, page 33

“Give It Up!” Franz Kafka Flash Fiction

Okay, we get it. We are writing about Franz Kafka again. But here’s why:

Not all flash fiction needs to be breathlessly blunt like Hemingway’s. In this single paragraph, posthumously published story, Kafka crystalizes the mood and paranoia that defines most of his work:

Give It Up

It was very early in the morning, the streets clean and deserted, I was walking to the station. As I compared the tower clock with my watch I realized that it was already much later than I had thought, I had to hurry, the shock of this discovery made me unsure of the way, I did not yet know my way very well in this town; luckily, a policeman was nearby, I ran up to him and breathlessly asked him the way.

He smiled and said: “From me, you want to know the way?”

“Yes,” I said, “since I cannot find it myself.”

“Give it up! Give it up,” he said, and turned away with a sudden jerk, like people who want to be alone with their laughter.

Edgar Allan Poe once described the need for a “unity of effect” in short stories: the act of carrying a single emotion throughout the piece to elicit a particular reaction from the audience. In just 130 words, Kafka is able to suck readers into his world and leave them shaken.

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“The Lola Quartet” By Emily St. John Mandel Book Review and Synopsis

“The Lola Quartet,” is not in my usual genre of choice, but I’m not disappointed either. In fact, I rather enjoyed this style and parallel storyline story. Not to mention that I have recently become a big fan of author,  Emily St. John Mandel.

Prepare to be captivated by the next masterpiece from the literary genius behind Station Eleven and Sea of Tranquility!

It was very intense and enthralling from the beginning. A buildings Roman novel set across various states with a middle-aged man chasing his past. For me, the richness of this story is the characters. Emily has a gift for creating memorable characters with distinct lives and building up towards a unification of the characters at the climax.

Oh, you simply must read “The Lola Quartet” by Emily St. John Mandel! This captivating novel will take you on a thrilling journey that will keep you engrossed from beginning to end.

First and foremost, Mandel’s writing style is absolutely mesmerizing. Her prose flows effortlessly, painting vivid and evocative scenes that transport you right into the heart of the story. You’ll find yourself completely immersed in the world she has created, feeling every emotion and experiencing every twist and turn alongside the characters.

Speaking of characters, they are truly the heart and soul of this novel. Mandel has a remarkable talent for crafting complex and deeply human characters that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading. Whether it’s the ambitious journalist searching for a missing girl or the jazz musician haunted by his past, each character is beautifully developed and layered, making them feel incredibly real.

But it’s not just the characters that make “The Lola Quartet” so compelling. The plot is brilliantly constructed, seamlessly weaving together multiple storylines and timelines to keep you guessing until the very end. It’s a masterclass in suspenseful storytelling that will have you eagerly turning each page, desperate to uncover the truth.

Furthermore, Mandel explores a variety of themes throughout the novel, including love, betrayal, identity, and the lasting impact of our choices. Her exploration of these themes adds depth and richness to the story, making it not only a thrilling read but also a thought-provoking one.

In summary, “The Lola Quartet” is a must-read for any lover of literary fiction. With its captivating writing style, unforgettable characters, and gripping p lot, it’s a book that will leave a lasting impression on you. So sit back, relax, and prepare yourself for an unforgettable reading experience. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

Synopsis of “The Lola Quartet” By Emily St. John Mandel

Prepare to be captivated by the next masterpiece from the literary genius behind Station Eleven and Sea of Tranquility! Gavin Sasaki, a once-promising young journalist in the dazzling streets of New York City, finds his life irreversibly altered when he is abruptly dismissed from his position for committing the grave sin of plagiarism. Though he may not have initially desired it, he finds himself in a situation where he must sell foreclosed real estate for his sister Eilo’s company in their hometown of sunny Florida. Despite any reservations, he knows deep down that refusing her job offer is simply not an option for him right now.

And if that wasn’t enough, there’s another compelling reason for Eilo to head home – a remarkable encounter with a ten-year-old girl who bears a striking resemblance to Gavin. What’s more intriguing is that she shares the same last name as his high-school sweetheart, Anna, who mysteriously disappeared from town right after graduation.

If you are gaining value with our synopsis of “The Lola Quartet,” by Emily St. John Mandel, please check out our other reviews at The Ritual.

The plot thickens, stirring up curious questions and fueling Eilo’s determination to unravel the secrets of the past. Driven by an unwavering desire to uncover the truth, Gavin embarks on a quest to discover if the young girl could potentially be his long-lost daughter. His journey begins with the pursuit of Anna, retracing their shared connections through three steadfast friends from their days in “The Lola Quartet,” a vibrant jazz group that once defined their lives. Nothing will stand in Gavin’s way as he relentlessly seeks answers and navigates a web of memories and emotions in his pursuit of familial bonds.

As Gavin delves deeper into their captivating tales, he uncovers the truth behind Anna’s clandestine escape. The realization hits hard – she had a compelling reason to go on the run. And as his investigation into her mysterious vanishing from years ago intensifies, it takes an incredibly perilous and thrilling twist. Brace yourself for a rollercoaster of young adult danger and intrigue!

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“Yellow Jackets” Fans Should Read These 5 Books

If you enjoyed the Netflix series “Yellow Jackets” and are looking for books with a similar atmosphere or themes, here are five recommendations that you might find intriguing:

1. “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding:

This classic novel explores the dark side of human nature as a group of young boys stranded on an uninhabited island struggle to survive and maintain order.

At the dawn of the next world war, a plane crashes on an uncharted island, stranding a group of schoolboys. At first, with no adult supervision, their freedom is something to celebrate. This far from civilization they can do anything they want. Anything. But as order collapses, as strange howls echo in the night, as terror begins its reign, the hope of adventure seems as far removed from reality as the hope of being rescued.

2. “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins:

Set in a dystopian future, this gripping trilogy follows a group of young individuals forced to participate in a televised fight to the death. It delves into themes of survival, sacrifice, and the blurred lines between morality and survival.

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by 12 outlying districts. The Capitol keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. 

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister’s place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to death before – and survival, for her, is second nature. Still, if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love. 

3. “Wildlife” by Richard Ford:

This coming-of-age novel tells the story of a teenage girl who navigates the complexities of her parents’ failing marriage, ultimately finding strength and resilience in challenging circumstances.

When Joe Brinson was 16, his father moved the family to Great Falls, Montana, the setting for this harrowing, transfixing novel by the acclaimed author of Rock Springs. Filled with an abiding sense of love and family, and of the forces that test them to the breaking point, Wildlife is a book whose spare poetry and expansive vision established it as an American classic.

If you enjoy the “Yellow Jackets Books To Read” list, visit our blog at The Ritual for related movie and book reviews.

4. “Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer:

Based on a true story, this book portrays the journey of Christopher McCandless, who gave up his comfortable life to embark on a solitary quest for self-discovery in the Alaskan wilderness.

In April 1992 a young man from a well-to-do family hitchhiked to Alaska and walked alone into the wilderness north of Mt. McKinley. His name was Christopher Johnson McCandless. He had given $25,000 in savings to charity, abandoned his car and most of his possessions, burned all the cash in his wallet, and invented a new life for himself. Four months later, his decomposed body was found by a moose hunter….

5. “The Secret History” by Donna Tartt:

This dark, atmospheric novel follows a group of college students studying ancient Greek who become involved in a mysterious and morally ambiguous event that leaves lasting consequences on their lives.

Under the influence of a charismatic classics professor, a group of clever, eccentric misfits at a New England college discover a way of thought and life a world away from their banal contemporaries. But their search for the transcendent leads them down a dangerous path, beyond human constructs of morality.

These books capture different aspects of survival, complex human relationships, and the exploration of one’s identity, which may resonate with fans of “Yellow Jackets.” Happy reading!

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Processing… Success! You're on the list. Whoops! There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription. Please reload the page and try again. The article was written by a dark fiction author, Willy Martinez, to be released on the Ritual Blog for Mind on Fire Books.A.R. Braun on Mind on Fire Books

Author of dark fiction Mythology, “The Sigua” and short visceral fiction, “Flora.”

Willy Martinez is also featured in our anthology Mad Men, available for sale now.

Punching Bag

As you hang there
suspended raw in this box
I'm tempted to submit

Your rough weltered exterior
has seen better days
withstood to passing seasons
your calling transports me
a younger version

For hours on end
I would beat you
never limp but always sturdy
tied up and restricted from
reciprocation
yet, never satisfied
no matter how much you gave me

Most abhor your odors
I endure willingly
tap, tap, tap
you swing back towards me
shifting out of the way
now I thump - again (now I thump)
I reset for the next volley

A squeak between the
hard, fast, methodical thumps
sweat glands pouring
controlled animal breathing

focus unbroken, I beat you
for today
Tomorrow
we play again

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“I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud” by William Wordsworth

“I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud,” also known as “Daffodils,” is a well-known and beloved poem by William Wordsworth. Here are a few reasons why you might consider reading it, or just scroll down to read the poem:

1. Captivating imagery: Wordsworth’s descriptive language transports readers to a picturesque scene of daffodils and natural beauty. The vivid imagery allows you to visualize and experience the tranquil and awe-inspiring setting.

2. Connection to nature: The poem celebrates the beauty and power of nature, reminding us of its ability to uplift our spirits and provide solace. It encourages us to appreciate and connect with the natural world, even in our loneliest moments.

3. Reflective and contemplative tone: “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud” invites readers to reflect on the beauty of the world and the impact it can have on our emotions and well-being. It encourages introspection and contemplation of the deeper meaning found in ordinary moments.

I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the milky way,
They stretched in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced; but they
Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:
A poet could not but be gay,
In such a jocund company:
I gazed—and gazed—but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:

For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.

Overall, reading “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud” can provide you with a moment of tranquility, inspire a deeper appreciation for nature, and allow you to reflect on the profound impact that simple things can have on our lives.

 William Wordsworth

Wordsworth’s deep love for the “beauteous forms” of the natural world was established early. The Wordsworth children seem to have lived in a sort of rural paradise along the Derwent River, which ran past the terraced garden below the ample house whose tenancy John Wordsworth had obtained from his employer, the political magnate and property owner Sir James Lowther, Baronet of Lowther (later Earl of Lonsdale).  

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Sunday Read

Finally had some time to hit the local #bookstore for my literary fix. @worldlittoday is always a favorite!
#literature #amreading #sundayvibes #reading #ream #zine #chile

Carnal Carnival

Found in an old notebook from 2013

We met up in the Ferris,went down on the hairs.Your taste was warm with delight from sales.Don’t mind the children stares, or disgruntled adult glares.They disembark the carnal and label it tabooBut You and I will find solace in the me and you.

Copyright to Mind on Fire Books 2023.

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Smile – Horror Movie Review and Summary

“Smile” scored a 5 out of 5 hatchets from Dark Mythology author, Willy Martinez.

Smile is easily one of the scariest movies I have seen in a while – and as a horror writer, I don’t scare easily. Scary and creepy!

From the onset of the film, I was captivated to fully watch with all my attention, to find out where the ‘smile’ comes from, and how they would make that action, er, verb, into something scary.

Very well done and kept me completely enthralled – and yes, wrapped comfortably under my blanket.

“Smile” is a chilling horror film that pushes the boundaries of fear and psychological terror. It explores themes of paranoia, isolation, and the fragility of the human mind. With its expertly crafted suspense, intense performances, and mind-bending twists, this movie will leave audiences questioning their own perception of reality and the true nature of the smiles we encounter in our everyday lives. Brace yourself for a gripping and nightmarish journey that will leave you breathless.

If you enjoy the “Smile” Movie review visit our blog at The Ritual for related movie and book reviews.

Synopsis

Specifically, the vague something that dogs Dr. Rose Cotter (Sosie Bacon) throughout “Smile” likes the taste of people who have witnessed someone else dying by suicide—gruesome, painful, bloody suicide, by garden shears and oncoming trains and the shattered fragments of a ceramic vase in a hospital intake room. In this captivating scene, Rose has a chance encounter with Laura, a brilliant PhD student who finds herself in the psychiatric emergency ward where Rose is employed. With trembling fear, Laura believes she is being pursued by an unknown entity.

Laura vividly describes a mysterious entity that has been haunting her since she witnessed a shocking and tragic incident involving her professor. Disturbingly, she explains that this thing appears human-like in nature, yet it is undeniably not a person. The intensity of the situation is evident as Laura recounts the event just four days ago when her professor tragically took his own life with a hammer. At the end of the extended dialogue scene that opens the film, Laura turns to Rose with a psychotic grin on her face and proceeds to slit her own throat.

You can watch “Smile” on Amazon here.

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This unsettling situation would affect anyone, but it has a particularly profound impact on Rose due to the tragic loss of her own mother to suicide many years ago. That lingering trauma, and the fears and stigma that surround it, form the film’s most intelligent thematic thread. In the film, Rose’s fiance Trevor (played by Jessie T. Usher) honestly shares that he has conducted online research on inherited mental illnesses. However, it is important to note that the film employs some unkind terms like “nutjobs,” “crazies,” and “head cases” when referring to individuals with mental health conditions.

The notion that Rose’s afflictions may stem from her own internal struggles, rather than being caused by the same malevolent force that took Laura’s life, seems to deeply trouble her. It appears that she is more unsettled by the idea of grappling with her own hallucinations, lost time, and emotional instability than the prospect of being cursed.

Rose’s circle, which includes Trevor, her therapist Dr. Northcott (played by Robin Weigert), her boss Dr. Desai (portrayed by Kal Penn), and her sister Holly (acted by Gillian Zinzer), are convinced that the issues she faces are rooted in neurochemical imbalances rather than anything supernatural. However, they soon realize their mistake, but unfortunately, it is already too late.

You can watch “Smile” on Amazon here.

The sole believer in Rose’s innocence happens to be her ex-boyfriend, Joel (played by Kyle Gallner), who is coincidentally working as a police officer assigned to Laura’s case. Their cautious reunion not only adds depth to the story but also unravels the intriguing mystery that drives much of the film’s engaging 115-minute runtime.

Prepare to be captivated by the gripping storyline of this supernatural horror-mystery film. It skillfully weaves together a series of thrilling events, starting with a simple Google search and escalating to an intense, in-person interview with a traumatized survivor who is currently imprisoned. Discover the true nature of this malevolent entity as the suspense builds throughout the movie. A mere mention is given to a series of related incidents in Brazil, enticing the possibility of a thrilling sequel.

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The greatest strength of “Smile” lies in its unyielding and overwhelming sense of intensity. This film fearlessly portrays a world where the innocence of children and beloved pets is just as precarious as that of adults. The horror elements are depicted in a visceral and unsettling manner, perfectly aligning with the film’s bleak themes. Bacon’s powerful and raw portrayal of Rose in this film adds an undeniable intensity to the story. In a particularly gripping scene, she passionately exclaims, “I am not crazy!” only to immediately show vulnerability by mumbling an apology and averting her gaze in shame towards her shoes.

The clever use of contrasting emotions in Rose’s character brings viewers on a captivating journey, making her character more nuanced and genuine. This adds an extra touch of authenticity and depth to the overall narrative, leaving a lasting impact on the audience. In another scene, her pale smile at her nephew’s birthday party serves as a stark contrast to the sinister grin that the entity’s victims witness before their demise. Moreover, this relatable moment resonates with viewers who have experienced the struggle of attending similar social gatherings while battling through a depressive episode.

The Following movie review was written by a dark fiction author, Willy Martinez, to be released on the Ritual Blog for Mind on Fire Books.A.R. Braun on Mind on Fire Books

Author of dark fiction Mythology, “The Sigua” and short visceral fiction, “Flora.”

Willy Martinez is also featured in our anthology Mad Men, available for sale now.

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The Sigua – Part 2 – Dark Fiction

You have heard of la Llorona no doubt, but have you heard of The Sigua? 

Similar to la llorona,  The Sigua is a similar tale told in central America,  within the Salvadoran,  Honduran and Guatemalan countries.  Instead of this being a tale told to kids to behave,  the Sigua is told to young men to behave and to respect women.  

The Sigua is said to have alluring beauty,  effervescent skin, long flowing black hair,  complimenting curves,  and worst of all,  a horse face! 

She’s the Medusa of Central America. Her looks can drive men mad, the legally insane type of mad. 

We will be releasing the full short story in three parts. If you enjoy it and want to support the author, check it out here.

Our Gothic Summer Giveaway Sale includes this dark fiction short. Simply enter coupon code BNPLEGENDS at the checkout until September 20, 2023.

The Sigua by Willy Martinez Part 2

Alvarado’s account of 1524:

While recovering in the infirmary from my battle wound against these savage people, the Pipil natives, I met a fellow alumbrado (enlightened one.) Juan De La Cruz and I passed the time talking about gold hunts and medicinal journeys into the psyche brought on by local medicine men. We were both aware of the extensive gold mines in the area, but we are not men motivated by money. As Masons, we are captivated by the local lore and tales of Atlantean tablets, and underground tunnels leading into what the savages referred to as “Xibalba,“ or, their version of the underworld.

My infirmary mate swore on God that he had seen this entrance for himself and had learned magic from a medicine man. I, of course, did not believe such lies at first, but then, what he had to show me next made me question even the existence of our God. You see, padre, this man could start fires from nothing. It was not uncommon for him to light a tobacco pipe with the snap of his fingers as he told me about Xibalba and the journey of a set of twin boys travelling into the underworld.

As we both recovered from our injuries, Juan De La Cruz would tell me all about the Popol Vuh, the famous Mayan myth. And I in return would share my tobacco with him as I related my own experiences on the conquest of the Aztecs to the North. Until one day, he was gone. I simply assumed that he had recovered enough to be sent out back to his unit.

Upon my recovery, I immediately set out to find a medicine man that could furnish the way into the jungles, and into these underground caves. At first, many did not want to admit to being practitioners of local medicine due to fear of being burnt on the cross, but eventually one of them found me.

He materialized outside my hut standing up straight with his eyes focused on nothing, in what seemed to be a type of meditation. Before I could even ask him anything, he turned to me and said in the local tongue, Nahuatl, the word, “Xibalba.”

I nodded to him, “Si, take me to Xibalba.”

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He was a dark-complexioned man with dark brown eyes, almost black even, with strong straight features, unlike the rest of the locals with their curved foreheads and toucan bird noses. He spoke broken Spanish. He had no name, he had no family, and he did not even want a payment for this trip, other than he wanted us to set him free into the jungle. A fair trade I thought, one man’s freedom for eternal knowledge.

Soon, I recruited a team of five of the best conquistadors I had served with in battle, some of the most blood hungry warriors I could find. The biggest one was Ernesto. I once saw Ernesto tussle with two natives at once, ending the fight by bashing both of their heads in with a small rock. He didn’t even wince as he crushed their skulls open like soft watermelons, splattering brain matter across his face, drenching his hands and the stone with warm native blood.

It took some persuading at first. These men had grown accustomed to having as many women as they pleased from the local villages, but luckily, these were poor men and had joined the conquest to earn money for their families back in Espana. I convinced them of the reality and elegance of these cave systems and told them they could split the riches five ways, just amongst themselves. I told them that the riches would rival that of the Aztec King.

The morning of our journey, the medicine man waited for us outside our huts, he dressed in his native attire; a cloth woven garb painted indigo with a cleanly shaven head. His face was decorated in small galaxies of war paint, and he carried with him a satchel and long carved out stick. On his shoulder sat a colorful macaw clicking its beak. I thought we would never get past the guards to exit the camp but in his poor Spanish tongue, he assured me of his previous passages without a problem. The men and I suited up for battle, armed with swords, helmets and chain armor. We were to tell the guards we were going out on a patrol of the Western Cuscatlan area.

If you enjoy “The Sigua,” visit our blog at The Ritual for related flash fiction.

What started off as a sunny morning soon became ominous as we walked through the marketplace. The regular chatter was at a standstill, as that morning, the prisoners were allowed to host their pre-hunting ceremony. The aroma of copal and dried blood flooded our noses as the ceremonial priest held up the heart of a deer, chanting mierdas (bullshit). As the priest lowered the heart onto the rubber fire, his eyes locked onto mine and he grinned. Tossing the heart unto the flames irritated the fire to shoot embers towards the crowd, quickly igniting a few of their clothes. Being in shackles though, they could not stamp out the fires with their hands as they yelled “Sihuehuet’ in agony. They were being burned alive as the priest kept his lock on me. ‘Sihuehuet’ he repeated as he stared through me.

In the chaos of the guards running in to stampede the fire and roaring crowd, we made a break for the gate. The seven of us were able to walk through the gates without question as the guards were preoccupied with the situation inside camp.

With the skies now grey with smoke and suddenly cloudy, our journey to Xibalba began. Pushing up towards the sky shot out the largest Volcano of the land, Llamatepec. With the macaw still on his shoulder, the medicine man pointed towards the volcano with his stick and began to lead the way through the thick jungle.

Passing through ponds, small pyramid structures, white tail deer, rabbits, and large bugs, I couldn’t help but feel we were going in circles. We passed stones that I could have sworn that we had already passed. I directed these thoughts to the medicine man, but he ignored me and kept on.

“Let me kill him,” retorted Ernesto. “I don’t trust this one.”

“You don’t trust any of them,” said another conquistador and they all laughed as they cut through the thick brush with their machetes.

Blinded by my search for geophysical evidence of the underworld, I neglected to notice one of the men had gone missing. It’s true that we stopped along one of the small villages along the way to pilfer some food from the locals. All the men from the village had already been taken as prisoners, and what remained were women and children. The women of this land were extremely beautiful and were accustomed to roaming around topless, no doubt, exciting the men as we walked through.

At the center of this small village rested a large ceiba tree. Around the base of the tree was decorated with a beautiful flower arrangement and collection of Xtabentun and tzacam flowers. A pair of twins stood there topless with dark hair and dark jet-black eyes. They brushed their hair with a brush made of tzacam as they smiled at us as we walked past. No doubt it was an invite, but why?

If you enjoy “The Sigua,” visit our blog at The Ritual for related flash fiction.

It was difficult to keep the men focused and the missing man himself was determined to conquer one of the women. Perhaps he stayed in the village, subduing as many women as he could corner.

There was no time to lose, and I wasn’t about to alert the men, they would tear the medicine man to shreds if they knew we had lost the man behind me. Time immemorial awaited us.

At dusk the sky was cleared and orange. We had now ventured off the deep cartwheel tracks that the natives used for trade and ventured into the thick forests towards the volcano once more. We had made it to the base of the volcano when we stopped. As the men drank water, they asked about the missing man I had left behind. This caused a ruckus amongst us which had the men split into two sides; those that wanted to go back, and those that wanted to continue the search.

We were at each other’s throats over the loss of one of our men when the medicine man presented a heart from out of his satchel. We froze as it dripped with what appeared to be fresh blood. He squeezed it tight as the ventricles wrapped around his hand, up through his wrist.

“We must make an offering prior to entry,” he said in broken spanish.

“Wasn’t our compadre enough of an offering,” shouts Ernesto as he burrowed towards the medicine man.

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I unsheathed my sword and placed it between Ernesto and the medicine man. “Didn’t you hear him? He said prior to entry, we must be near.”

The heart was placed on the nearest flat rock as the seer raised his hands and began chanting in the native tongue, Nahuatl.

Tolteca icuilihuia ahaa ya ha on tlantoc amoxtli ya moyollo ya on aya mochonaciticac o o Toltecayootl aic aya ninemiz ye nican ay yo.

The Toltecs have been taken, alas, the book of their souls has come to an end, alas, everything of the Toltecs has reached its conclusion, no longer do I care to live here.

Ac ya nechcuiliz, ac ye nohuan oyaz o, nicaz a anni icuihuan aya y yancuicanitl y yehetl y noxochiuh non cuica ihuitequi onteixpan ayyo.

Who will take me? Who will go with me? I am ready to be taken, alas. All that was fresh, the perfume, my flowers, my songs, have gone along with them.

(From A Song Lamenting the Toltecs)

At the conclusion of his offering, I swear to you, and your beloved God, Jesus Christ, this heart came alive before our very own eyes. It was now animated as it began to palpitate. We all took a step back in fear of the moment. It palpitated once more. Ernesto swiftly pulled out his sword and chopped at the heart, cutting it into two.

“Enough of this possession, take us now,” demanded Ernesto.

Both the macaw and the medicine man laughed hysterically as he mumbled something in the native tongue. Although I did not understand his banter, I did however recall one of the words from earlier in the day, ‘Sihuehuet.’

“Now, take us to the underground,” I urged.

As a dark night had now fallen, we lit torches and prepared to go underground. The medicine man had taken us through the heavy forested volcanic landscape, and we now stood at a steep 100-meter volcanic cliff shooting upwards towards the skies. I could tell the cliffs were painted with petroglyphs but couldn’t make them out from where we stood. We came to the entrance of an underground cave, nestled into the thick jungle, just past a small pyramid that had been retaken by the jungles vines and plants. This pyramid had been abandoned for many years, I thought. The natural opening in the earth was about 10 meters in width and 20 meters in length, surrounded by large basalt rocks of the area. Four large statues adorned the cave entrance in each cardinal direction. They were replicas of the same rain God, Chac Mool, laying down, gracefully holding pots on their bellies with their heads turned towards the forests.

One of the men unraveled the rope we brought and tied one end to a tree, throwing the remainder slack down into the cave opening. We couldn’t see where it ended so I threw my torch down into the hole. As my heart raced to discover what rests in time immemorial, I was the first to descend into Xibalba.

Copyright © 2023 By Mind on Fire Books

All Rights Reserved. This is a work of fiction. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior permission in writing of the publisher or authors, not be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover than that in which it is published and without similar condition including this coordination being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.

The Sigua is a short story written by Willy Martinez.

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Beyond the Walls of “Hull House” by Jane Addams

Jane Addam’s memoir, Twenty Years at Hull House opens up a vivid account of life
during the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Addams begins this piece with her upbringing as a child but she doesn’t stop with her life though, in fact, her upbringing is what leads her to branch out and grow a diverse set of relationships with other people and discourse communities in the Chicagoland area.

In this novel, we see the different classes, political factions and immigration perspectives that were prevalent during the time of Hull House. Offering such a wide telling of tales and interpersonal relationships can help illustrate the development of Illinoisan society and culture; this memoir is so rich with information, there are so many cultural, economic and social queues that a historian could use to bring this subject to life with ease. Jane Addams even makes it clear of these virtues when she writes that “The settlement, then, is an experimental effort to aid in the solution of the social and industrial problems which are engendered by the modern conditions of life in a great city” (95).

A quick Summary of “Hull House” by Jane Addams

“Hull House” by Jane Addams was a groundbreaking social experiment that aimed to address the pressing social issues that plagued the urban poor in Chicago during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Addams established Hull House as a settlement house, a place where immigrants and working-class individuals could find refuge, education, and support. Through various programs and services, Addams and her team sought to uplift the community, offering childcare, healthcare, vocational training, and cultural enrichment. Hull House became a symbol of hope, fostering a sense of community and social justice, while also advocating for political and social reforms. Addams’ work at Hull House not only left a lasting impact on Chicago but also inspired a generation of activists and reformers.

Jane Addams appeals to different classes of people. She has littered this memoir with so
much information, both direct and indirectly about social standards at the time. Hull House mainly dealt with the under privileged or low class residents, but she makes it clear that “men and women of education and refinement come to live in a cheaper neighborhood because they lack the ability to make money, because of ill health, because of an unfortunate marriage, or for other reasons which do not imply criminality or stupidity” (84).

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In other words, it doesn’t matter where we come from, we are all subject to period of decline or hardships in our lives. This book does an excellent job of illustrating this period of decline and how working together can propel a people to the forefront of political scenarios. Before Jane Addams begins to describe the experiences on Halsted Street, she speaks about her education and personal life. These personal
experiences show us what the education of a privileged woman was at the time. She talks about reading the classics and learning to speak Latin (48).

She adds credibility to her story when she tells the readers in the beginning that even as a child, she could recall ‘horrid nights’ because she “had told a lie” (43). Much of her introduction to the memoir discusses the influence which her father had on her life. She relays that her father was a man of the people, he was a philanthropist. This philanthropist spirit is then repeated again with the influence of Lincoln.

La Siguanaba (English/Spanish)

Delve into an ancient tale of the Spanish conquest of the Mayan lands in Latin America and discover the truth behind La Siguanaba. Experience a story full of suspense, mystery, and adventure as you uncover the secrets of this mythical being.

The figure of La Siguanaba has been shrouded in mystery for centuries, and her story has been passed down through generations. Many believe that she is a dark female figure who brings bad luck to those who cross her path. However, there may be more to this mysterious figure than meets the eye – some say that she carries powerful symbols of transformation and power.

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The Importance of Education, According to Jane Addams in Hull House

Another big idea or movement which can be placed under the topic of social standards can be read in the chapter on Tolstoyism. The title itself is indicative of how an educated person (Jane Addams) thinks about social reformation and how their government works. This is also interesting because we now have a foreigner come into the picture with his ideals, yet they are similar to those of Lincoln, at least according to Addams.

The connection comes in how each speaker, Tolstoy and Lincoln, both talk about how important the people are, regardless of class or culture. A government, or a small community has to involved in order for it to succeed. The minds of the educated at this time were reading Tolstoy after having grown up during the civil war, this argument helps illuminate how important social expectations were and how they were perceived (150).

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Culturally, a historian can follow up on much media or influence of public subjects to be able to arrange the information through a lens regarding the different ideologies. Including a chapter on how President Lincoln influenced not only her life, but the lives of many children is a good account of what Illinoisans thought about the President that had come from their very own state. Her father would speak of the “the great name [Lincoln] with thrill” (53).

Jane Addams was modest; when asked about her plans to make Hull House the greatest institution on the West Side, she replied that she had “no ambition to make Hull House the largest institution, but that[they] were much more concerned that [their] neighbors should be protected from untoward conditions of work” (54). This modesty was inspired by Lincoln and his contemporaries in an attempt to practice the great art of being self-governed.

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This idea of being self governed which was inspired by President Lincoln is what made Jane Addams realize that “if this tremendous experiment was to come to fruition, it must be brought about by the people themselves; that there was no other capital fund upon which to draw” (54). Clearly, the people of Illinois had a strong conviction towards the work of Lincoln and the community.

Another cultural study and also away in which Hull House helped educate the community was by offering reading parties. These gatherings illustrate how the poor community was educated in literature. These courses then grew into other discourse fields such as math, speech, speaking English, cooking and even how to complete the common house chores.

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Most of these were educational in the academic sense but the interesting one to note is the class on house chores. Addams tells us how there were so many immigrants that were used to working long days, so they never learned how to properly take care of their homes, clothes and cooking.

A historian can take this information to paint a picture of how these immigrants were so committed to supporting their family financially, they were hard working individuals. They worked so hard for other companies that they didn’t even have time to learn how to take care of their selves. This has a lot to do with identity. One would think that these immigrants would pass on the traditions of cooking or home making, but life in the new world made it hard.

This working class had to be realigned with pretty much the basics of taking care of themselves. And even the educated fell into this realm of having to re identify themselves: a woman “of English birth, was well bred and carefully educated, but was in the midst of that bitter struggle which awaits so many strangers in American cities who find that their social position tends to be measured solely by the standards of living they are able to maintain” (82).

Adam’s posits the notion that “a man’s action is found in his social relationships in the way in which he connect with his fellows; that his motives for action are the zeal and affection with which he regards his fellows” (94). The last event regarding the cultural analysis comes in chapter 11: Immigrants and their children.

Generational Differences in Hull House

Addams points out the differences between the generations. The first generation of immigrants still dresses like they did back where they came from and they do it with pride. This first generation also reminisces much a bout walking “plowed fields” and having breathed “country air”, while the second generation doesn’t feel like they should dress in their old culture.

Neither do they talk about walking the old country, rather, the boys laugh at their drunk fathers, but that when these boys would later drinking their lives, they would have “no pastoral interlude” (136). Not only do we learn about the ideological transition between the two generations, we also can infer that both generations like to drink, according to Addams. Jane Addams also gives its reader many views on the economic situation during the era of Hull House.

One view can be read when she offers us a description of the rural life which I think can also be used as a metaphor for how the upper class treated the underprivileged foreigners: “a number of starved hogs – collateral for a promissory note – were huddled into an open pen. Their backs were humped in a curious, camel-like fashion, and they were devouring one of their own number, the latest victim of absolute starvation or possibly merely the one least able to defend himself against their voracious hunger” (75).

This passage invokes a parallel of the community; the privileged continue to pick on the helpless in an already poor society. These upper classmen tried to keep the foreigners under paid and in unhealthy conditions but Hull House stood against them. Another example of the economic outlook comes to light when Addams sheds light on the working conditions of children. In chapter 10, Addams relays a story in which three boys were injured at work due to a “lack of guard which would have cost but a few dollars” on a machine (122). She then finds out that there are also many children working in the sweat shops with their mothers.

These children were also helping their parents at work because they spoke English better than their parents, in essence, they needed to go to work or else their parents would lose their jobs. But the only child labor law at the time was restricted to children working at the mines. This is when Addams and Mrs. Kelly suggest to the Illinois State Bureau of Labor that they investigate the “sweating system in Chicago” ( 123). Jane Adam’s memoir spans throughout twenty years as the title indicates, but it also spans many social perspectives.

In Review of Hull House by Jane Addams

A historian can read about economic differences based on class or political standings, and they can also make explicit the underpinnings of how they perceived social standards based on Tolstoy or Lincoln. The thickest thread of relevance here lay in the authors experiences about culture. The cultural references can be found throughout each chapter.

There really are so many layers in this short memoir, since it spans so many years and is rooted in the liberal arts tradition that any historian should not have any problems with finding information here to illustrate the community at the time. They might actually have a problem with having to limit the amount of information, but definitely not finding something to talk about.

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