AMERICAN LITERATURE

GROUP 3 (Periods 10-12)

SUMMARY AND INTERPRETATION ESSAY

Love, actually,
Ain't have a mere boundary,
Will you come with me?
How to precisely define a 'conventional and proper' marriage? Will we be considered eccentric and unethical should we deviate from
those precepts? But then, is it advisable to follow these rules just to comfort others – the conservatives?   These are a few questions
arising in people's minds regarding the matter of 'unconventional' marriage. The short story "Will you be mine?" talks about a beautiful
love story in which two protagonists struggle to go beyond social norms in order to get together. This writing will ventilate some
rationales that the more we abstain from our true feelings, the more prevalent those feelings become, and more importantly, the love
one person has for another should not and cannot be confined to only one factor - sexual orientation. 

The event on which the story is founded when Emma, a diminutive and diffident girl who has a crush on her dearest friend – Jany. At
the beginning of the short story, Emma comes across as a fragile and disadvantageous character who evokes the reader's sympathy.
This is where the plot begins. Ironically, at the very first stage, they struggle to conceal their true feelings. Jay is Emma's boyfriend.
However, there seems to be no affection between them. The moment when Emma endures the burden and the bout of depression
imposed by conventional social norms, she works out who she loves passionately and what her love truly is. Interestingly, the story
does not follow the chronological order, it begins with the relationship between Emma and Jay, which arouses readers’ curiosity of this
relationship. They are hanging out at a coffee shop, then Jay gives Emma a present - it is a book. However, this book is very meaningful
to Emma because she gave Jany the same one and it reminds Emma of the past - when she met Jany and how they have become best
friend since then. In the rising progression, it is when Emma recollects old scenes in secondary school, while the bad-tempered
classmates are bullying Emma, Jany appears and rescues her, and they have been good friends since then. This incident is the
foreboding for the change in their "friendship" later on. Time passed rapidly, and now they are high school students. On Jany's
birthday, Emma gives her the book "The Great Gatsby." At this very first time, Jany thinks she is falling in love with Emma. Due to her
fear of not being accepted, Jany hides her genuine feelings. She could only write the piece of paper "Will you be mine?" and stuck it in
the book Emma gave her. Many years later on, they become students at university, and their friendship gradually fades away; they
rarely meet or talk to each other. Eventually, Emma seems to realize that she loves Jany. Suddenly one day after three years of no
meeting, Emma comes to visit Jany.
The climax of the story is when Emma accidentally sees the paper with the words "Will you be mine?" in the book that she has given to
Jany before. She asks Jany, but Jany denies her true love by saying she is falling in love with a guy. The series of events leading to the
resolution of the story's conflict is when both of them feel disappointed and disheartened after Jany explains the piece of paper. They
keep sitting there, petrified with fears and sorrows, listen to music, and follow their own thoughts. Emma begins a new relationship
with Jay, who loves her sincerely. However, all the tender, caring love Jay gives her solely reminds her of the beautiful memories she
used to have with Jany. She cannot clarify her feelings, seeking someone who could listen to her, and she decides to tell everything to
her sister. Fortunately, her sister was very sympathetic to her, and she advised her to follow her heart. During the resolution, Emma ran
to Jany's house. Fondling a love letter, Jany heard the bell; she ran down to open the door; Emma hugged her, and at that time, Jany
picked up the "Will you be mine?" paper behind. When it comes to the story's conflicts, the central conflict in the story is the outdated
social norms, and the true loves of homosexuals. In a society where only heterosexual loves are dignified, homosexual people are
usually disdained and marred by obvious suppressions. That's why they cannot accept and struggle with such pure and beautiful love.

Regarding the social environment at the secondary school, students have a tendency to see themselves as adults, and at an
impressionable age, their characteristics somehow negatively change. They are easy to be angry or annoyed by things that are not
pleasant to them, and they think they have the rights to solve things whose causes making them feel unpleasant. Emma did not help
the three other students - Mia, Patricia, and Barbara in the test, so Emma irritated them. They felt angry and wanted to solve things
themselves, although they were not allowed to do it. They still tried to bully Emma to please themselves. Given the physical
environment at the first stage in the story, we can see that Emma was browbeaten by other students; there were three bullying students
there, but only one Emma. Having witnessed that unpleasant incident, Jany felt that she must do something to help Emma. When
Emma and Jany came to high school, they were more privy to their true feelings. At that age, the sense of love appeared, and they
could realize it through each other's actions. The way they took day-to-day care of each other somehow expressed their first senses of
affection, but they thought it must not have been called "love" because they were girls, and they could not fall in love with each other.
In sum, Emma paid attention to Jany's hobby, and she knew Jany loved reading. Hence, she also paid attention to the author, who Jany
often loved to read. Emma gave Jany the book "The Great Gatsby" because she observed and knew the author of that book was Jany's
favorite. Jany appreciated Emma's kindness, and she had many feelings for Emma. Nevertheless, for fear of the fact that Emma would
put her foot down, Jany did not dare to confess and believe in what she was honestly thinking. That was also because they were good
friends, so thinking and caring for each other was the must-do and normal things. She did not discover her real feelings yet; she
thought that was what a good friend should do. She did not believe that she liked Jany or vice versa because it could not be love
happening between them – it was abnormal and quirky. Time flies and they have become students at university for more than three
years. Gilbert School – one of the most prestigious universities and also the place where these girls dreamt of studying – requires
students to focus their attention on researching and cultivating themself. Over that period, they rarely met or talked to each other. Once
in a blue moon, there were just small conversations on Facebook, always starting with "How is it going?" and ending with "I'm glad to
know you are still doing well. Take care". Nothing more. Time could fade things away, but the precious memories and feelings they
gave to each other never fade away. They were just obscured by the strength of time. When Emma came to Jany's house which was a
small white 2-storey house located in the heart of Palacios city, Texas. There was a small yet dainty garden at the entrance to her house,
where Jany personally plants many beautiful tulips. Emma was overwhelmed by the forest of tulips' beauty in full bloom. It's a
reasonably peaceful place with pure air wafting in flowers, gentle and pure like Jany's soul.  Jany's room is where they used to study
together and confide secrets to Jany. They had lots of beautiful memories here, and this room was like Emma's second little nest. It's a
tranquil and pristine place with pure air wafting in flowers and gentle and pure like Jany's soul. Besides, the familiar spectacle made
Emma recall the memories of when Jany helped her, which urged Emma to chase her love feeling for Jany.

Looking into the main character in the short story, we can work out that Emma is a reticent girl. She comes across as a fragile and
disadvantageous character. Given the fact that her friends snobbishly bullied her, the reader can figure out that she does not have many
friends during her school years. The way Jany rescued her is a glimmer of hope for Emma to get out of her loneliness, to make friends,
and to confide her secrets. However, their friendship grows bigger and bigger; they cannot conceal what they truly feel and what their
hearts guide them. The bond between Emma and Jany has not been like normal friends since Jany's birthday. And through many ups
and downs in Emma's mind, that friendship was converted into another value. Time ticking by, they become students at university.
Overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of life, their friendship gradually fades away since they rarely meet or talk to each other.
Nonetheless, deep down in their heart, there is still the prevalence of that unique value – love. This is particularly true of her refusal to
Jay, who loves her sincerely.  Suddenly one day after three years of no meeting, Emma comes to visit Jany. From the beginning to this
stage of the story, Emma accepts her true feelings for the very first time ever. This is the testimony to the fact that Emma is a dynamic
character, and that she has suffered from the stressors and the bout of depression. Conservative attitudes toward homosexual love and
marriage affect her choice of confiding her true love for Jany. The reserved girl we see that the beginning of the story has transformed
into a courageous and determined heroine. Living in the twenty-first century, Emma is still scared of her love emotions - "But don't you
think I'm weird or sick when I have feelings for a girl like me?". She thought that she would face aggressive discrimination from
society, peers, family, and even teachers and administrations.  Because most parents and school officials would prefer their children to
be straight rather than be in a same-sex relationship, this preference could be a contributing factor in discrimination against
homosexual communities. However, her sister was more supportive and respectful of her real emotion. This era is the time when
adolescents embrace their children no matter what their sexual orientation is, and family is the primary source for seeking support and
guidance. 

Regarding Jany, the reader can initially see that Jany is not a normal girl. She was endowed with the courage to protect people in need.
Jany is a strong person, not afraid of evil, despite the bullying of 3 people, but still alone saves Emma. Like Emma, she also gets
through an emotional journey.  From the first time she received Emma's book with a surprising and delighting attitude, Jany turned out
to be her best friend, and they were very close to each other. The farewell party is a significant occasion because Jany and Emma will no
longer study at the same school, they will go to separate universities and have new relationships, their "friendship" might crack or even
vanish. Therefore, Jany must consider whether she should confess her true feelings or continue to hide this love and let it fall into
oblivion. Unfortunately, due to her fear of not being accepted, Jany scruples to tell Emma the truth and decides to hide her genuine
feelings – "How would you react to this truth? Do you love me?" Jany thought. She could only write the piece of paper "Will you be
mine?" and stuck it in the book Emma gave her. The size of the paper represents her endeavor to make the shrinkage of her love for
Emma, preserving the common friendship that has been universally accepted. The additional point is that Jany denies her true love by
saying she is falling in love with a guy when Emma suddenly sees the paper. We can easily notice that Jany has fallen into
concentration lapse many times; she is presumably enduring inner fights. There is a conflict inside her between two opposite forces:
worry and affection. She has endeavored to preserve the truth. But finally, monstrous affection and real feelings won. Now she has
come to an admission that social norms are no comparison to your own love and who you love. 

When it comes to some supporting characters, Jay and Emma's elder sister also play a vital role in the plot of this short story. Regarding
Emma's elder sister, she is a successful entrepreneur, and Emma's family has been very prominent. However, when Emma confers her
sister on her problems, it makes the reader astounded that her sister appears to be a very thoughtful and, more importantly, open-
minded person. She realizes Emma’s problems and what her younger sister intends to say. Emma's sister represents the considerable
alteration of current society towards same-sex love and marriage. At first, Emma is worried and preoccupied, but afterward, her sister’s
wondrous understanding and acceptance fill her will delight. This encouraging responsiveness is animated by the noble sentiments of
her sister, who is willing to accept her sister’s feelings and sexual orientation. After being inspirited by her sister, Emma runs to find
her real love. About Jay, he loves, protects, and takes care of Emma very well. However, his actions, such as giving gifts and
meticulously protecting her, have brought back the previous memories of Emma and Jany. Although he is a flawless boyfriend, by his
side, she has no senses, and he helps her to realize her true feelings, determine that she loves Jany, not a man like him. 

In "Will you be mine?", there are some evocative symbolisms that need to be taken into account. Firstly, a small piece of paper with the
interrogation "Will you be mine?" contains all of Jany's feelings, but she does not have enough courage to confess. That is the purest
love of a homosexual girl, Jany decided to protect Emma silently under the name of a friend. It is also a signal for Emma to know that
Jany used to love someone, impulses her to recognize her true feelings. Secondly, the book that Emma gives Jany expresses her
appreciation. It shows that Emma takes an interest in Jany's hobby as well as remembering her birthday. The book is also the place
where the love letter is stored, and Jany's feelings for Emma are kept. It is a catalyst that helps Emma realizes that she cares about Jany,
as a reminder of their memories and further affirms her feelings. Besides, at the bus stop, Emma listens to the song "You Belong With
Me" by Taylor Swift that she and Jany loved to listen to every time they were with each other a long time ago. She feels that Jany is an
important person to her, their precious memories never fade away, she always remembers their habits and seems very difficult to live
apart. The song resounds with the sounds of delight to prove that Jany and Emma have won a battle against their inner souls and social
discrimination. At the very last stage, readers are comprehensively persuaded that they belong to each other.
The short story "Will you be mine?" conveys the theme "Dream without fear, love without limits". Nevertheless, the power of love
comes from its internal sources. We find there are passionate lovers behind love, and that they are responsible for conquering all
obstacles to protect their love. Likewise, this theme incentivizes people to follow what their heart is longing for. 

The final scene makes us – the audience downright astounded; Emma hugs Jany with an act of determined courage that she has
overcome all discriminations to love Jany. There are so many exquisite combinations of human feelings. Two protagonists have shown
us their remarkable fortitude and strength to go against outdated social norms and follow what their hearts guide. To sum up this short
story, the heart wants what it wants, there is a quote once said “We can close our eyes to the things we don’t want to see, but we can’t
close our heart to the things we don’t want to feel''. And here it is, Emma and Jany - our little girls cannot run away from their feelings
as well as cannot lie their heart.

For our group reflection after creating this short story, it was unique and unforgettable to experience all phrases in the filming and
editing process. Our group has been wavering among a variety of available topics, some of which are more interesting and favoured by
a large number of audiences. However, to our group, love is not just a traditional topic; pure and true love is a divine topic that never
runs out. Our short story is about homosexual love, regardless of acquiring certain acceptance, is underrated by many people and in
many ways. That homosexuals who long for their love must make more effort than the heterosexuals emphasises the value of true love
and who wants to love and to be loved.

GROUP REPORT
Contribution during
Name Tasks allotted Due groupwork Filming days Assessment
Editing script (all scenes) SUBMITTED ON
Essay Analysis and Editting TIME
Assigning tasks Thursday,
1. Châu Cương Character: Jay 19th Nov Assessment: 100/100
Chí Filming Very active during groupwork, Attended in all
44.01.701.070 Assessing group members Sun, 6th Dec online group discussion filming days
Character: Jessica Sun, 6th Dec
Video Editing (Music, effects, Sa, 26th Dec
2. Phan Lê Thảo monologue script) Assessment: 100/100
My Trailer Very active during groupwork, Attended in all SUBMITTED ON
41.01.106.039 Assessing group members online group discussion filming days TIME
3. Nguyễn Thái Character: Emma (young) We, 18th Nov SUBMITTED ON
Hoàng Mai Compiling script: Lời thoại Attended in all TIME
44.01.701.022 cho Cảnh 1 Essay Analysis Assessment: 90/100 filming days
Character: Mia We, 18th Nov SUBMITTED ON
4. Nguyễn Thị Compiling script: Lời thoại TIME
Như Nguyệt cho Cảnh 2 Sun, 6th Dec Assessment: 90/100 Attended in all
44.01.701.031 Essay Analysis: Symbolism Very active during groupwork filming days
Compiling script: lời thoại
cho Cảnh 3
5. Phạm Ngọc Kim Main character: Jany
Quỳnh (Mature) Assessment: 100/100 Attended in all SUBMITTED ON
44.01.701.042 Editing essay We, 18th Nov Very active during groupwork filming days TIME
Fri, 20th Nov Assessment: 75/100
Rather reserved during
groupwork
6. K’ Thị Hoa Character: Patricia + Script - Have some limitations in Attended in all
44.01.701.011 preparation for subtitles doing tasks filming days
We, 18th Nov Assessment: 70/100 SUBMITTED ON
Extremely passive during TIME
Character: Barbara groupwork
7. Lý Phương Thảo Compiling script: lời thoại Ussually disappear in group Absent in one
44.01.751.331 cho Cảnh 5 discussion filming day
Character: Jany (young) Sun, 6th Dec SUBMITTED ON
Essay Analysis: Setting for We, 18th Nov TIME
cảnh 3, 4
Compiling script: Soạn lời
8. Dương Phan thoại cho cảnh 4 (2)
Xuân An Video Editing (Effects, Attended in all
44.01.701.001 subtitles) Assessment: 100/100 filming days
9. Phạm Thị Như Compiling script: lời thoại We, 18th Nov Assessment: 100/100 Attended in all SUBMITTED ON
Ý cho Cảnh 4 (1) filming days TIME
44.01.701.164 Character: Emma (Mature)