Born in a Jewish ghetto in Prague, Franz Kafka (1883–1924) allegedly burned up to 90 percent of his own work during his lifetime. Luckily, a few important pieces survived—enough to shape his legacy as one of the most influential 20th-century writers, whose depictions of bizarre and sinister events in a society under bureaucratic control coined the term ‘Kafkaesque’. Written in 1920, “The Refusal” depicts a ritual ceremony in a small town controlled by a government in a faraway capital. In times of need, residents of the town appeal to the tax-collector, the town’s highest ranking government official, for help. The text’s themes of oppression and authoritarianism would have resonated strongly with a readership that had just endured World War I and was on the brink of another global conflict.
Being able to sink free throws constantly throughout a game is a huge advantage, not only to the team but to your own stats.
If you're comparing the two, why not take a look at this photo (attached).
Consider what was going on during the time of the Great Depression. You have the Dust Bowl happening in the west (which you can link very easily to the first paragraph of the text. Think about looking at the visual imagery the author describes).
The author speaks a lot of the nostalgia, which again relates to the history. Right before the Great Depression, people were living this life of luxury in the Roaring 20s. Consider the look in the woman's face. How does the nostalgia read in her eyes, her body language, and so on. You can connect this feeling of nostalgia with the quote about the marigolds reflecting "the strangest times." Consider how the speaker portrays this feeling of nostalgia or the memory of what once had been.
The marigolds represent not only the past but also... what could have been. Consider how you can link the hope that can be evident as well in the woman's eyes.
