The element of chaos in Pynchon’s novel The Crying of Lot 49 is present throughout the novel and accents the elements of mystery and satire. Chaos is what keeps the reader from not being able to penetrate the “surface” of the novel, leaving the reader with a sense of ambiguity. Pynchon creates chaos in the events of the novel by overlapping a number of different events in one scene. The various events all take place at the same time. Pynchon’s bounces back and forth in the description of these events which can be quite confusing and frustrating. Yet, the secret to reading the novel is not to look too hard into any particular idea. What the author wants you to know will be revealed to you in time.
One instance of the chaos that resurfaces throughout the novel can be reflected in the event of Oedipa’s infidelity with Metzger. After a few drinks both Oedipa and Metzger find that they are able to unwind a little and they become very close with each other. During their game of “Strip Botticelli” Oedipa and Metzger through the progressive removal of their clothes. To parallel the continual removal of clothes is their increasing consumption of alcohol. Everyone knows that in any circumstance in which alcohol is involved a lot of irrational things can happen. Alcohol has a way of disrupting the mind and bringing chaos into a situation. The consumption of a large amount of alcohol is exactly what happens to lead Oedipa into committing adultery with Metzger. To create the effect of chaos Pynchon connects the elements of alcohol, the noise from the T.V., and the addition of the guitar players in the hallway to add to the numerous things that are already taking place. The reader must keep in mind that there is a movie going on in the background. This fact is easy to lose in the midst of all the other events that take place because it is actually the movie that begins the game in the first place. That is Pynchon’s strategy: to begin with one simple idea and continually add other elements to the idea that complicate the situation at hand. During the movie, Oedipa and Metzger not only make a bet, but when she enters the bathroom to put on more layers of clothing she knocks down a can of hair spray. This unleashes a number of events: Metzger runs into the bathroom to find out what is going on, the Paranoids and their girlfriends storm into the room, and the mirror shatters in the bathroom. This event leads the Paranoids playing music outside the room, but also escalates the sexual tension between Oedipa and Metzger.
Imagine the chaos of watching a movie while playing a “guessing game,” stripping off items of clothing, consuming alcohol, and the noise from loud electric guitars in the hallway. In any case one would imagine that this would drive anyone crazy and it kind of does just that. Pynchon describes how “things grew less and less clear” (29). It even leads Oedipa to develop a headache which “began to flower behind her eyes… progressing to the point where Oedipa falls into “a moment of nearly pure terror” (29). I could imagine how an event which began with flirting and a slight attraction could develop into a horrifying scene when you have consumed so much alcohol and have experienced so much within a period of time that you actually feel that you have lost control of the situation. It is losing control that truly perpetuates the chaos in this scene.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Forced Dependence
The female characters in Faulkner’s short story “The Brooch” represent the traditional notion of the forced submissiveness and dependence of women on men. Mrs. Boyd and Amy have different experiences with the males in their lives and their individual experiences produce different results. Despite their reluctance to get along and rely on each others strength as women they end up as enemies ignoring the fact that their experiences are very much similar. Mrs. Boyd is a widow; therefore she is vulnerable economically, socially, and politically. Although Amy has not made a formal commitment to Howard, she is also void of stability in her life. Both these cases of vulnerability and instability are due to the fact that they are isolated women in a society that has been structured around women’s dependence on men in all aspects of their lives.
In the beginning of the novel we learn that Mrs. Boyd is a widow with only Howard in her life. The circumstances under which her husband left her are unclear, but Faulkner does state: “He just went away, leaving a note to his wife in which he told her that he could no longer bear to lie in bed an night and watch her rolling onto empty spools…” (647). As a man he has the freedom to leave his wife, most likely, without much disapproval from society. This same man had quit his job to move into her house where he spent most of his time socializing with the “lawyers and cotton-planters” (647). When he decides that he is tired of the life that he has with her he just leaves without concern about the son that they have together and she doesn’t hear from him anymore. Now, Mrs. Boyd’s case is a little different because her father is a “well-to-do merchant” so she is most likely secure financially. Yet, because of her status as a woman in a male dominated society she is forced to rely on her father financially and try to find someone (a husband) to rely on and have a child with for social and cultural acceptance. After her husband leaves her she is forced to rely on Howard for love and “support” which causes her to become over protective with him. She is vulnerable physically, because of her strokes, and she is forced to rely even more heavily on Howard.
Amy’s circumstance is quite different growing up with no parents, except for an aunt who has a boarding-house. Unlike Mrs. Boyd, she is not secure financially so she must rely on her own attributes to help her get by. Without guidance and much attention she becomes some sort of dancer, making a bad reputation for herself. Faulkner implies that although “she always had invitations to more public dances…(her name) was a light word, especially among the older women” (648). She was popular among the men, but not so popular among the older women whose morals had taught against the kind of activities that she engages in. Amy has no physical control over her body. Her case is similar to Mrs. Boyd’s, yet she is not physically ill. She relies on her body to make a living and although that may imply that she does control an aspect of her body, the fact that she has to make a living with her body depicts how she has no greater opportunities to take advantage of. She also allows Howard to bully her and dominate her physically. This becomes evident when Howard expresses his jealousy concerning her job as a dancer. He is beginning to become jealous of the fact that she spends her nights with other men and actually has more fun with them because she is in a committed relationship with Howard. He reacts by gripping her shoulder. “She fell back a little as he gripped her shoulder” (651). Despite her statement that he is hurting her he proceed to drag her “screaming and struggling, out of a dark car and across the dance floor…(where he) drew out a chair and took her across his lap and spanked her” (651). This act is not only an act that Howard uses to exert his control over her physically, but it is an emotionally and socially embarrassing situation in which he depicts how women are viewed as “childlike.” Amy is too grown to deserve a “spanking,” but obviously men such as Howard look down on women.
In the beginning of the novel we learn that Mrs. Boyd is a widow with only Howard in her life. The circumstances under which her husband left her are unclear, but Faulkner does state: “He just went away, leaving a note to his wife in which he told her that he could no longer bear to lie in bed an night and watch her rolling onto empty spools…” (647). As a man he has the freedom to leave his wife, most likely, without much disapproval from society. This same man had quit his job to move into her house where he spent most of his time socializing with the “lawyers and cotton-planters” (647). When he decides that he is tired of the life that he has with her he just leaves without concern about the son that they have together and she doesn’t hear from him anymore. Now, Mrs. Boyd’s case is a little different because her father is a “well-to-do merchant” so she is most likely secure financially. Yet, because of her status as a woman in a male dominated society she is forced to rely on her father financially and try to find someone (a husband) to rely on and have a child with for social and cultural acceptance. After her husband leaves her she is forced to rely on Howard for love and “support” which causes her to become over protective with him. She is vulnerable physically, because of her strokes, and she is forced to rely even more heavily on Howard.
Amy’s circumstance is quite different growing up with no parents, except for an aunt who has a boarding-house. Unlike Mrs. Boyd, she is not secure financially so she must rely on her own attributes to help her get by. Without guidance and much attention she becomes some sort of dancer, making a bad reputation for herself. Faulkner implies that although “she always had invitations to more public dances…(her name) was a light word, especially among the older women” (648). She was popular among the men, but not so popular among the older women whose morals had taught against the kind of activities that she engages in. Amy has no physical control over her body. Her case is similar to Mrs. Boyd’s, yet she is not physically ill. She relies on her body to make a living and although that may imply that she does control an aspect of her body, the fact that she has to make a living with her body depicts how she has no greater opportunities to take advantage of. She also allows Howard to bully her and dominate her physically. This becomes evident when Howard expresses his jealousy concerning her job as a dancer. He is beginning to become jealous of the fact that she spends her nights with other men and actually has more fun with them because she is in a committed relationship with Howard. He reacts by gripping her shoulder. “She fell back a little as he gripped her shoulder” (651). Despite her statement that he is hurting her he proceed to drag her “screaming and struggling, out of a dark car and across the dance floor…(where he) drew out a chair and took her across his lap and spanked her” (651). This act is not only an act that Howard uses to exert his control over her physically, but it is an emotionally and socially embarrassing situation in which he depicts how women are viewed as “childlike.” Amy is too grown to deserve a “spanking,” but obviously men such as Howard look down on women.
Saturday, April 7, 2007
The Modern Woman Ascending in Time
With the emergence of the modernist period we enter the realm of feminism. Female writers and poets began to challenge patriarchy and traditional notions of society regarding gender roles. Hilda Doolittle’s poem “Sea Rose” could be read literally or interpreted to embody the time in which it was written. In the latter of the two, “Sea Rose” can represent the helplessness of women in a sea of male-dominance. The rose may be small and vulnerable in such an open space, but it is precious.
The initial image of the rose is rough and limited. H.D. describes the rose as “harsh” and “marred” (1, 2). It is limited in the sense that it only has a “stint of petals” and it is sparse in its numbers of leaves. This image is contradictory to the traditional depiction of a rose as a beautiful, delicate, and fragile thing. Roses typically represent the nature of innocence in women as delicate and fragile beings. The significance in this portrayal then is that roses symbolically represent women in their more vulnerable and helpless states.
Yet, this image of the rose in the poem presents a new side of women. Because of the oppression and domination that women have suffered as a result of their gender in a male-dominated society, they are reduced to nothing such as the rose that has been reduced to a “meagre flower” (3). Women have been “marred” by the objectification of their bodies; “stunted” in their growth socially and politically; and “flung on the sand” as if they embodied no sense of power.
Although H.D. presents this image of the scarred woman, she illustrates how all these hardships have allowed women to become stronger. The rose may be “meagre,” but it is still “harsh.” Its harshness represents the modern woman who has grown resistant to ill-treatment. She has now become “lifted in the crisp sand that drives in the wind” (12-13). This image of a leaf ascending portrays how woman will now rise and the wind as the driving force behind it will serve as woman’s strength.
The initial image of the rose is rough and limited. H.D. describes the rose as “harsh” and “marred” (1, 2). It is limited in the sense that it only has a “stint of petals” and it is sparse in its numbers of leaves. This image is contradictory to the traditional depiction of a rose as a beautiful, delicate, and fragile thing. Roses typically represent the nature of innocence in women as delicate and fragile beings. The significance in this portrayal then is that roses symbolically represent women in their more vulnerable and helpless states.
Yet, this image of the rose in the poem presents a new side of women. Because of the oppression and domination that women have suffered as a result of their gender in a male-dominated society, they are reduced to nothing such as the rose that has been reduced to a “meagre flower” (3). Women have been “marred” by the objectification of their bodies; “stunted” in their growth socially and politically; and “flung on the sand” as if they embodied no sense of power.
Although H.D. presents this image of the scarred woman, she illustrates how all these hardships have allowed women to become stronger. The rose may be “meagre,” but it is still “harsh.” Its harshness represents the modern woman who has grown resistant to ill-treatment. She has now become “lifted in the crisp sand that drives in the wind” (12-13). This image of a leaf ascending portrays how woman will now rise and the wind as the driving force behind it will serve as woman’s strength.
Sunday, April 1, 2007
A Deep Look Inside
I admire the words in Carlos Williams’s poem “The Descent.” There is something so inspiring and raw about the statements he makes that you have to truly swallow each statement as if you were taking in each breath. His first statement “The descent beckons as the ascent beckoned” establishes the power of memory over the external world. At first I wanted to interpret this as meaning that memory is separate from reality, but I feel that in memory there is truth, and a lot of the times what we expect out of life is what ends up being the disappointment. This idea is supported by the statement that “Williams reaches a point at which the external world no longer seems to provide an adequate correlative for his desires and expectations” (Rapp 3). The events that simultaneously followed each other resulted in his perception of the world. The essay describes how he lost the control that he had over the things in his life and he began to feel as if “the whole world seemed to be threatened with dissolution” (9). In this kind of state it is natural to see why he looked to a new source for inspiration. Therefore in looking inside himself he establishes this relationship between his own intimate thoughts and the ideas of society. What makes Williams’ poetry fresh, new, and truly modern is how he appreciates the human mind and body.
In this poem particularly he emphasizes the achievement of man through his own mind. “Memory is a kind of accomplishment, a sort of renewal, an initiation” (3-7). He praises the mind (memory) because of its openness and rawness. The mind is so precious because in entering it, as the reader does in this poem, you are initiated in a process in which the author is revealing his own thoughts to you. So, it’s as if you are being welcomed into the unknown. And not only is it a privilege to reach this point, but he almost seems to assure that the results/or what you find in entering the mind will be rewarding because “the spaces it opens are new places” and “their movements are toward new objectives” (7, 12). The mind is so refreshing because it offers a different path to life, towards ideas. It is untouched by the world and it is in your own possession. It is constantly coming up and exploring new trains of though, both conscious and “unrealized” (9).
With this sense of a new way of thinking apart from societal expectations, the mind is an alternative to a world in which defeat and love is denied. He claims that “a world lost, a world unsuspected, beckons to new places” (17-19). It is as if he is unsatisfied with the results of the world and he is now exploring a new dimension in which hope is renewed. He states that “the descent made up of despairs and without accomplishment realizes a new awakening” (33-36). The descent here takes a new context because it literally follows its definition, a downward inclination. The definition is paralleled with the ideas of despair and no accomplishment which are negative attitudes, but hope is renewed within the memory. The descent associated with the memory is different because it is a movement down into the mind which results in what is “endless and indestructible” (44). Through this descent Williams is “elevated to a life of the spirit in which he is inwardly more secure than ever before” (17-18). Therefore, whatever has been denied to you and whatever disappointments you have had in life, the mind offers a place in which you can run to and never face such troubles again.
In this poem particularly he emphasizes the achievement of man through his own mind. “Memory is a kind of accomplishment, a sort of renewal, an initiation” (3-7). He praises the mind (memory) because of its openness and rawness. The mind is so precious because in entering it, as the reader does in this poem, you are initiated in a process in which the author is revealing his own thoughts to you. So, it’s as if you are being welcomed into the unknown. And not only is it a privilege to reach this point, but he almost seems to assure that the results/or what you find in entering the mind will be rewarding because “the spaces it opens are new places” and “their movements are toward new objectives” (7, 12). The mind is so refreshing because it offers a different path to life, towards ideas. It is untouched by the world and it is in your own possession. It is constantly coming up and exploring new trains of though, both conscious and “unrealized” (9).
With this sense of a new way of thinking apart from societal expectations, the mind is an alternative to a world in which defeat and love is denied. He claims that “a world lost, a world unsuspected, beckons to new places” (17-19). It is as if he is unsatisfied with the results of the world and he is now exploring a new dimension in which hope is renewed. He states that “the descent made up of despairs and without accomplishment realizes a new awakening” (33-36). The descent here takes a new context because it literally follows its definition, a downward inclination. The definition is paralleled with the ideas of despair and no accomplishment which are negative attitudes, but hope is renewed within the memory. The descent associated with the memory is different because it is a movement down into the mind which results in what is “endless and indestructible” (44). Through this descent Williams is “elevated to a life of the spirit in which he is inwardly more secure than ever before” (17-18). Therefore, whatever has been denied to you and whatever disappointments you have had in life, the mind offers a place in which you can run to and never face such troubles again.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
A Racist Cycle
Chesnutt reveals the intensity of the issue of slavery as perceived in the aftermath of the Civil War. Contrary to the intentions of the post-Civil War period he highlights the policies that continued to limit the power of blacks in the South. Much like Twain he employs satire to reveal the hypocrisy not only within a society of racist white Southerners, but within the African-American community itself.
He traces the issue of slavery first in his short-story “What is a White Man?” The title itself is kind of ironic because it is a question that at this time and age would not have required so much emphasis on thought, but in the post-Civil War era this was a question of actual relevance and importance. He outlines this form of slavery as one that existed through the implementation of policies. that restricted blacks racially. The desire to dictate the who held citizenship seems pretty pointless, especially as Chesnutt traces the different attempts by the varying Southern states to define what distinguishes a black man from a white man. The pointlessness is his aim because he wants to reveal the hypocrisy in the societal decisions and how no matter what attempts African-Americans and abolitionists made in achieving greater political and social rights for blacks, they only resulted in policies implemented to restrict blacks racially. For example, he acknowledges how “before the civil war the color-line, as fixed by law, regulated in theory the civil and political status of persons of color” (124). Yet, after the war he states “these laws have been mainly confined…to the regulation of the intercourse of the races in schools and in the marriage relation” (124). In a sense his tone seems to imply the failure not really in the efforts of the African-Americans and abolitionists, but the failure of their effect on racist white Southerners.
The ironic situation that Chesnutt presents is one in which degradation does not solely exist between whites and blacks, but it becomes a tool of oppression among blacks. “The Wife of His Youth” highlights how the issue of race had become so important in deciding one’s status in society that some blacks aimed to become absorbed into the white race. Mr. Ryder, the main character, recognizes that “our fate lies between the absorption by the white race and extinction in the black” (149). What is even more ironic between the idea of oppression between whites and some African-Americans is the statement that: “Self-preservation is the first law of nature” (149). This idea has been connected to the many atrocities that haunt not only the history of the United States, but Germany and all the nations of the universe. Yet, Chesnutt portrays this form of slavery among the black race to show how racism continued to evolve into different forms. From racial laws that distinguished between black and white to social organizations among African-Americans that excluded people of their own race, Chesnutt reveals the cycle of racism that exists throughout history among both whites and blacks.
He traces the issue of slavery first in his short-story “What is a White Man?” The title itself is kind of ironic because it is a question that at this time and age would not have required so much emphasis on thought, but in the post-Civil War era this was a question of actual relevance and importance. He outlines this form of slavery as one that existed through the implementation of policies. that restricted blacks racially. The desire to dictate the who held citizenship seems pretty pointless, especially as Chesnutt traces the different attempts by the varying Southern states to define what distinguishes a black man from a white man. The pointlessness is his aim because he wants to reveal the hypocrisy in the societal decisions and how no matter what attempts African-Americans and abolitionists made in achieving greater political and social rights for blacks, they only resulted in policies implemented to restrict blacks racially. For example, he acknowledges how “before the civil war the color-line, as fixed by law, regulated in theory the civil and political status of persons of color” (124). Yet, after the war he states “these laws have been mainly confined…to the regulation of the intercourse of the races in schools and in the marriage relation” (124). In a sense his tone seems to imply the failure not really in the efforts of the African-Americans and abolitionists, but the failure of their effect on racist white Southerners.
The ironic situation that Chesnutt presents is one in which degradation does not solely exist between whites and blacks, but it becomes a tool of oppression among blacks. “The Wife of His Youth” highlights how the issue of race had become so important in deciding one’s status in society that some blacks aimed to become absorbed into the white race. Mr. Ryder, the main character, recognizes that “our fate lies between the absorption by the white race and extinction in the black” (149). What is even more ironic between the idea of oppression between whites and some African-Americans is the statement that: “Self-preservation is the first law of nature” (149). This idea has been connected to the many atrocities that haunt not only the history of the United States, but Germany and all the nations of the universe. Yet, Chesnutt portrays this form of slavery among the black race to show how racism continued to evolve into different forms. From racial laws that distinguished between black and white to social organizations among African-Americans that excluded people of their own race, Chesnutt reveals the cycle of racism that exists throughout history among both whites and blacks.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
The Effect of Huckleberry Finn on Depicting 19th Century Society
To get the fullest and most precise understanding of a piece of literature it is beneficial to have historical background concerning the time period in which the piece of literature was written. Through a historical background it is easier for the reader to perceive the political, economic, and social factors that could have influenced the piece or the author’s attitude. Often in reading a piece of literature if we do not have an abundance of historical evidence from that time period we can look the literary techniques utilized by the author to get a better perception of the author’s tone and his reaction to the events of his time. In the novel Huckleberry Finn Twain employs a number of literary devices in revealing the hypocrisy that existed within the members of the society of the Reconstruction Period. Huckleberry Finn is Twain’s opportunity to criticize the not only the members of the society, but the government which was struggling in its decision and approach in expanding the rights of freed African-Americans. Through the different characters in the novel Twain explores his own reservations about religion and relates this struggle to his opinions about the institution of slavery.
Huckleberry Finn satirizes the government and the members of society after the Civil War. The post-Civil War was supposed to be a time in which the American government not only re-united the Confederate states and the Union, but it was supposed to incorporate the newly freed African-Americans into a reformed society. While the Radicals were in power, which lasted for a seven year period between 1866 and 1873, they emphasized civil rights and voting rights for blacks. Yet, their efforts were thwarted by white Southerners who still believed in upholding the injustice of slavery and passed counteracting legislative policies to limit the power of freed blacks. Through humor Twain harshly and distinctly attacks the government and exposes the hypocrisy within their efforts to “aid” free blacks. Twain’s humor is depicted through his use of dialect, in which he uses to portray the most realistic image of Southerners, and stereotypical images, which serve to highlight the portrayal of African-Americans during the period of the Reconstruction. Twain consciously utilizes crude slang terms (such as the “N” word) in order to depict the region and their attitudes. The manner in which the different characters speak is also representative of the amount of education and wealth that they possess. Yet, Twain’s use of stereotypical images received a lot of criticism especially in their portrayal of African-Americans. Instead of mocking blacks Twain actually dispels these stereotypes against blacks as he thoroughly develops Jim’s character throughout the novel. We come to view Jim in terms of his compassion towards Huck and his knowledge of nature. In Twain’s attempt to dispel stereotypes against African-Americans he presents this idea of whiteness associated with evil. Contrary to the other novels we have read so far in this course where whiteness is associated with peace, innocence, and promise for the future, Twain contrasts these traits to the whiteness of characters such as Pap. Pap represents the largest portion of the white society during the 19th century that were ignorant and held racist attitudes towards blacks.
Twain’s aim is not to dehumanize blacks with his illustration of their dialect, but to critique white American society, especially during the time period of the Reconstruction. He highlights how slavery was continued for hypocritical reasons, especially by a country that was founded on Christian values. Twain’s ideas about the issue of slavery could be seen depicted through Huck at times because Huck presents Twain’s audience with the most direct and practical observations of society at that time. As a young boy with a lot of spirit Huck is easy to relate to, but his moral development is one that the reader also experiences with him. Twain’s most direct expression on the issue of slavery could be traced in one of the final comments in the novel where Tom is defending Jim’s status as a freed black man: “They hain’t no right to shut him up! Shove!—and don’t lose a minute. Turn him loose! He ain’t no slave; he’s as free as any cretur that walks this earth!” (p.316). This final statement serves two purposes: the first is to mirror how Tom, who throughout the novel embodied the stereotypical image of white men of his society, had no compassion towards the struggles and fate of slaves (especially because he had concealed Jim’s fate for days before revealing that he had actually been free), and secondly it depicts the underlying meaning that Twain aims to capture through his novel that no one regardless of race or class status can escape the rules of civilization. Yet, because this statement is contradictory to Tom’s character we can infer that Twain stood against this institution and Huckleberry Finn was his way of expressing his political opinions.
Huckleberry Finn satirizes the government and the members of society after the Civil War. The post-Civil War was supposed to be a time in which the American government not only re-united the Confederate states and the Union, but it was supposed to incorporate the newly freed African-Americans into a reformed society. While the Radicals were in power, which lasted for a seven year period between 1866 and 1873, they emphasized civil rights and voting rights for blacks. Yet, their efforts were thwarted by white Southerners who still believed in upholding the injustice of slavery and passed counteracting legislative policies to limit the power of freed blacks. Through humor Twain harshly and distinctly attacks the government and exposes the hypocrisy within their efforts to “aid” free blacks. Twain’s humor is depicted through his use of dialect, in which he uses to portray the most realistic image of Southerners, and stereotypical images, which serve to highlight the portrayal of African-Americans during the period of the Reconstruction. Twain consciously utilizes crude slang terms (such as the “N” word) in order to depict the region and their attitudes. The manner in which the different characters speak is also representative of the amount of education and wealth that they possess. Yet, Twain’s use of stereotypical images received a lot of criticism especially in their portrayal of African-Americans. Instead of mocking blacks Twain actually dispels these stereotypes against blacks as he thoroughly develops Jim’s character throughout the novel. We come to view Jim in terms of his compassion towards Huck and his knowledge of nature. In Twain’s attempt to dispel stereotypes against African-Americans he presents this idea of whiteness associated with evil. Contrary to the other novels we have read so far in this course where whiteness is associated with peace, innocence, and promise for the future, Twain contrasts these traits to the whiteness of characters such as Pap. Pap represents the largest portion of the white society during the 19th century that were ignorant and held racist attitudes towards blacks.
Twain’s aim is not to dehumanize blacks with his illustration of their dialect, but to critique white American society, especially during the time period of the Reconstruction. He highlights how slavery was continued for hypocritical reasons, especially by a country that was founded on Christian values. Twain’s ideas about the issue of slavery could be seen depicted through Huck at times because Huck presents Twain’s audience with the most direct and practical observations of society at that time. As a young boy with a lot of spirit Huck is easy to relate to, but his moral development is one that the reader also experiences with him. Twain’s most direct expression on the issue of slavery could be traced in one of the final comments in the novel where Tom is defending Jim’s status as a freed black man: “They hain’t no right to shut him up! Shove!—and don’t lose a minute. Turn him loose! He ain’t no slave; he’s as free as any cretur that walks this earth!” (p.316). This final statement serves two purposes: the first is to mirror how Tom, who throughout the novel embodied the stereotypical image of white men of his society, had no compassion towards the struggles and fate of slaves (especially because he had concealed Jim’s fate for days before revealing that he had actually been free), and secondly it depicts the underlying meaning that Twain aims to capture through his novel that no one regardless of race or class status can escape the rules of civilization. Yet, because this statement is contradictory to Tom’s character we can infer that Twain stood against this institution and Huckleberry Finn was his way of expressing his political opinions.
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Blood Covers the Landscape
Emily Dickinson’s poem The name-of it – is “Autumn” illustrates heavy images of the death of the soldiers during the Civil War. Independent of the other portrayals of the war, it captures the gruesome side of the war by depicting a landscape that is drenched with blood. She describes the landscapes hue as “blood, an artery upon the hill- a vein- along the road” (2-4). Contrary to Timrod’s description of the beauty of the Southern landscape, it is not exactly clear which landscape (whether North or South) that Dickinson is referring to yet it is quite clear that it wouldn’t even matter because the only color that stands out is the red from the blood of the soldiers. The image of the soldiers’ blood falling upon the landscape is described as the “spill the Scarlet Rain” (8).
Yet, amidst this grotesque imagery there is something serene or gentle about the narrator’s tone. The images of the fallen soldiers are contrasted to symbols of tranquility. For instance, she contrasts the blood shed from the soldiers’ bodies to bonnets when she writes: “It sprinkles Bonnets- far below” (9). This imagery is ironic because not only do the color of bonnets, which are white, contrast greatly to the bloody images, but bonnets symbolize purity, youth, and innocence. Although they are worn by young woman the bonnets are meant to symbolize the youthfulness and beauty of these dying young men that both sides are losing to the war. Supported with the image of the blood falling gently like a “shower of stain,” the innocence of these young men invokes a sense of sadness within. This image of blood raining upon the bonnets could also symbolize the losses of the young wives and mothers of the war as their husbands and sons are dying slowly. Even the movements portrayed within the poem convey the lingering and lengthy event of the battle. This battle is not portrayed as a quick fight between two sides, but the images support the idea that it is drawn out and parallels an image of young men gradually fading away. The flow “a vein – along the Road” seems slow in the same manner that the blood “gathers (in) ruddy Pools” (4, 10).
The effect of portraying the gradualism of the war is to truly reflect and oppose images of the war as just a historical event or tale. Like Horton, Dickinson aims to portray the essence of the war, not an event that is over-dramatized as a heroic tale. The narrator’s calm tone in describing this disastrous battle implies that the war is a dreadful event, but that it is a part of nature. Even the hue of the blood presented in the poem evokes a sense of peace, hope, and rebirth. The colors of red utilized such as scarlet, ruddy, and vermillion are reddish-orange in color which do not represent death, but health. So maybe the narrator is trying to show that the war is a cycle in nature and it is necessary not to dwell on the events, but to look ahead to peace. Depicting all the blood that is shed in contrast to images of nature embodies the heartbreaking aspect of the war. What is even more ironic is the image of all these things in nature being covered by blood. Up until now we have seen nature as the number one influencing factor over everything that happens. We have learned that man cannot rise above nature, nor can man’s knowledge about science destroy nature. Yet, Dickinson confronts this idea with death covering nature. It is not the idea that death in any way can control nature or that the war exerts power over nature, but that the war has greatly impacted nature. The landscape being simply covered by a hue of red portrays how nature is affected not only by the losses of its people, but by their bloodshed.
Yet, amidst this grotesque imagery there is something serene or gentle about the narrator’s tone. The images of the fallen soldiers are contrasted to symbols of tranquility. For instance, she contrasts the blood shed from the soldiers’ bodies to bonnets when she writes: “It sprinkles Bonnets- far below” (9). This imagery is ironic because not only do the color of bonnets, which are white, contrast greatly to the bloody images, but bonnets symbolize purity, youth, and innocence. Although they are worn by young woman the bonnets are meant to symbolize the youthfulness and beauty of these dying young men that both sides are losing to the war. Supported with the image of the blood falling gently like a “shower of stain,” the innocence of these young men invokes a sense of sadness within. This image of blood raining upon the bonnets could also symbolize the losses of the young wives and mothers of the war as their husbands and sons are dying slowly. Even the movements portrayed within the poem convey the lingering and lengthy event of the battle. This battle is not portrayed as a quick fight between two sides, but the images support the idea that it is drawn out and parallels an image of young men gradually fading away. The flow “a vein – along the Road” seems slow in the same manner that the blood “gathers (in) ruddy Pools” (4, 10).
The effect of portraying the gradualism of the war is to truly reflect and oppose images of the war as just a historical event or tale. Like Horton, Dickinson aims to portray the essence of the war, not an event that is over-dramatized as a heroic tale. The narrator’s calm tone in describing this disastrous battle implies that the war is a dreadful event, but that it is a part of nature. Even the hue of the blood presented in the poem evokes a sense of peace, hope, and rebirth. The colors of red utilized such as scarlet, ruddy, and vermillion are reddish-orange in color which do not represent death, but health. So maybe the narrator is trying to show that the war is a cycle in nature and it is necessary not to dwell on the events, but to look ahead to peace. Depicting all the blood that is shed in contrast to images of nature embodies the heartbreaking aspect of the war. What is even more ironic is the image of all these things in nature being covered by blood. Up until now we have seen nature as the number one influencing factor over everything that happens. We have learned that man cannot rise above nature, nor can man’s knowledge about science destroy nature. Yet, Dickinson confronts this idea with death covering nature. It is not the idea that death in any way can control nature or that the war exerts power over nature, but that the war has greatly impacted nature. The landscape being simply covered by a hue of red portrays how nature is affected not only by the losses of its people, but by their bloodshed.
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Whitman's Generality
Mark Neely presents an interesting claim against Whitman in his argument that Whitman disregards the Emancipation Proclamation in his poem “Beat!Beat!Drums!.” Whitman’s poem does address the wars impact in terms of American’s in general, but does not directly mention African-Americans, or the wars impact on the issue of slavery. He traces the idea of the wars impact and destruction affecting all kinds of people in society ranging from the calmest sectors of life to the more hectic ones. He begins by tracing how the war “burst like a ruthless force into the solemn church and scatter the congregation” and “into the school where the scholar is studying” (3-4). After depicting how the war moves within the quietest parts of society he traces the wars impact on the louder sectors of society, mainly the city. He describes how the war can be heard “over the traffic of cities” (9). And questions, through author intrusion, whether or not the more common people in society including the bargainers and talkers will be able to function as they typically do in times of the war. Of course they will because life still persists in times of the war. This generality of the war affecting the common people can support Neely’s supposition that Whitman avoids addressing the important issue of slavery through the Emancipation Proclamation, but it is done in the effect so that Whitman’s poem can appeal to a wider audience. As depicted in the headnote on Whitman, when he openly supported “David Wilmot’s proposal to forbidding the extension of slavery into new territory he was fired as editor of the Eagle” (2847). The headnote later states that he had become disillusioned “with the material conditions of America” (2849). If he could not reach a wider audience by supporting anti-slavery issues, then he could appeal to a wider audience by alluding to the everyday person in society. The headnote also describes how because of the divide in society in accepting Whitman’s ideas he became “uncertain of the role of a national poet during a time of fratricidal war” and therefore, resumed to playing the same role that we see depicted in his poem (2848). He becomes simplistic in order to appeal to a more general audience.
Whitman’s simplicity in addressing the war can be contrasted to Horton and Timrod who both had a target audience that were addressed in their poems. Horton desired to appeal to the writers of history who typically fail to represent history in the point of view of those in power, the Caucasian male. Horton’s directs his focus to brining forth the true situation of the war in light and how it is portrayed as a heroic tale while in fact it is a serious and destructive event. Timrod’s poem is directed to the Southerners to inspire hope and he presents the war in the manner that Horton criticizes. Elaborately portraying the South’s landscape and illustrating the unity of the South creates an inspiring force for the war. Whitman’s audience is of a wider variety because it addresses the common people and is not specifically targeted to one particular audience.
Whitman’s simplicity in addressing the war can be contrasted to Horton and Timrod who both had a target audience that were addressed in their poems. Horton desired to appeal to the writers of history who typically fail to represent history in the point of view of those in power, the Caucasian male. Horton’s directs his focus to brining forth the true situation of the war in light and how it is portrayed as a heroic tale while in fact it is a serious and destructive event. Timrod’s poem is directed to the Southerners to inspire hope and he presents the war in the manner that Horton criticizes. Elaborately portraying the South’s landscape and illustrating the unity of the South creates an inspiring force for the war. Whitman’s audience is of a wider variety because it addresses the common people and is not specifically targeted to one particular audience.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Contrasting Views on the Civil War
In contrasting George Moses Horton’s poems on the war and Henry Timrod’s view of the war it is evident that both men have views that differ in mood, tone, and subject of the war. Horton examines the way in which wars have always been described and predicts how the Civil War will be described and written about. He has knowledge of the manner in which many wars have been historically manipulated through literature and knows the stance and opinions of the war will be based off those works. His knowledge is not only directed towards the Civil War, but wars in general. Through images and irony he expresses his hidden ideas and feelings of the war. Henry Timrod’s ideas contrast to Horton’s ideas about the war mainly in the way he views the war with the patriotism and glory that Horton criticizes. Timrod aims to inspire hope within the people of the South, yet he fails to address or look into the perspective of those that have been victims of the South’s racism and cruelty. Horton’s poems provide another rich perspective into the war through the eyes of a Southern slave.
As a slave of the South Horton could not openly and freely express his views on the war so he does so through ironic images of the war itself. In his poem The Spectator of the Battle of Belmont he contrasts the view of the war between the spectators of the war and those who are actually participants of the war. In portraying the view of the war from the side of the spectators he describes the war with “beaming aspect, the sword and the shield” (4). He depicts that the spectators will continue to view the war as a “tragical tale” as “the battles of many foreign nation” (14-16). He contrasts this view to the image of the war through the eyes of a participant of the war who has been directly affected by the war. This participant has heard “the sound of destruction break(s) loud from the mortars...and blood break(s) from its vein like a stream from its fountain” (5-9). He has been disillusioned by the tales of the war and has experienced the pain and seen the destruction that war brings. Horton knows that viewing the war as a “tragical tale” creates the effect of war as a glorious heroic “tale” or imaginary event and doesn’t capture the reality or the seriousness of the situation.
In contrast Timrod’s view, which could have been inspired by his views before the war, portray the illustration of the war as a glorious event which Horton criticizes in his poem. In focusing on the nature and the beauty of the South Timrod creates an illusion of greatness and fails to capture the true essence of the war. In the opening of Timrod’s poem The Cotton Ball he is resting upon a pine tree embracing the landscape before him. He refers to images that invoke a sense of unity and closeness of the landscape and the South as a whole. He illustrates how the landscape “widens round me in one might field” and how the land is one “wherein all powers are met that bind a people’s heart” (39, 104). Such images convey the unity of the South not only among the people, but also among the landscape that encompasses these people. While these images do invoke a sense of unification, they fail to address the important aspects of the war such as the economic, political, and social implications that it will have. It is so ironic to see how two highly influential poets can have such contrasting views on the war.
As a slave of the South Horton could not openly and freely express his views on the war so he does so through ironic images of the war itself. In his poem The Spectator of the Battle of Belmont he contrasts the view of the war between the spectators of the war and those who are actually participants of the war. In portraying the view of the war from the side of the spectators he describes the war with “beaming aspect, the sword and the shield” (4). He depicts that the spectators will continue to view the war as a “tragical tale” as “the battles of many foreign nation” (14-16). He contrasts this view to the image of the war through the eyes of a participant of the war who has been directly affected by the war. This participant has heard “the sound of destruction break(s) loud from the mortars...and blood break(s) from its vein like a stream from its fountain” (5-9). He has been disillusioned by the tales of the war and has experienced the pain and seen the destruction that war brings. Horton knows that viewing the war as a “tragical tale” creates the effect of war as a glorious heroic “tale” or imaginary event and doesn’t capture the reality or the seriousness of the situation.
In contrast Timrod’s view, which could have been inspired by his views before the war, portray the illustration of the war as a glorious event which Horton criticizes in his poem. In focusing on the nature and the beauty of the South Timrod creates an illusion of greatness and fails to capture the true essence of the war. In the opening of Timrod’s poem The Cotton Ball he is resting upon a pine tree embracing the landscape before him. He refers to images that invoke a sense of unity and closeness of the landscape and the South as a whole. He illustrates how the landscape “widens round me in one might field” and how the land is one “wherein all powers are met that bind a people’s heart” (39, 104). Such images convey the unity of the South not only among the people, but also among the landscape that encompasses these people. While these images do invoke a sense of unification, they fail to address the important aspects of the war such as the economic, political, and social implications that it will have. It is so ironic to see how two highly influential poets can have such contrasting views on the war.
Friday, February 16, 2007
The Power of Blackness in "The Birth-mark"
Time and time again we see this theme of nature v. nurture appear in different stories and in various forms. The idea always behind it is that despite the fact that man has made numerous discoveries in an attempt to control nature, man has come close but still has not managed to have control over nature. Things of nature are not static, occur randomly, and cannot always be understood so man has always been inferior to nature. This concept was understood by Mather, Jefferson, and Franklin, but Hawthorne’s character, Aylmer, presents a unique case where man actually believes that the human mind can deceive nature. It is a foolish idea because one cannot know more than its creator, specifically in a spiritual sense. Aylmer clearly defies the rules of understanding, according to John Locke, which include sensation and reflection. Of course his ideas would arise from his use of both sensations in conducting experiments and then reflecting upon them to correct any mistakes, but he cannot settle for using nature to advance technology. What could be driving this madness, or this desire to have control over nature could be linked to the idea of “the power of blackness.” This innate depravity or idea of original sin could explain Aylmer’s selfish desires. Melville coins this term to describe Hawthorne’s ideas and his characters. The “power of blackness” has stimulated debate and several interpretations of what it could mean. The “power of blackness” could be interpreted to symbolize the original sin that lives in man as a result of the fall of man at the beginning of time or it could be seen as an undertone that alludes to the paralleling of darkness with blackness. Both ideas could be supported with ideas and the characters of “The Birth-mark.”
The moral of “The Birth-mark” supports the idea that man possesses some innate form of evil because Aylmer strives to explain and understand everything about life. He cannot accept that nature cannot be fully understood or controlled, but instead approaches life thinking that he can manipulate nature without understanding that life is more complex than what the human mind can interpret through simple experiences. The evil that underlies Aylmer is the desire to change his wife’s appearance in an attempt to make her perfect. He not only views his wife’s birth-mark as a defect, but the way in which he treats his wife as a result is shameful of the manner in which a husband should treat his wife. “No, dearest Georgiana, you came so nearly perfect from the hand of Nature…which we hesitate whether to term a defect or a beauty—shocks me, as being the visible mark of earthly imperfection” (2276). Instead of seeing the positivism in the birth-mark, a mark signifying that she has been touched by an angel or fairy, he chooses to look at the birth-mark as “the symbol of his wife’s liability to sin, sorrow, decay, and death” (2277). The worse part is that he knew that his experiments were typically not successful. He chooses not to think rationally and places his wife’s life in danger in order to experiment with “Man, her (Nature’s) masterpiece” (2279).
The “power of blackness” in relation to race could be interpreted in the depiction of Aminadab. Hawthorne presents a physical description of Aminadab as “a man of low stature, but bulky frame, with shaggy hair hanging about his visage, which was grimed with the vapors of the furnace” (2279). Now it could be a stretch, but this description could be used to imply that Aminadab is darker in complexion, not directly implying that he is of African-American descent. The fact that Aminadab refers to Aylmer as his master also signifies a sense of inferiority, which was common of servants or slaves. Aylmer also refers to Aminadab as a “human machine” and a “man of clay” implying that he has control over him and could mold him in whichever way he pleases. This “power of blackness” does not have to be interpreted to symbolize evil because Aminadab is the better man compared to Aylmer. He realizes the wickedness in Aylmer’s actions when he mutters to himself: “If she were my wife, I’d never part with the birth-mark” (2280). It is evident that Aminadab is more humble therefore; blackness could be a symbol of goodness.
The moral of “The Birth-mark” supports the idea that man possesses some innate form of evil because Aylmer strives to explain and understand everything about life. He cannot accept that nature cannot be fully understood or controlled, but instead approaches life thinking that he can manipulate nature without understanding that life is more complex than what the human mind can interpret through simple experiences. The evil that underlies Aylmer is the desire to change his wife’s appearance in an attempt to make her perfect. He not only views his wife’s birth-mark as a defect, but the way in which he treats his wife as a result is shameful of the manner in which a husband should treat his wife. “No, dearest Georgiana, you came so nearly perfect from the hand of Nature…which we hesitate whether to term a defect or a beauty—shocks me, as being the visible mark of earthly imperfection” (2276). Instead of seeing the positivism in the birth-mark, a mark signifying that she has been touched by an angel or fairy, he chooses to look at the birth-mark as “the symbol of his wife’s liability to sin, sorrow, decay, and death” (2277). The worse part is that he knew that his experiments were typically not successful. He chooses not to think rationally and places his wife’s life in danger in order to experiment with “Man, her (Nature’s) masterpiece” (2279).
The “power of blackness” in relation to race could be interpreted in the depiction of Aminadab. Hawthorne presents a physical description of Aminadab as “a man of low stature, but bulky frame, with shaggy hair hanging about his visage, which was grimed with the vapors of the furnace” (2279). Now it could be a stretch, but this description could be used to imply that Aminadab is darker in complexion, not directly implying that he is of African-American descent. The fact that Aminadab refers to Aylmer as his master also signifies a sense of inferiority, which was common of servants or slaves. Aylmer also refers to Aminadab as a “human machine” and a “man of clay” implying that he has control over him and could mold him in whichever way he pleases. This “power of blackness” does not have to be interpreted to symbolize evil because Aminadab is the better man compared to Aylmer. He realizes the wickedness in Aylmer’s actions when he mutters to himself: “If she were my wife, I’d never part with the birth-mark” (2280). It is evident that Aminadab is more humble therefore; blackness could be a symbol of goodness.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Singularity
One of Poe’s recurring themes in his works is the idea of singularity. Through images of darkness and despair Poe creates a world of misery and mystery. He reflects upon the events of his life through the creation of images of darkness. The idea of singularity that is supported by his sinister and mysterious tone often parallel the isolation that he probably felt as a young man. In reading the head note on Poe it is evident that Poe suffered loneliness due to his poverty, numerous failures, the early death of his mother, the falling out between him and his adopted father, and generally being misunderstood by the public. He characterizes his despair through the old man in “The Man of the Crowd” and through the bird in “The Raven.” Both characters in each short story embody traits of loneliness and solitude which closely parallel the feelings of isolation that Poe experienced through his life. Could it be that Poe is trying to liberate these feelings through his characters, or is he simply trying to re-live that pain through his stories?
The old man in Poe’s first short story attracts his attention out of a crowd of people in the street. The fact that he is singled out alone contributes to his theme of singularity and isolation. His description of the old man’s demeanor is contradicting because while his clothes are “filthy and ragged” the idea of him carrying “both a diamond and…a dagger” implies that he is a more complex character (2489). Poe continues to portray the old man’s demeanor by illustrating how his attitude changes from one of assurance and insistency to one of “old uneasiness” once he is in the presence of all the strangers in the crowd (2491). This uneasiness that Poe describes further supports the idea that this old man only feels comfortable in seclusion. What is ironic is towards the end of the story Poe states that this old man “refuses to be alone” because he is constantly traveling amongst the crowd, yet this could be a simple cover up for his desire to feel apart of the whole. This may seem sort of confusing or even contradicting, but that is the effect that Poe is trying to capture. His combination of the old man in rags that are of beautiful texture is much of a contradiction as the idea that this man is the object of singularity although most of the time he is among a group of people. “The Man in the Crowd” therefore appears to be an attempt by Poe to become a part of a society that does not accept him for who he is while still being able to maintain his individuality.
The recurring theme of singularity can also be traced within the context of Poe’s poem “The Raven.” Poe illustrates scenery filled with desolation and he captures the essence of isolation when he states: “And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor” (2539). The depiction of each separate ember dying or falling apart creates an image of the stripping down of an individual’s outer appearance down to their soul where they are characterized by a single element. Poe depicts a man who is alone, yet his loneliness is comforted by the presence of a Raven. The Raven repeats one word “Nevermore” again reinforcing the theme of singularity. There is a sort of madness that accompanies the repetition of this word, especially as the climax builds up as Poe continues to ask the Raven questions that he already knows will be answered, “Nevermore.” This madness is another reinforcing factor in emphasizing the idea of singularity. There is a sort of madness that may accompany loneliness, like the need to feel apart of something. “The Raven” therefore illustrates Poe’s persona through the bird and the lunacy he experiences as a result of his loneliness.
The old man in Poe’s first short story attracts his attention out of a crowd of people in the street. The fact that he is singled out alone contributes to his theme of singularity and isolation. His description of the old man’s demeanor is contradicting because while his clothes are “filthy and ragged” the idea of him carrying “both a diamond and…a dagger” implies that he is a more complex character (2489). Poe continues to portray the old man’s demeanor by illustrating how his attitude changes from one of assurance and insistency to one of “old uneasiness” once he is in the presence of all the strangers in the crowd (2491). This uneasiness that Poe describes further supports the idea that this old man only feels comfortable in seclusion. What is ironic is towards the end of the story Poe states that this old man “refuses to be alone” because he is constantly traveling amongst the crowd, yet this could be a simple cover up for his desire to feel apart of the whole. This may seem sort of confusing or even contradicting, but that is the effect that Poe is trying to capture. His combination of the old man in rags that are of beautiful texture is much of a contradiction as the idea that this man is the object of singularity although most of the time he is among a group of people. “The Man in the Crowd” therefore appears to be an attempt by Poe to become a part of a society that does not accept him for who he is while still being able to maintain his individuality.
The recurring theme of singularity can also be traced within the context of Poe’s poem “The Raven.” Poe illustrates scenery filled with desolation and he captures the essence of isolation when he states: “And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor” (2539). The depiction of each separate ember dying or falling apart creates an image of the stripping down of an individual’s outer appearance down to their soul where they are characterized by a single element. Poe depicts a man who is alone, yet his loneliness is comforted by the presence of a Raven. The Raven repeats one word “Nevermore” again reinforcing the theme of singularity. There is a sort of madness that accompanies the repetition of this word, especially as the climax builds up as Poe continues to ask the Raven questions that he already knows will be answered, “Nevermore.” This madness is another reinforcing factor in emphasizing the idea of singularity. There is a sort of madness that may accompany loneliness, like the need to feel apart of something. “The Raven” therefore illustrates Poe’s persona through the bird and the lunacy he experiences as a result of his loneliness.
Sunday, February 4, 2007
All for the Cause
The focus of Wheatley’s poems is to introduce a general theme such as freedom or religion and parallel those themes with her own personal experiences. As an enslaved African woman and as an abolitionist for slavery she must present her ideas in way that reaches a wide audience. Contrasting Wheatley’s poem To the…Earl of Dartmouth with her poem To the University of Cambridge… portrays how she employs particular literary devices in addressing two specific audiences. She conveys two different emotions in her experience as a slave to engage each audience through the utilization of tone, diction, and alliteration. Wheatley’s ability to appeal to both African-American students and white abolitionists not only is effective in the respect for the abolishment of slavery, but it also allows her to stand as a symbol against the negative assumptions about African Americans in general.
In Wheatley’s poem addressed to the Earl of Dartmouth her target audience is evident through her diction in which she aims to convey a sense of sympathy towards the African-American people. In describing her experience when she was kidnapped as a child she employs words that condemn the white settlers for their cruelty. “I, young in life…was snatched…steeled was that soul” (25-28). The words “snatched” and “steeled” illustrate her alarm in the light of the situation and her helplessness. She describes the pain of being taken away from her home land and conveys her innocence as a child when she states: “What pangs excruciating must molest, what sorrows labor in my parent’s breast!” (27-28). Her choice of words reflect upon the emotion that she aims to stir within the hearts of the white abolitionists. Utilizing alliteration is an important literary technique that enhances emotion. The word “must” parallels the force that the white settlers frequently used against slaves and it plays of the word “molest” which implies a sense of provocation. What truly allows her to reach out to the abolitionists and other leaders is to describe the “sorrows (of) labor” in her parent’s breast. Anyone who has a child could identify with the misery that a parent would endure if something happened to their child. Therefore, Wheatley’s choice of diction and her use of alliteration communicate a sense of sympathy that she stirs within the hearts of the abolitionists for the cause against slavery.
Wheatley’s sympathetic tone contrasts to her positivism and inspiration that she evokes in her poem to the University of Cambridge. In describing her kidnapping she describes the experience as more of a blessing than a curse when she states: “T was not long since I left my native shore, the land of errors and Egyptian gloom: Father of mercy! ‘t was thy gracious hand brought me into safety from those dark abodes” (3-6). So in contrast to her experience of being separated from her family, she looks at this unfortunate event in optimism. Africa truly was no better during the 18th and 19th centuries when it was first being colonized because slavery became a natural practice there as well. Her optimism is evident in the message she communicates to the students as she advises them to “improve your privileges while they stay” (20). Her positive tone evokes a sense of hope in light of their situation as African-Americans and inspires the youth, who will be the future leaders of the African-American community, to educate themselves first as a tool in combating the existing inequalities in their society.
In Wheatley’s poem addressed to the Earl of Dartmouth her target audience is evident through her diction in which she aims to convey a sense of sympathy towards the African-American people. In describing her experience when she was kidnapped as a child she employs words that condemn the white settlers for their cruelty. “I, young in life…was snatched…steeled was that soul” (25-28). The words “snatched” and “steeled” illustrate her alarm in the light of the situation and her helplessness. She describes the pain of being taken away from her home land and conveys her innocence as a child when she states: “What pangs excruciating must molest, what sorrows labor in my parent’s breast!” (27-28). Her choice of words reflect upon the emotion that she aims to stir within the hearts of the white abolitionists. Utilizing alliteration is an important literary technique that enhances emotion. The word “must” parallels the force that the white settlers frequently used against slaves and it plays of the word “molest” which implies a sense of provocation. What truly allows her to reach out to the abolitionists and other leaders is to describe the “sorrows (of) labor” in her parent’s breast. Anyone who has a child could identify with the misery that a parent would endure if something happened to their child. Therefore, Wheatley’s choice of diction and her use of alliteration communicate a sense of sympathy that she stirs within the hearts of the abolitionists for the cause against slavery.
Wheatley’s sympathetic tone contrasts to her positivism and inspiration that she evokes in her poem to the University of Cambridge. In describing her kidnapping she describes the experience as more of a blessing than a curse when she states: “T was not long since I left my native shore, the land of errors and Egyptian gloom: Father of mercy! ‘t was thy gracious hand brought me into safety from those dark abodes” (3-6). So in contrast to her experience of being separated from her family, she looks at this unfortunate event in optimism. Africa truly was no better during the 18th and 19th centuries when it was first being colonized because slavery became a natural practice there as well. Her optimism is evident in the message she communicates to the students as she advises them to “improve your privileges while they stay” (20). Her positive tone evokes a sense of hope in light of their situation as African-Americans and inspires the youth, who will be the future leaders of the African-American community, to educate themselves first as a tool in combating the existing inequalities in their society.
Monday, January 29, 2007
The American Dream
Benjamin Franklin’s views as an American colonist begin to evolve into ones with greater American identity and pride. This transition was slightly evident in Thomas Jefferson’s Notes on Virginia, but Franklin reinforces this sense of American identity. Franklin’s autobiography presents his narrative and experiences of his rise from poverty to wealth and status in the American society. He describes this experience in the very beginning of his autobiography: “Having emerged from the poverty and obscurity in which I was born and bred, to a state of affluence and some degree of reputation in the world…my posterity may like to know, as they may find some of them suitable to their own situations, and therefore fit to be imitated” (5). Jefferson and Franklin were both motivated to give positive accounts on their experiences in America in order to prove to the other European nations, especially the British, that America had industrial capabilities and to establish America as a growing nation. Yet, the difference between Franklin and Jefferson’s accounts is that Franklin is not simply trying to win over the acceptance of the British for America as a nation, but he is strongly encouraging incoming settlers, especially the youth, to take part in this history of a growing nation. In the second part of Franklin’s autobiography he states why he is writing his accounts: “ “. Franklin desires to create a “future of great men” who will be educated, motivated, and wise in order to lead the nation. This part of the autobiography reflects an advertisement in which the youth are inspired to follow and become a part of the American Dream. To become more persuasive Franklin’s friend, Mr. Benjamin Vaughn, employs the use of diction in describing the endless possibilities in America. By supporting these descriptions with evidence of Franklin’s own experiences, Vaughn inspires hope among the desperate in attaining the American Dream.
“I do not know of a more efficacious advertisement than your biography would give” (72). Mr. Vaughn realizes the strength and motivation behind Franklin’s experiences that could inspire a revolution and motivate the people of America to stand firm in their split from their mother country, Great Britain. To Mr. Vaughn, Franklin is an image of the “rising people” who are the leaders of a rising nation. To create a strong nation effectively the target audience is young men who will not merely be educated, but will be educated to be wise. Not only does Mr. Vaughn emphasize educating the youth, but more specifically he desires to see a nation, much like Franklin, that uses discretion in all areas of life. “It will be so far a sort of key to life…to give them a chance of becoming wise by foresight” (74). Vaughn attempts to illustrate how the American nation will rise to power by strengthening the pillars of the nation, which are its people. Yet, his letter not only emphasizes the importance of building a nation with strong people, but it also is inspiring for young men to become a part of this revolution. “What more worthy of experiments and system than human life?” (74). He gives the impression that not only are there endless possibilities in America, but he implies that by taking risks with your own life you cannot lose because there are so many opportunities to fulfill your dreams. What is most inspiring about Vaughn’s letter is that by using Franklin’s account of how he rose from poverty to becoming one of the nation’s leaders he is able to reach a wide audience. He is inspiring all those, no matter of their origin, to be able to see men such as Franklin and know that whatever struggles they have endured in life do not matter because happiness and greatness are a part of the American future. Vaughn uses repetition of the words simple and importance in alluding to his audience. He implies his intentions for using Franklin as an account of American greatness when he states: “your affairs and management will have an air of simplicity or importance that will not fail to strike” (74). In that statement he is alluding to the success of Franklin and the other founding fathers in persuading the British of America, yet he attempts to create a sense of simplicity among the youth as well when he states: “the means are as simple as wisdom could make them” (74). The theme of the American dream will become the motivating factor in bringing settlers to America, and Franklin’s autobiography will become one of the sources of inspiration.
“I do not know of a more efficacious advertisement than your biography would give” (72). Mr. Vaughn realizes the strength and motivation behind Franklin’s experiences that could inspire a revolution and motivate the people of America to stand firm in their split from their mother country, Great Britain. To Mr. Vaughn, Franklin is an image of the “rising people” who are the leaders of a rising nation. To create a strong nation effectively the target audience is young men who will not merely be educated, but will be educated to be wise. Not only does Mr. Vaughn emphasize educating the youth, but more specifically he desires to see a nation, much like Franklin, that uses discretion in all areas of life. “It will be so far a sort of key to life…to give them a chance of becoming wise by foresight” (74). Vaughn attempts to illustrate how the American nation will rise to power by strengthening the pillars of the nation, which are its people. Yet, his letter not only emphasizes the importance of building a nation with strong people, but it also is inspiring for young men to become a part of this revolution. “What more worthy of experiments and system than human life?” (74). He gives the impression that not only are there endless possibilities in America, but he implies that by taking risks with your own life you cannot lose because there are so many opportunities to fulfill your dreams. What is most inspiring about Vaughn’s letter is that by using Franklin’s account of how he rose from poverty to becoming one of the nation’s leaders he is able to reach a wide audience. He is inspiring all those, no matter of their origin, to be able to see men such as Franklin and know that whatever struggles they have endured in life do not matter because happiness and greatness are a part of the American future. Vaughn uses repetition of the words simple and importance in alluding to his audience. He implies his intentions for using Franklin as an account of American greatness when he states: “your affairs and management will have an air of simplicity or importance that will not fail to strike” (74). In that statement he is alluding to the success of Franklin and the other founding fathers in persuading the British of America, yet he attempts to create a sense of simplicity among the youth as well when he states: “the means are as simple as wisdom could make them” (74). The theme of the American dream will become the motivating factor in bringing settlers to America, and Franklin’s autobiography will become one of the sources of inspiration.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Is Rationality the Only Form of Human Understanding?
Locke’s essay is simple in stating and analyzing the fountains of human knowledge and understanding, sensation and reflection. His language is simplistic and he refrains from using metaphors to avoid from producing any sense of ambiguity. Human understanding has been a prominent theme in both Mather’s and Edwards’s essays in an attempt to portray a division among people who have natural knowledge and spiritual knowledge. In the Introduction of Mather’s essay he conveys that those who are influenced by the glory of God will “rise into that Superior Way of Thinking and of Living” but that he will achieve this by “using his Rational Faculties in viewing the Works of God” (22-23, 13-14). Yet, Edwards essay illustrates two forms of knowledge achieved by man: knowledge that God conveys through the influence of natural means and spiritual knowledge that God communicates himself. If Locke’s views the origin of ideas and human knowledge as arising from external sensible objects and the ways in which we internally perceive these objects, then is it safe to say that relying on rationality alone can supply us with all the knowledge we need? There is no mistaking that the ultimate author of this knowledge is the Lord himself, but what is Locke implying in his Essay Concerning Human Understanding? According to Locke, humans gain their knowledge from experience, but in order to understand these experiences or minds must be supplied by some material ways of thinking and these he states are sensation and reflection. This form of understanding is what Edwards believed was imparted by God to the unregenerate person as an “extrinsic, occasional agent” (3).
The simplistic style that Locke employs is evidence of the form of human understanding in his essay as one that is based solely on rationality. He formats his essay with numbers stating each idea in italics and then proceeding to further explain his ideas. There is no ambiguity in where he believes human knowledge comes from because he highlights Experience, Sensation, and Reflection by writing them in all caps. Yet, it is evident in the end of the fourth bullet that Locke does not believe that human understanding relies on rationality alone. Although he employs a straightforward technique in outlining this principle, he states that: “the objects of SENSATION…as the objects of REFLECTION, are to me the only originals from whence all our ideas take their beginnings” (par. 4). At first I had interpreted this statement to support my argument that Locke believed in rationality as the only form of human understanding because he calls sensation and reflection the “only originals,” but then in re-reading the statement over again I began to think of an idea presented in Edwards’ essay. On the third page of Edwards’s essay under the first bullet in explaining how God communicates his idea through the principle of nature he states: “Not only are remaining principle assisted to do their work freely and fully, but those principles are restored that were utterly destroyed by the fall.” Edwards implies that there were principles that man had once had to govern his conscience, but since the fall of man the principles of nature, which Locke outlines as Sensation and Reflection, have taken over to restore these principles. Therefore, Locke’s essay supports Edwards’s idea that the origin of our ideas takes root from what we sense and reflect upon from our experiences because after the fall man had to reason through natural means because he had been separated from the Lord. Yet, Locke’s essay implies that sensation and reflection are where our “ideas take their beginnings” therefore, human understanding does not end at here, but only begins here.
The simplistic style that Locke employs is evidence of the form of human understanding in his essay as one that is based solely on rationality. He formats his essay with numbers stating each idea in italics and then proceeding to further explain his ideas. There is no ambiguity in where he believes human knowledge comes from because he highlights Experience, Sensation, and Reflection by writing them in all caps. Yet, it is evident in the end of the fourth bullet that Locke does not believe that human understanding relies on rationality alone. Although he employs a straightforward technique in outlining this principle, he states that: “the objects of SENSATION…as the objects of REFLECTION, are to me the only originals from whence all our ideas take their beginnings” (par. 4). At first I had interpreted this statement to support my argument that Locke believed in rationality as the only form of human understanding because he calls sensation and reflection the “only originals,” but then in re-reading the statement over again I began to think of an idea presented in Edwards’ essay. On the third page of Edwards’s essay under the first bullet in explaining how God communicates his idea through the principle of nature he states: “Not only are remaining principle assisted to do their work freely and fully, but those principles are restored that were utterly destroyed by the fall.” Edwards implies that there were principles that man had once had to govern his conscience, but since the fall of man the principles of nature, which Locke outlines as Sensation and Reflection, have taken over to restore these principles. Therefore, Locke’s essay supports Edwards’s idea that the origin of our ideas takes root from what we sense and reflect upon from our experiences because after the fall man had to reason through natural means because he had been separated from the Lord. Yet, Locke’s essay implies that sensation and reflection are where our “ideas take their beginnings” therefore, human understanding does not end at here, but only begins here.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Balance: An Essential Element in The Christian Philosopher
Mather’s essay is very detailed and complex and understanding the philosophical and religious implications that he is outlining is somewhat difficult. In order to create understanding among his audience of philosophical readers a recurring theme found throughout his multiple essays is creating a balance in the structure of his essays, in the implications of his philosophical ideas, and in the philosophical information in relation to various religious principles. In creating a balance that can be seen explicitly in the structure of the text and implied through the comprehension of his philosophical and religious ideas, he effectively conveys the overall message of his essays: Although there have been many discoveries about the world around us and these discoveries have been accredited as the ideas of various philosophers, the ultimate credit should be given to God who is the Creator of all these things. God has created what we observe explicitly in nature and what we observe is a reflection of God’s glory.
The idea of balance is apparent in Mather’s first essay on light where he is comparing the effects that bodies and light have on each other. In an attempt to explain how light is emitted and heat felt he states that: “Light is a body…Resistance must proceed from a contact of two bodies…that Bodies of Light act mutually on one another. Bodies upon Light emitting it…Light upon Bodies by heating them” (19, 85-87). Within a few lines Mather again explains how the rays of light emitted from a body and refracted by some attraction produce light which “do mutually act upon one another” (20, 93-96). The word equal is later used to describe the effects of gravity on various objects in space and time in essay twenty-one on gravity. The effect of using words such as mutual and equal convey Mather’s whole notion of an existing balance in nature. When Mather speaks of light he parallels the effects of light and heat to create a balance on what we see and what we feel. When he confronts the religious notion of a Spiritual World where God is praised he parallels this world to a wicked world that is blinded from God’s glory. When he speaks of gravity he acknowledges the ability of a force so strong to hold everything in the planet fixed around one center.
This balance is an important technique in portraying his idea of a philosophical religion where science and religion meet. Mather’s begins each essay with the philosophical reasoning behind a topic or theme supported by observations of various philosophers. For example, in beginning essay ten on comets he starts out by defining a comet as “blazing stars…that move periodically about the Sun” (50, 41-43). He gives evidence of this knowledge by quoting several philosophers, but towards the end of the essay his tone shifts to a more religious and spiritual tone where he addresses the religious implication of comets as a “wicked World made a fiery Oven in the Time of the Anger of God!” (53, 65-66). Although he cites a lot of written knowledge and facts in explaining the processes that go on around us he always makes sure to parallel these objects that influence these processes to religion. Creating a balance not only within the text, but within the structure of the essays is important in effectively conveying Mather’s whole idea of philosophy and religion in balance with one another. Mather wants to persuade and even better help people understand that you can understand the physical processes of this planet, while still giving gratification to the Lord who is the Creator of this planet. Without balance he would not have been able to effectively portray how philosophy and religion could intertwine in explaining life.
The idea of balance is apparent in Mather’s first essay on light where he is comparing the effects that bodies and light have on each other. In an attempt to explain how light is emitted and heat felt he states that: “Light is a body…Resistance must proceed from a contact of two bodies…that Bodies of Light act mutually on one another. Bodies upon Light emitting it…Light upon Bodies by heating them” (19, 85-87). Within a few lines Mather again explains how the rays of light emitted from a body and refracted by some attraction produce light which “do mutually act upon one another” (20, 93-96). The word equal is later used to describe the effects of gravity on various objects in space and time in essay twenty-one on gravity. The effect of using words such as mutual and equal convey Mather’s whole notion of an existing balance in nature. When Mather speaks of light he parallels the effects of light and heat to create a balance on what we see and what we feel. When he confronts the religious notion of a Spiritual World where God is praised he parallels this world to a wicked world that is blinded from God’s glory. When he speaks of gravity he acknowledges the ability of a force so strong to hold everything in the planet fixed around one center.
This balance is an important technique in portraying his idea of a philosophical religion where science and religion meet. Mather’s begins each essay with the philosophical reasoning behind a topic or theme supported by observations of various philosophers. For example, in beginning essay ten on comets he starts out by defining a comet as “blazing stars…that move periodically about the Sun” (50, 41-43). He gives evidence of this knowledge by quoting several philosophers, but towards the end of the essay his tone shifts to a more religious and spiritual tone where he addresses the religious implication of comets as a “wicked World made a fiery Oven in the Time of the Anger of God!” (53, 65-66). Although he cites a lot of written knowledge and facts in explaining the processes that go on around us he always makes sure to parallel these objects that influence these processes to religion. Creating a balance not only within the text, but within the structure of the essays is important in effectively conveying Mather’s whole idea of philosophy and religion in balance with one another. Mather wants to persuade and even better help people understand that you can understand the physical processes of this planet, while still giving gratification to the Lord who is the Creator of this planet. Without balance he would not have been able to effectively portray how philosophy and religion could intertwine in explaining life.
Hello
Hey everyone! I'm gonna try this again since my last post never showed up. I am Menna and I was originally born in NYC, but I was raised in Raleigh. I enjoy reading, but with all this school work it’s really hard to find leisure time to do things that I actually enjoy. Novels that I have read that I really enjoy include Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston and Liar’s Game by Eric Jerome Dickey. I am looking forward to reading some really interesting novels in this class and meeting new people. : )
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