May 31, 2011 Response - Nature

     Whether or not everyone admits it, nature has and always will be an influential force in our everyday lives. Especially in today’s society, our earth’s environment is the only true outlet to experiencing the natural, simplistic lifestyle we were meant to lead when people first originated the world. Writers Jewett, Frost, and Dickinson convey the appreciation of nature, as well as the human-nature connection throughout nineteenth century literature.

     Jewett’s story, “A White Heron,” portrays a romantic perspective on the connection between a girl, Sylvia, and the nature around her. Sylvia is more connected to nature in this story than to actual people. She feels a sense of security and freedom in the woods around her that she appears to lack when attempting to relate to other people. Jewett describes Sylvia, “She was not often in the woods so late as this, and it made her feel as if she were a part of the gray shadows and moving leaves.” Immediately, Sylvia seems one with nature. She has connected so much to her natural world that she has become a part of it. When Sylvia hears a man whistle in the woods, she immediately senses aggression and fear. However, she describes how if heard a bird’s whistle, she would have felt friendliness and peace. Nature serves as a symbol for the endeavor that Sylvia goes through: deciding whether or not to tell the stranger (who hunts birds) where the white heron bird lives so that he can kill it and, consequently, pay Sylvia’s poor family money in which they need. She describes this endeavor, how this “human interest” (the hunter) can come in and “sweep away the satisfactions of an existence heart to heart with nature” (take away her connection to the natural world). I think Jewett does a great job of showing not only how much Sylvia appreciates nature, but also how much nature appreciates Sylvia. When she goes to climb the tall white oak tree, she is described in a playful manner as a “harmless housebreaker” to the birds. The story concludes with Sylvia refusing to “tell the heron’s secret and give its life away.” Sylvia chooses to sacrifice her own personal lifestyle and limited amount of income to protect nature. Nature plays the role of Sylvia’s internal endeavor of struggling to make the right choices. Did anyone else realize that silence was also a prominent theme here? Whenever Sylvia was asked a question regarding something she did not want to answer, she remained quiet. This was her way of not only protecting nature and the white heron, but also her way of avoiding telling a lie and keeping her dignity. 
     Frost’s poem, “After Apple-Picking” seemed to present nature as a symbol of life itself. The first couple of lines discuss the apple tree and a ladder that is pointed “toward heaven still.” I thought that this symbolized that the man picking apples was leading an honorable, pure life, as his ladder ‘still pointed to heaven.’ However, I could also see it as a symbol that death is nearing for the man and that he is on his pathway to heaven. Regardless, it appears that the man is feeling this connection through nature and the apple trees. He then becomes drowsy and drifts off thinking of “magnified apples” as they “appear and disappear.” I think that again shows the connection of nature, how even when the character is going to sleep, he incorporates nature in his dreams. Then, he states, “I have had too much of apple-picking: I am overtired of the great harvest I myself desired.” This could mean a number of things. Is this a metaphor for the fact that people sometimes “bite off more than they can chew” in life? That as people, in particularly Americans, we take on too much of a heavy load that we drive ourselves to pure exhaustion? Nature plays the role of life’s conflicts: taking on too much of a challenge and getting over-excited about the numerous available possibilities. The man saw all of the apples and got overwhelmed with the amount he could pick.
     Lastly, Dickinson portrays nature as an outlet to break free from the current religious trends occurring in that time period. She mocks religion in her third poem, describing how a certain light in the winter afternoon’s are “oppressive, like the weight Of cathedral tunes.” Just like the light creates an oppressive heat and overwhelming glare, cathedral tunes (essentially religion) emit a repressive sound and atmosphere for Dickinson. In her first poem, she simply describes that while “Some keep the Sabbath in surplice, I just wear my wings.” Dickinson is stating that while some people go to church just for the title, so that they can be highly viewed in society’s eyes, she sticks to nature as a way to connect with the world and her spiritual self. Dickinson’s second poem dealt mainly with symbolic nature, and not as much with religion. For instance, she describes how “When butterflies renounce their drams, I shall but drink the more!” The whole poem describes Dickinson drinking and enjoying nature. I think this shows how Dickinson feels freedom from judgment whenever she is surrounded by her natural environment. In Dickinson’s poems, nature serves as a contrast for religion, as it is her way to celebrate spirituality. All three of these writers portray nature through a positive, romantic perspective and attitude, but Dickinson appears to be the only one to tie in religion.
     I really enjoyed reading these stories and poems because I felt I could relate to them. My family doesn’t go to church and I haven’t established any organized religion I believe in yet. However, we are a very outdoors-oriented family. We love hiking, running, swimming in the ocean, rock climbing, and anything to do with nature. We’ve talked about how being in our outdoor environment gives us some connection to spirituality, which I think is the same sense of connection many people get from going to church (maybe what Dickinson was talking about). Especially in today’s society where computers and technology have become mainstream, people tend to sacrifice their connection to nature for what they think is a more fun or efficient way to spend their time. It’s scary to think how disconnected people have become from nature even in the past 10 years. I think it’s important to appreciate nature for what it is, because before we know it, technology, buildings, and pollution will corrupt it.   

     

May 30, 2011 Response - A Streetcar Named Desire

People who undergo tragedies and lead an unstable, difficult life often have trouble coping and maintaining their sanity. This idea holds true for Blanche, one of the main characters in the play A Streetcar Named Desire. As an insecure, self-conscious woman who lost her husband, Blanche is driven out of her home in Mississippi and travels north to stay with her sister, Stella, in New Orleans. When Blanche first arrives, she is very snappy and, in the way that I read it, seemed abrupt and somewhat obnoxious. Despite her abrupt behavior, however, she is extremely insecure and displays a façade in order to pretend that she leads a perfect, “easy” life. She is very critical of her sister, Stella, and she consistently fishes for compliments in order to keep any last bit of confidence.
     In my opinion, Blanche is the only person that leads herself to her own demise. One of the first things she says when she walks into Stella’s home is, “Let me look at you. But don’t you look at me…not till I’ve bathed and rested! And turn that over-light off! I won’t be looked at in this merciless glare!” (19). Immediately we can tell that Blanche has very low self confidence, attempts to hide her age, and only displays herself through false, unrealistic lighting in hopes of masking her true self. This is Blanche’s biggest flaw and ultimately what leads her to going crazy and getting taken away in the end. She continuously avoids standing in light throughout the entire play, she is appalled at her sister’s living arrangements, and she gets excessively dressed up for every occasion. These are all indications of insecurities. I remember at one moment she was asked if she wanted to smoke a cigarette and she states, “I’m not properly dressed” (61). Nothing seems to reach her expectations, and she consistently puts down her sister’s life and her sister’s husband in hopes of feeling better about her own situation. Not only does the light imagery parallel Blanche’s life (she becomes obsessive about being in darkness because it masks her life’s reality), but the music also seems to parallel Blanche’s life. She has a constant polka tune in her head ever since her husband died, and whenever she gets nervous or starts to feel vulnerable, the music comes back. The narrator describes her insanity, “The music is in her mind; she is drinking to escape it and the sense of disaster is closing in on her” (113). Blanche, who previously refused alcohol, starts to drink more and more as the play goes on in an attempt to ease the pain of reality. Even though Stanley gets under Blanche’s skin and isn’t very welcoming, I ultimately think that Blanche is responsible for her downfall. If she weren’t insecure, or didn’t portray a façade, or didn’t try to have a perfect, “magical,” “southern belle” lifestyle, Stanley’s comments would not have irritated her. The tragedies that happened in Blanche’s life, although were difficult, would not determine her overall success or failure as a person if she didn’t have so many insecurities. Thus, she is the only person responsible for her demise.

     If I were to rank each of the main characters, I would rank Stella as the most likeable, Stanley somewhere in between, and Blanche as the least likeable. I feel that Stella consistently tried to mediate the tension between Stanley and Blanche and make everyone happy. When Stanley initially asks Stella about Blanche “swindling” them out of money and a place to stay, Stella plays devil’s advocate and defends her sister. When Blanche starts criticizing Stella and Stanley’s relationship, Stella states, “You’re making too much fuss about this” (63) and nonchalantly eases the tension. Stanley, however, isn’t quite as likeable. Blanche describes him as “bestial” (71) and he is often depicted with animalistic, inhuman qualities. For example, when he got angry at Stella and went to hit her, Stella cried, “Drunk-drunk-animal thing, you!” (57). However, despite Stanley’s negative qualities, at least he is realistic. He understands that happiness does not stem from materialistic things, and he leads a realistic life, opposed to a fantasy-oriented, fake life (like Blanche). Finally, Blanche is the least likeable because she does not have a single nice thing to say about anyone, she is insecure to the point of annoyance, and she lives such a “fantasy” lifestyle that you never really know who she is as a person. Did anyone choose a different order? Did anyone think Stanley was the least likeable character? I thought he and Blanche were relatively even.

     To some degree, I feel that justice was served in this play. The fact that Blanche was taken away by the doctor portrays that Blanche has reached some sort of fulfillment and solution to all her conflicts with realism. However, I was disappointed that Stella and Stanley’s life was somewhat unresolved. In my opinion, I think there should have been some resolution with Stanley’s wild, animalistic behavior. Do you all think that Stella and Stanley’s life was somewhat unresolved as well?

     This play reminded me of false images in the media. The same way that Blanche tried to portray her life is the same way that the media tries to portray people. The modeling industry in particular alters people to the point where they are inhuman. Today’s society is frustrating to live in because of the emphasis placed on the media. Sometimes people don’t realize how much advertisements influence their decisions. It’s important to not let the media affect your decisions and to stay honest and true to who you are! 

May 27, 2011 Response

     Life during Elliot and Ginsberg’s time, as well as life in contemporary America, is often times about finding your true inner self and establishing a sense of pride about your individuality. Elliot’s “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” and Ginsberg’s “Howl Part 1” depict two contrasting perspectives on individuality: one view from a self-conscious, insecure man, and the other view from a secure individual expressing his opinions on society.

     In Elliot’s poem, J. Alfred Prufrock allows his insecurity to get the best of him and prevent him from living an authentic life. When Prufrock notices a group of women he is interested in approaching, his mind fills with doubts and second-guessing. He continually asks himself, “Do I dare?” and then eventually asks, “Do I dare Disturb the universe?” (48). Here, Prufrock thinks of himself as an inconvenience or ‘disturbance’ to society, and does not want to address the women because he thinks he is not “good enough” for them. He uses a metaphor, stating, “I should have been a pair of ragged claws scuttling across the floors of silent seas” (74). I think this metaphor alludes to the fact that Prufrock does not feel he has a voice in the world and is not living his dream of an authentic life, and instead “scuttling” through the world in silence. He desires confidence and good looks (when he references his “bald head”), and feels sorry for himself for allowing his insecurities to impede on his desires. At one point, I think that Prufrock even blames God, when he states, “But though I have wept and fasted, wept and prayed…I am no prophet – and here’s no great matter…And I have seen the eternal Footman hold my coat, and snicker” (85). I have no idea if this is an accurate assumption, but is the ‘Footman’ he’s referring to God? Is Prufrock wondering why, if he has “wept and prayed” and done what he is ‘supposed’ to do, is he still self-conscious and unable to fulfill an authentic life? It’s just an idea? Prufrock also continuously alludes to Michaelangelo, and I think he does this to compare societal status’s from himself to the women (associating the women with a prominent status and himself as worthless). He then becomes angry and frustrated, declaring, “No! I am not Prince Hamlet, nor was meant to be” indicating that his life will never be what he wants because that is not in the cards for his fate. “Till human voices wake us, and we drown” (131) is the final line of the poem, and I think that this is significant because it shows how Prufrock’s self confidence has not changed or grown since the beginning of the poem. Even though time has passed, he is still self-conscious and has made no progress. It’s similar to the song lyrics “Creep” because the same message holds true for today: people are still afraid to be themselves and thus hope for something else. The lines “I want a perfect body, I want a perfect soul” indicate how people are always comparing themselves to the ‘norm’ and what is expected of them.

     From a contrasting point of view, Ginsberg’s “Howl Part 1” describes how the “best minds of his generation” are being destroyed. This poem presents classic irony. You would initially think that the “best minds of his generation” are people who are successful in their jobs and people who are making money for themselves and their families. However, Ginsberg discusses that the “best minds” are people like him; people who engage in drugs, careless sex, and alcohol to reach a spiritual path to liberation and individuality. He refers to these people as those “who chained themselves to subways,” “who were expelled from academics,” “who burned cigarette holes in their arms protesting narcotic tobacco haze of Capitalism” and “who lounged hungry and lonesome.” However, when these people deviate from the norms of society, they are chastised by the average everyday people, who are disturbed by their ways of expressing individuality. He even references his friend again, Carl, stating, “ah, Carl, while you are not safe I am not safe, and now you’re really in the total animal soup of time,” indicating that the time period for progression and change is chaotic. Overall, I feel that Elliot’s poem is entirely pessimistic, while Ginsberg’s poem presents a small amount of hope. I think Ginsberg is stating facts in a rather nonchalant manner. Although he is upset by the reactions he receives from society, he is not as ‘brought down’ by society as Prufrock. I was a little surprised at Ginsberg’s use of graphic language. I can imagine how controversial his poetry must have been in such a conservative era. However, when you think about it, Ginsberg does have a point. He is so confident and comfortable with himself and his individuality that he has the ability to write these poems in the first place. Sometimes that is better than someone who is popular in society yet has no confidence.

     These poems remind me of high school…people were so focused on fitting in that often times they compromised themselves just to be accepted. This concept goes against everything Ginsberg believed in (individuality). It’s sad how far people go sometimes to “blend in” and feel acceptance. They’re certainly not living an authentic life.

May 26, 2011 Response

     Although individuality, self-worship, and self-power are popular themes of today’s society, this idea of transcendentalism in the 18^th century was an entirely new concept to America. Writers Whitman, Emerson, and Chopin all convey themes of establishing individuality and the pathway to achieve individualism.

     Emerson’s “Self-Reliance” utilizes repetition and addresses a variety of different people in order to drive home his point: believe in yourself. For instance, one of Emerson’s first thoughts is, “God will not have his work made manifest by cowards. A man is relieved and gay when he has put his heart into his work and done his best.” He is addressing the religious people of the time period (in this case, nearly everyone). He states that God created man to do things for his own self, and not be a “coward” by conforming to society just to make everyone else happy. Emerson also addresses adolescence, stating, “Do not think the youth has no force.” This was one of my favorite lines because Emerson presents the idea that individuality starts when you are young. You don’t have to wait to “grow up” to start learning to think for yourself, and while thinking for yourself, you establish a “force” and sense of self-pride. Emerson states that “What I must do is all that concerns me, not what people think” and “My life is for itself and not for a spectacle,” indicating that the opinions of others is irrelevant and that it is important to find a power within yourself. You should not do something just for a “spectacle,” or for people to perceive you in some way; you should do it because it makes you happy. He repeats this concept, saying “Welcome ever more to gods and men is the self-helping man,” meaning that people are more likely to want to be around those who help themselves. He also presents the idea that conformity and consistency prove nothing about yourself, and that individualism flatters character. I thought Emerson’s views of travelling the world were interesting…how people should not travel in search of finding “something better.” It reminded me of the saying “The grass is always greener on the other side.” What I got from Emerson’s message is that running from your problems does not make them go away, and you have to believe in yourself to make things happen.

     Similar to Emerson, Whitman also presents the notion that individualism and “being yourself” are the best things you can do in life. By celebrating his passions, his body, and his voice, Whitman poetically depicts the path to becoming an individual. His poem suggests that you should never fully follow one person’s story or another, and that “You shall listen to all sides, and filter them for yourself” (2). He is essentially saying to make your own decisions and stand ground. Whitman also describes the power of individuality, when he writes, “I resists anything better than my own diversity…And am not stuck up, and am in my place” (16). Whitman has found his individualism, or “his place,” and has established the diverse aspects of himself. For instance, he describes all the “voices” within him, and how each one isn’t necessarily perfect: the voice of slaves, prostitutes, diseased, despaired, and thieves. These “voices” are what make up Whitman and his individuality. I was also a little surprised that Whitman freely wrote about sexuality and worshipping his own body. What I got out of stanza 48 was that nothing should be greater to you than yourself and your soul, not even God. Finally, Whitman concludes his poem with “I too am untranslatable,” admitting that even for him, finding individuality is a struggle and is not always a ‘clear cut’ answer. Did anyone else have a difficult time with Whitman’s language? I felt like Emerson was a little easier to understand…what were some of your opinions about the end (stanza 48/52) of Whitman’s poem? What do you feel is the main take home message?

     Kate Chopin’s story, “The Story of an Hour,” also affirmed the idea of individuality as presented by Emerson and Whitman. When Mrs. Mallard hears the news that her husband died, she does not act “with a paralyzed inability to accept its significance,” as she would be expected to act in that time period. Instead, she portrayed a sense of relief, and by doing so, conveyed non-conformity and individualism. She looked out her window at the “delicious breath of rain” (which I think is a metaphor and symbol for relief) that was in the air, and she suddenly felt a feeling that was “too subtle and elusive to name.” This is when Chopin foreshadows Mrs. Mallard’s path to liberation. She confirms Mrs. Mallard’s relief when Mrs. Mallard starts shouting, “free, free, free” over and over again. I think the fact that Mrs. Mallard could recognize that she was tied down by her husband in society and that she was happier alone shows that she has established individualism, since she does not conform with society’s expectations. It seems that her husband used to tie her down from achieving her goals judging by the line, “no powerful will bending hers in that blind persistence” and a “long procession of years to come that would belong to her absolutely.” Essentially, her husband’s will and power will no longer overpower her individualism, and the remainder of her life will be spent as a proud, free individual. Where Mrs. Mallard previously shuddered at the thought of a long life, she is now praying for a longer one. I think that Mrs. Mallard died at the end because she realized the joy, freedom, and liberation that filled her body at the thought of not having a husband.  The thing that changed was her feeling of individualism, which she could previously not express. Now that she knows her husband is not dead, she cannot go back to feeling trapped again in marriage after having a taste of freedom away from marriage. The “joy that kills” was that feeling of liberation that was so great that Mrs. Mallard could literally not live without it. This story was interesting to me because it reminded me of my outside novel (also by Kate Chopin). I won’t say too much for those who haven’t read it, but the stories parallel each other in many ways!   

May 25, 2011 Response

     My personal conception of the American Dream is the idea that, by mere virtue of the fact that you live in America, you automatically possess the potential to accomplish any goal you set for yourself…as long as you have the work ethic and personal drive to achieve that desire. In the case of Britney Spears, she represents the American Dream because she grew up like every other girl. However, slowly but surely, with dedication and hard work, she eased her way into fame and success, and is now a renowned name in America. In our country, you don’t have to be born into wealth and success in order to be wealthy and successful.

     I think that Will Smith’s clip from Pursuit of Happiness is applicable to the Younger’s in Raisin in the Sun. Smith is assuring the little boy that no one has the right to tell him that he can’t do something. He states, “You got a dream? You gotta protect it” and claims that although people will attempt to crush the little boy’s dreams, he can’t lose sight of his passion. This is similar to the play because of the situation at the end when Lindner claims to the Younger’s, “the people of Clybourne Park believe…that our Negro families are happier when they live in their own communities” (118) and that the family cannot move there. However, the Younger’s family does not let Lindner push them around and instead refuses to move. Like Will Smith’s message, they do not let Lindner get in the way of their goal, which in this case, is a right to freedom and a right to overcome oppression. However, there are issues, both within the Younger’s family and outside of their control, which I think hinder the Younger’s chances at fully fulfilling their dreams. Within the family, there appears to be an immense amount of obsession over money. For instance, when they finally receive the check for ten thousand dollars, they become obsessive, impatient, and controlling. Mama states, “Now don’t act silly…we ain’t never been no people to act silly ‘bout no money” and Ruth exclaims, “We ain’t never had none before – OPEN IT!” (68). They seem to think that this money is the only way to accomplish their goals in life, thus losing sight of the American Dream, which involves hard work and dedication. I think another big issue within their family, and theme throughout the entire play, is the presence of female oppression. Walter was always discouraging Beneatha about becoming a doctor, stating, “If you so crazy ‘bout messing ‘round with sick people – then go be a nurse like other women – or just get married and be quiet…” (38). Walter discourages Beneatha from her dreams and thus sets the entire family back from possibly making money and becoming successful.
     On the other hand, outside factors from their family unit also played a huge role in preventing the Younger’s from achieving their ultimate goal, like the constant racism and discrimination. Not only were there bombings because of racial differences, but Lindner even offered to pay the Younger’s more money than what their newly bought house was worth just so that they didn’t have to live there anymore, as the house was in an “all-white” neighborhood. These incidences left the Younger’s in a vulnerable, helpless position, where they were oppressed based off of the color of their skin. Even when Lindner was speaking with the family, he constantly referenced them in a negative manner as “you people,” subjugating them to an entirely different category than others.

     I honestly tried to look at the end of the play as offering hope and a happy ending. Initially, when the end started to wrap up, I thought it was going to go downhill, like when Beneatha second-guessed her decisions at becoming a doctor. She stated that there “isn’t any real progress…there is only one large circle that we march in” (134), indicating that society has essentially hit a wall, and that racism will never be overcome. However, Asagai then tells his story about Africa, stating how slowly a progressive movement can take, when he states, “I will teach and work and things will happen, slowly and swiftly” (135). Mama also starts to clean up the house and states that she “sees things differently now.” This could be taken in a negative way, but I like to think that the Younger’s family has realized that such a big movement (overcoming racism) will not happen overnight. Walter’s statement at the end was one of the most important statements in the play, in my opinion, when he states, “Well – what I mean is that we come from people who had a lot of pride” (148) and he describes how his sister will become a doctor and how successful their family will become. This reminds me of the poems we looked at yesterday and the pride that was so evident in each work. If I were to see a sequel to this play, I think that each character would be in a better place. I think that Beneatha would go to Africa with Asagai and become a doctor there, and build self-worth by seeing the slow changes she brings to their country. I think Walter will work a job and slowly make enough money to fend for him and his family. Overall, I feel their family will be less obsessive with money and more positive in the idea of a social movement. Although faith seemed to almost be lost after Lindner’s visit, I think it will slowly rebuild because of the Younger’s pride.

     Unfortunately, today, I feel like the American Dream is more than just a work ethic and optimism. Although we are better off than many places, when we look at the facts: 1 out of 7 people in our country are food insecure and many have lost their jobs. Today, I feel like it takes the right combination of a positive attitude, creativity, and education to mold success, because everything gets increasingly competitive each year. People who are extraordinarily smart and talented are losing jobs just because of the economic downfall. Knowledge and creativity play a huge role in surviving the economy. My dad always jokes about “learning to play your cards right” in regards to pursuing a career, but he is honestly right. Everything needs to be carefully planned out, with plans A, B, C, and D, because it’s a dog-eat-dog country and you’ll most likely resort to plan E anyway. 

May 24, 2011 Response

  The early 1900’s was a time renowned for overcoming the racist undertone that seemed to linger even after the end of the civil war. Writers McKay, Hurston, Hughes, and Cullen convey the struggles of overcoming racism in America.

     I found all of these works to be similar in the sense that each author portrayed a sense of pride and self-worth despite the oppression they faced in being considered “colored.” They were also all firm in their convictions that every man and woman is technically the same inside, and that the segregation in America would eventually be eliminated once people came to the realization of equality. However, the points of view from each work were much different. Although all authors were African-American, they had very different places in life, which was evident in their poetry and stories.

     McKay depicts the idea that his death, as an African American, is both closely approaching and inevitable because of the oppression from whites. Having said that, he declares that they might as well “go down” fighting rather than allow discrimination to be accepted. He utilizes intense punctuation and a metaphor to prove his point, exclaiming, “even the monsters we defy Shall be constrained to honor us though dead!” alluding that the whites will be forced to acknowledge McKay’s pride. McKay’s biggest fear is dying a futile death, and he ends the poem exclaiming that he will face the “cowardly pack, Pressed to the wall, dying, but fighting back!” No matter what horrific scene is to come, McKay will show no fear and instead emit an intense sense of pride.

     Hurston, on the other hand, describes the transition from never acknowledging color difference to being seen as “colored” when she moves to a new town. Although the point of view seems to be from a young, innocent girl opposed to the rather gruesome point of view from McKay’s poem, Hurston still shows that similar sense of pride. She writes there was “no great sorrow dammed up in my soul, nor lurking behind my eyes,” indicating that she was not brought down by her skin color and instead proud of it. My favorite line of hers was when she wrote, “the game of keeping what one has is never so exciting as the game of getting,” indicating that she is happy that she has to work towards equality. She also discusses that being “colored” completely depends on the context, and that whites can be “colored” when in an environment of mainly African Americans. Lastly, Hurston ends referencing the “Great Stuffer of Bags,” which in my opinion is God.  Hurston is saying that God made everyone the same inside, and that a “bit of colored glass more or less wouldn’t matter,” meaning that everyone should be treated as God intended: equally. I think that Hurston’s writing is most similar to the authors we looked at yesterday because of her innocent, observational tone. It especially reminded me of de Crevecoeur’s “What is an American?” Just as de Crevecoeur observationally marveled at the equality in America (opposed to Europe), Hurston innocently acknowledged the differences she noticed in regards to racism. Every observation sounds innocent and honest from both authors, without any graphic language and exaggerated punctuation, which appears to pop up in some of the other works.

     Hughes also emphasizes the notion that everyone is the same inside, similar to Hurston’s “Great Stuffer of Bags” allusion. According to Hughes, everyone is the same and enjoys participating in the same activities despite looks or race. For example, in Theme for English B, he states, “I like to eat, sleep, drink, and be in love.” He also acknowledges the American dream and goal of equality, by stating, “You are white – yet a part of me, as I am a part of you. That’s American.” In Mother to Son, Hughes references his mom talking about never walking up the “crystal stair,” indicating that life as African American during this time was never easy, as the stairs had “tacks in it” and “splinters.” However, his mom emphasized that he must keep climbing and never stop. Again, the sense of pride is passed on through this poem. What else do you feel his mother intended for Hughes to get out of this message?

     Lastly, Cullen utilizes a formal structure and expressive, poetical language to depict racism in America. According to Cullen, although there is a God, he wonders why a God would allow such racism in America, stating, “Inscrutable His ways are, and immune to catechism by a mind too shrewn.” He is confused as to why this discrimination is evident in a world intended for equality according to its creator. Cullen’s next poem, Incident, utilizes a rhyme scheme to convey innocence, and did so in an effective manner. This poem affected me as strongly as Hurston’s story because you don’t expect such young, innocent children to encounter such terrible moments of segregation. The most disturbing line was, “And so I smiled, but he poked out His tongue, and called me, ‘Nigger’” and “That’s all I remember.” The rhyme scheme creates a childish tone, where you expect to read a happy-go-lucky poem. Instead, you read a disturbing poem about a boy who does not understand why he is called names by another boy. The innocence makes it hard to read.

     These stories reminded me of the first week at orientation. I remember taking the Clemson 101 class and doing an ice breaker activity regarding diversity. The teacher asked us a scenario where, if you walked into a room where white people were on the right, African Americans were on the left, Asians were in the back, and a guy with a wheel chair was alone and had no one to sit with, where would you sit and why? Having never experienced racism, I was both shocked and extremely disturbed when a girl said that she would sit right over with the “white people” because it was a safety net for her. I didn’t understand that at all, and honestly the scenario itself didn’t even make sense to me…I always grew up where everyone was mixed together and no one thought about that.

May 23, 2011 Response - Equality

        Whether or not we want to admit it, the struggle towards equality and democracy in America as been a constant battle for centuries. Jefferson, de Crevecoeur, Paine, and Wheatley all depict the fight towards equality in eighteenth century America.

        Jefferson’s famous “Declaration of Independence” utilized powerful wording and logical reasoning to break down the meaning of equality in America. He conceives equality and democracy as a natural right of life. Everyone is “endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights…Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness,” meaning that everyone has the right to be free within society without oppressive restrictions. He then lists everything that Great Britain has done wrong in going against that unalienable right to freedom: taxing without consent, pushing laws that no one agrees with, “obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners,” and discriminating against migration and the Natural Law that “all men are created equal.” According to Jefferson, Great Britain is “deaf to the voice of justice and consanguinity,” and it is the job of the American people to abolish this notion and destroy governmental regulations that do not abide by the Natural Law. He also acknowledges religion, stating “the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and Nature’s God entitle them,” meaning that God intended for every person on earth to have the right to freedom. Jefferson closes his speech with the line, “a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our Sacred Honor,” indicating that God is on their side and that revolting against the tyrannical Great Britain is beneficial in God’s eyes. How else do you all feel that religion played a role here? What do you think about including religion in a persuasive message in general?

        De Crevecoeur, as a French aristocrat, had an interesting view of equality in America. In his letters, he was shocked that “the rich and poor are not so far removed from each other, as they are in Europe.” In America, “each person works for himself.” Equality and democracy, in this case, means having the ability to pursue the American Dream despite your family or background, which was a shock to someone coming from Europe, where class and societal standing defines who you are and what you do for a living. De Crevecoeur writes, “Here they become men: in Europe they were as so many useless plants, wanting vegetative mould….” He also references the pilgrims, stating “Americans are the western pilgrims, who are carrying along with them that great mass of arts, sciences, vigor, and industry.” He is shocked at how progressive America has become, and that there is such a “melting pot” of variety in terms of people. He also describes equality in terms of religion, by writing “As Christians, religion curbs them not in their opinions; the general indulgence leaves every one to think for themselves in spiritual matters; the laws inspect our actions, our thoughts are left to God” (58). This was my favorite line of all his letters. It really depicts the progression of religion in America, emphasizing the fact that the religion you follow does not hinder or improve your chances in anything you do – it is irrelevant – the way it should be. You have the right to practice any spiritual path you choose. De Crevecoeur even references Great Britain to hell, which I was pretty surprised about! He writes, “the severity of climate” and “tempestuousness of the sea,” as if Great Britain were some sort of hell that was not accepted by God (99). One of the best lines in de Crevecoeur’s letters was when he stated that he “does not feel the perpetual collision of parties” (75). I think this shows the diversity and equality in America: how everyone is allowed to hold their own beliefs without fear.
        Paine’s “The Crisis” used powerful language to ensure that God is on their side in the fight towards equality. He states that Great Britain thinks they can “bind us in all cases whatsoever,” yet “so unlimited a power can only belong to God,” indicating Great Britain’s mistake and need for transformation. Paine releases his ‘secret’, “that God Almighty will not give up a people to military destruction, or leaves them unsupportedly to perish, who have so earnestly and so repeatedly sought to avoid the calamities of war, by every decent method that wisdom could invent.” I think this is Paine’s most important line because it logically reasons that fighting for equality is what God would want and that he will not let them lose this battle. Paine also states that if you “show your faith by your works” then “God may bless you,” repeating the fact that fighting for their rights will please God. Equality according to Paine is being free from Great Britain’s tyranny and making democratic decisions for America.

        Lastly, Wheatley’s poem depicts an African American moving to America and her views on equality. She interestingly enough identifies herself with white Americans, which I’m honestly confused about. Does anyone have any ideas why she would do this? It’s almost as though she sees slavery as a positive thing that happened to her. Yet then again, she mocks how people say, “their color is a diabolic die,” referencing African Americans with the devil. I think Wheatley’s definition of equality is no discrimination based off of skin color. Religion is a big part of this because Wheatley clearly states that she is Christian by referencing God and the Savior, which perhaps serves as her pathway to equality.

        I think that our contemporary notions of equality in America are similar to the authors in the sense that here in America, thanks to our education system, we have the opportunity to become who we want and pursue jobs/careers without worrying about discrimination based off of class, gender, or color (something that de Crevecoeur emphasized). However, I do feel that we have not reached full potential in terms of equality. I still, unfortunately, notice racism, and I still know people who are prejudice to those who do not have the same religion. We have progressed, but clearly have a long way to go. 

May 21 Response

Every single person in this world is different. We all have different views, different political opinions, and different ways of dealing with life, a concept that is clearly conveyed through Melville and Ginsberg’s works, “Bartleby the Scrivener” and “Sunflower Sutra.”

In Melville’s “Bartleby the Scrivener,” a man named Bartleby begins work on Wall Street in New York as a copyist. The lawyer who Bartleby starts working for (and who narrates the story) immediately states that the “easiest way of life is best.” However, an easy life is far from what he receives when Bartleby comes to work. His first description of Bartleby is “pallidly neat, pitiably respectable, incurably forlorn!” Immediately, the lawyer has taken an interest and established curiosity towards Bartleby because he is different from his other workers: Turkey, Nippers, and Ginger Nut, who all have a lot of personality. Although Bartleby initially completes all his given tasks, whenever asked to do any additional work, he replies, “I would prefer not to” and he calmly refuses to conform to the work that he is assigned. The lawyer states that if it were anyone else, he would have chastised him, “but there was something about Bartleby that not only disarmed me, but in a wonderful manner touched and disconcerted me.” Bartleby’s refusal to conform ignited a curiosity and shock in those around him because he was not conforming to “the norm.” The lawyer describes Bartleby’s non-conforming actions and states, “nothing so aggravates an earnest person as a passive resistance.” This was the first time that the lawyer had encountered an outcast – someone who did everything on his own terms, someone who was stubborn, and someone who seemed to not care less about what others thought, which utterly baffled the lawyer. In this case, Bartleby does not celebrate being an outcast, as he “sat in his hermitage, oblivious to everything but his own peculiar business.” Bartleby does not seem to mind being lonely or different, and does not appear to think that being an outcast is a difficult endeavor. Instead, it is just his own way of life, which he appears to find contentment. The lawyer is ponderous and concerned for Bartleby’s way of life as Bartleby continues to refuse to answer any question or complete any task. The lawyer struggles to find a connection with Bartleby by recognizing that “both I and Bartleby were sons of Adam” and feels sorry for him. The benefit of Bartleby’s non-conformity is that he celebrates his individuality without sacrificing who he is and what he believes in. However, the pitfall of Bartleby’s non-conformity is that he is so extreme in his convictions that it isolates him from the world, to the point where, even when offered help (like when the lawyer offers him his own home to sleep in), he refuses it. This story shows that there needs to be a balance between celebrating individuality and respecting the surrounding society and environment. My question is, why is Bartleby so stubborn? Why does he refuse EVERYTHING offered or asked of him? Does he enjoy having people feel sorry for him or is he truly oblivious to his surroundings?

Ginsberg’s “Sunflower Sutra” portrays a very different perspective on individuality. The difference with this poem from Bartleby’s story is that the “outcast” character, Ginsberg, is not alone (as Bartleby was). Instead, Ginsberg is one of many, including his friend Jack Kerouac, that are “outcasts” refusing to conform to a conservative lifestyle. He uses a metaphor to describe his “beat” feeling, saying that he was “bleak and blue and sad-eyed, surrounded by the gnarled steel roots of trees of machinery.” I think he used this metaphor because gnarled tree roots conveys a feeling of being suffocated and “tied down” from the rising conservativism. The youtube video also portrays many scenes with pollution and trash, which not only reflects the politics of the era, but also Ginsberg’s feelings. He feels that it is a difficult endeavor to be so outcasted. As the poem goes on, however, a sunflower is mentioned, and every time the sunflower is mentioned, I feel that Ginsberg is celebrating his liberal lifestyle and non-conformity. He writes, “a perfect excellent lovely sunflower existence! A sweet natural eye to the new him moon, woke up alive and excited.” The drugs and careless way of life leads Ginsberg to appreciate an essence of spirituality that he appears to lack in sobriety. The benefits of his non-conformity is that he is his own person, and among a crowd of conservatives, is able to speak his mind and trek down his own spiritual path. However, the pitfalls of his non-conformity is that he is leading a lifestyle that does not contribute to society. Drugs, careless sex, and abusive alcoholic patterns can be detrimental to those around him, as it often leads to ignorant or aggressive behaviors. I had a hard time analyzing the specific meaning of each line of this poem – why does he keep referencing locomotives? Is that a symbol for a pathway out of the conservative era?
Overall, I feel that this reminds me of politics in America. It seems to me that there are two extremes – someone is either democratic or republican. In these stories, people are either “normal” or an extreme “outcast.” Everything in life needs balance. The “normal” people are too afraid to be individuals for fear of being judged, and the “outcast” people are so extreme that they refuse to consider their actions’ impact on society. I think we all need to establish a balance that enables everyone to be themselves and speak their minds without being chastised for being different.

May 20, 2011 - Religious Freedom

Religion’s presence has always been a foothold in determining society’s morale and way of life. However, the way in which it is interpreted drastically varies from one person to the next, as well as from one era to the next. Throughout Edwards, Stevens, and Hawthorne’s sermons, stories, and poetry, religion in America is presented in a variety of forms. Edwards’ sermon, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,” is an attempt to veer society from partaking in the ‘man determines destiny’ trend. Edwards describes the need for Christianity and the consequences if society does not abide by it. He references John 3:18, stating his interpretation that “every unconverted man properly belongs to hell” and that their “sentence” is an assigned, “unchangeable law.” Essentially, once there has been sin, there is no turning back point. According to Edwards, more people reach hell than those who reach heaven. He also depicts God as a rather unforgiving, unmerciful, fearful power. He states that God is “not only able to cast wicked men into hell, but he can most easily do it.” By inflicting fear on his followers, he hopes to convert them to Christianity. Since people in the Puritan era are concerned about the rising lack of religious faith, they are more apt to follow Edward’s belief and use of fear. One thing I found rather disturbing about Edwards’ speech and way of presenting religion to America is his metaphors. He describes God as an archer ready to strike at any moment, with His “arrow made ready on a string,” and Edwards depicts hell as a “furnace,” which is “now hot and ready to receive [the sinners].” He also vividly describes sin, how it is “the ruin and misery of the soul,” and that once someone has sinned, God will ensure they suffer for eternity. However, the most disturbing part of all was his reference to children. At first, he addresses the young women and young men, describing the necessity of Christianity for their generation, however, he then goes as far as to address young children and tell them directly that they are going to hell unless they get converted. How can people of this era actually listen to a sermon that threatens them and their children, condemning them to hell? It seems as though people will do anything for some sense of faith or security.

          However, Hawthorne’s story depicted a different viewpoint of religion and the temptations of sin. I personally feel that this entire story was a hallucination and that it was the character, Goodman Brown’s, subconscious feelings toward faith, religion, and sin. The story starts out with Goodman and his wife, Faith, who is scared and wants Goodman to stay with her that night, but Goodman claims he has other things to do and continuously references an “errand” and “meeting.” He ends up going into the forest and suddenly “felt himself justified in making more haste on his present evil purpose” and comes across an evil figure who guides him farther and farther into the forest with his “staff” which is described as “the likeness of a great black snake.” In my opinion, this is referencing sin and the devil. Although at times Goodman is tempted to “do good” and turn around, he keeps wandering farther into the forest and realizes how easy it is to be seduced by sin. This causes him to question his faith and he starts to go crazy. The main difference with Hawthorne’s story and Edwards’ sermon is the viewpoints. Edward uses threatening tactics to convince his audience to convert to Christianity, while Hawthorne depicts a story of a man travelling into his subconscious and realizing how tempting it is to sin, and therefore questions his beliefs entirely.

         When comparing these two religious viewpoints to “Sunday Morning,” we see an entirely different perspective. “Sunday Morning,” in my opinion, was a more relaxed way of looking at religion. Stevens depicts a woman who skips church and seems to appreciate beauty of nature. She questions religion and God, stating, “What is divinity if it can come only in silent shadows and in dreams?” (2). She does not understand why she cannot find faith (or “comfort” as she puts it) in things of nature. She uses a bird reference and states she’s “content” when birds fly in the field and she is fearful of when they leave and there is no “paradise.” Essentially, when they die. However, she also repeats the line “Death is the mother of beauty” because I think that the woman believes that when you die, you reach “fulfillment” and “imperishable bliss” (5). Instead of having the negative notion, like Edwards and Hawthorne portrayed, that death involves eternity in hell, Stevens depicts a rather peaceful bliss when you die. The character is optimistic. When she hears the voice, “The tomb in Palestine Is not the porch of spirits lingering. It is the grave of Jesus, where he lay” she recognizes that Jesus does exist and that there IS religion and faith, but in a positive way. The fact that she does not attend church does not mean she is going to hell. I think this most accurately reflects contemporary religion in America because most people I know have a firm belief that they are going to heaven, and they are optimistic about their fate.

          This section was interesting because, coming from up North, I was never really introduced to religion until living in South Carolina. Although I feel it is beneficial to have faith in some sort of higher power, I’ve found it can be scary sometimes how people who are very religious live in fear: fear that they are going to hell, fear that they aren’t abiding by the Bible. It seemed to be that way in the Puritan time as well. In my opinion, religion is about practicing morality and being a good person, and that moral behavior should come from within yourself and not from fear of what will happen after you die. 

Unit One: Freedom - May 19, 2011 Response

Unit One: Freedom – May 19, 2011 Response

Throughout their works, writers Anne Bradstreet, Washington Irving, and Charlotte Perkins Gilman depict the struggles of attaining social freedom: the personal liberation from slavery, detention, and oppression. However, social freedom once was, and to a degree still is, difficult to achieve when politics and social norms of the era disagree with the concept.
            Bradstreet’s poems reflect her struggle for freedom from the pressures of being married to a renowned man in a Puritan society. In her poem, The Author to Her Book, Bradstreet uses a metaphor to describe her oppression. She writes, “I washed thy face, but more defects I saw, And rubbing off a spot, still made a flaw.” Bradstreet cannot please her husband and society because she never amounts to others’ expectations: the flawless, idealistic wife. Bradstreet is human and consequently makes mistakes and feels trapped under society’s expectations of perfection. However, in her other poem, Prologue, Bradstreet describes a slightly more positive outlook, as she has attains some sense of social freedom through writing poetry. She poetically describes how women, oppressed from their Puritan society, should technically not be allowed to write poetry (as it is intended only for men), yet here she is expressing herself in a reputable manner. She writes, “Let…Women what they are. Men have precedency and still excel; It is but vain unjustly to wage war.” This line shows Bradstreet’s recognition that men are, in society’s eyes, the superior sex, thus making herself inferior and unable to attain total freedom. However, this line also touches upon the fact that women are “what they are,” and should not have to amount to unreasonable expectations. Bradstreet expresses how she feels it is a waist of time to confront the precedence that men have over women, and instead she will express her feelings through poetry, and in doing that, in her own way, she feels some degree of liberation. In another poem, To My Dear and Loving Husband, Bradstreet defines her only answer to reach total freedom: death. Bradstreet writes, “Then while we live, in love let’s so persever, That when we live no more, we may live ever.” Bradstreet, in this life, loves her husband, but she feels that when her life ends, she “may live ever,” meaning she will actually ‘live her life’ by attaining social freedom and liberation from society’s oppression and her husband’s subjugation. Evidently, social freedom does not come easy for Bradstreet, as she writes about how she feels it is not worth the fight and instead, through expressing herself with poetry, she reaches a form of liberation that will aid her until the end of life. I was confused on the line that Bradstreet wrote in the poem To My Dear and Loving Husband. Do you think Bradstreet was indicating death as liberation, or some other message?     

Another author, Irving, explores the idea of social freedom through the character of Rip Van Winkle, a lazy man with a violent wife trapped in an age where work ethic and motivation are a necessity to living. Rip finds it difficult to attain freedom, as he is constantly set back from freedom and bombarded by his angry wife with chores to do on the farm and family duties. However, after sleeping through the Revolutionary War, Rip fast forwards to an age and era where his carelessness is acceptable. He no longer is married to his oppressive wife, as he describes, “He had got his neck out of the yoke of matrimony.” Rip’s newly achieved freedom parallels that of America’s. Instead of “the accustomed phlegm and drowsy tranquility” tone that encircled society during America’s oppression from England, there was “a busy, bustling, disputatious tone about it” (19). Everyone now has their own, strong opinions from their newly gained freedom. Rip also feels this freedom. Now that he is elderly, his idle disposition is accepted in society and he is free to roam around and do nothing, contribute nothing. How else do you all feel that Rip’s experience paralleled the war?

Finally, another work that touches upon the ideas of social freedom is Gilman’s The Yellow Wallpaper. Gilman describes a home with dreadful wallpaper that parallels her oppressed feelings from her husband. Gilman appears to have some sickness which prohibits her from building self-efficacy and importance. She feels trapped in her body and looking at the wallpaper seems to make her go increasingly insane…She describes the wallpaper, “When you follow the lame uncertain curves for a little distance they suddenly commit suicide…destroy themselves in unheard of contradictions.” Although she is describing how there are literal holes in the wallpaper, her mention of suicide is no mistake, and it seems as though Gilman is contemplating suicide as a means of freedom from her oppressed lifestyle. Later on, Gilman notices a “sub-pattern of a different shade” that “you can only see in certain lights.” The pattern resembles a trapped figure to parallel Gilman’s feelings. The main issue holding her back is her husband and her illness. She achieves some form of freedom in her life by going insane at the end and comparing her life to the wallpaper.
             The theme of today’s stories reminds me of Water for Elephants when the main character, Jacob, finally reaches freedom from the great depression. After losing his parents, his graduate degree, his home, and essentially his whole life, he runs off to the circus and finds a new life. At first, he is oppressed by the circus leader, August, but at the end finally reaches freedom when August dies and he lives his life married to the woman he has been in love with since he joined the circus.
            Okay, the final story was kind of confusing…how do you all feel Gilman reached liberation?