Journal 13

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?

The object that symbolizes him is the furled sail. It symbolizes him because he is the kind of person that shys away from others and doesn’t adventure towards love. He is a furled sail because he is closed and reserved, and he isn’t open to the world.

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 was different because she went out and did things with others. She didn’t stay on the sidelines in the shadows. Instead, she played games, danced, and got married, as well as raised 12 children. She did and became what every woman at that time strived to be.

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

They’re standard in many ways. They may not be very similar, but they are average lives. Some may live to be old with a big family, while others may live out their lives without anyone to love.