Journal #5- Death pastiche ch.9-10

     Now Johnny began to think about jealousy.  Jealousy, that twisted fiend with the large eyes that lived within every man's heart.  The despicable one who resided in a tunnel, like blinders, unable to to see the larger picture. What would Jealousy have need of outside influences for, what words could ease its sentiments. It lives alone, tormented in its pitiful shell only able to see what it desires. It lives hateful and hidden, with its true emotions set aside, waiting for the subject of scorn to pass out of earshot.  It has been living there for all of man's existence, before they could speak or own. Most likely, he would find a green glint from the foul creature flashing in his eyes pretty soon.  However, he pitied his friend's life.  Poor Denny! He ought not to try and tackle depression in there by himself.  He sent in Lisa to suggest a trip to the park, but Denny said no.  These activities were beneficial to the mildly depressed, but wouldn't do a thing to help him recover from his emotional state.  He wasn't about to cry for any reason.  That was what he truly believed.  But Lisa told him different, so he understood.  And even if she hadn't, the following day he was sure to understand, for friends and family began to gather in the kitchen, next to the refrigerator and the microwave.  Those who had previously never entered the apartment now congregated there freely, but did not enter his room.  Only sat in chairs and waited.  Hope, the soaring eagle of chance, glimmered faintly in the room.

I based my pastiche off of a movie called "The Room" and used its characters and themes to relate to Hurston's writing.  Although this scene never takes place in the movie, it could have very well been added as a prologue.  I followed Hurston's use of personification of an abstract idea, like death, and emulated it using jealousy, a key aspect from the movie.  I went into detail describing jealousy and its interactions with human beings like Hurston, making it easier for the reader to relate to and understand its inner workings and fundamental ideas.  Later I emulated Hurston's switching of focus to a different, but related topic.  Although Johnny is jealous of Denny's carefree lifestyle, he still pities him, understanding his difficult situation of having to come of age with no parents around.  I included a group gathering outside of Denny's room much like Hurston did with the townsfolks, but instead of having the intention of learning the latest gossip, Denny's friends were there to support and comfort him in his time of need.