MuskaE_B08L07D_Blog5

Summary

It’s March. Katherine feels amazing, because she is with Michael. They see each other at every chance. Artie was accepted to a dramatic arts school, but his Dad is not going to let him go. Artie seems depressed at times. Michael blames it on Artie’s dislike for school. Michael goes skiing for two weeks with Sharon and Ike. (Michael’s working towards his instructors pin.) Katherine’s family keeps her occupied, but she still misses Michael terribly. Katherine’s parents tell stories of themselves “going steady”. Katherine thinks to herself that she is not “going steady”, but in real love. Her mother brings up college. Katherine then wants to apply to the schools Michael has. Her mother points out that they can visit during breaks or transfer. They will grow while apart. Katherine is pleased. Michael comes home early; they are ecstatic to see each other. Katherine makes a joke about VD. Michael doesn’t laugh; he once had VD from a girl in Maine. Katherine learns that the only sex Michael had was twice with this girl. Katherine is surprised; she thought he was more experienced. Michael gets upset, because the night isn’t going well. Katherine cries. They start over. Michael has the key to his sister’s apartment. He says they can just talk. Michael tells Katherine she is beautiful. They kiss. They touch each other. They go to the apartment the next night. Katherine is worried about bleeding, so they go on the floor with a towel. Michael says he’s never had sex with anyone he’s loved. Katherine makes Michael put a condom on. Michael comes early, so they take a break. They have sex. Michael is pleased; Katherine is not. Michael blames the cheap condom. He adds next time will be better. Katherine is disappointed, but glad it’s over. She was scared.

Things That Make Me Go “Hmm”

I was surprised by Artie’s attitude. He was so depressed! In addition, Michael is very defensive in his friend’s behalf. Michael blames Artie’s mood on his displeasure of school, but I wonder if it has something to do with his sexuality. (Artie is unsure of his sexuality.) That uncertainty may be contributing to his genuine unhappiness.

“Going steady”, which Katherine’s parents talk about, is an old fashioned term for a long term relationship.

Katherine’s father tells her she’d be happier if she wasn’t “tied down to one boy”. I think Katherine’s dad is very protective of his daughter, and that he wants to see her happy. Katherine may have trouble seeing this though, because she is so enthralled with Michael.

I wasn’t positive what VD was. VD stands for venereal disease. Venereal diseases were known as such until the 1990’s. After the 1990’s they became more commonly known as sexually transmitted diseases.

Michael shows Katherine around his sister’s (Sharon’s) apartment. When Michael does so Katherine tells him that she doesn’t want Sharon to know she was there. When Katherine says this, she further shows her timid side. Katherine is reserved in many aspects of her relationship and personality. She is the opposite of her best friend Erica, who is open.

Assigned Focus-Sociogram

Explanation of Sociogram
Katherine Danziger-nightgown
Katherine is no longer a virgin on a night she wears her favorite nightgown. It is white.
Michael Wagner-glasses
Michael wears glasses. He takes them off before kissing Katherine.
Sharon-skull
Sharon is an anthropologist. Sharon is Michael's sister.
Sharon and Ike are married, and smoke grass together.
Ike-physician's symbol
Ike is a doctor.
Erica Small-shorts
Erica is really short (less than five feet). Erica is reaching out to Artie, in order to help him understand his sexuality.
Sybil-light bulb
Sybil is a very smart girl, academically. Sybil has not appeared in the story since the first chapter. Sybil is Erica's cousin.
Artie Lewin-male homosexual symbol
Artie tells Erica that he is unsure of his sexuality. I didn't want to use the male homosexuality symbol in a labeling way, but rather to express this fact.
The house represents the people that are in Katherine's family.
Mrs. Danziger (Donna Danziger)-librarian symbol
Katherine's mom is a librarian.
Mr. Danziger (Roger Danziger)-pharmacist symbol
Katherine's dad is a pharmacist, and owns two drug stores.
Jamie Danziger-Chef hat, paintbrush, music notes
Jamie is a gifted child. She cooks gourmet meals, paints, and plays the piano.
Katherine's grandpa-cane
Katherine's grandfather walks with a cane ever since he had a stroke.
Katherine's grandma-birth control packet
Katherine's grandmother is involved in Planned Parenthood. She is concerned with Katherine's sex life. She worries about Katherine becoming pregnant or contracting a sexually transmitted disease.
Tommy Aronson-bed
Tom was Katherine's boyfriend, so that he could have sex with her. He is significantly absent from the story; Katherine briefly mentions him. Tommy is Katherine's ex-boyfriend.
Elizabeth-bikini
Elizabeth wears a tiny bikini in the play that Michael and Katherine attend. Elizabeth is Michael's ex-girlfriend.