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.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
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.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)