"The American Landscape: nature as Inspiration for the Individual"

RESPONSES

  The first poem I read for today's blog posting was Robert Frost, After Apple-Picking. This poem was a tad bit confusing, and it took me several times of reading it to get an understanding. I think that Frost uses apple picking in this poem as a metaphor for his own life. Lines 3-4 describe "barrels" that haven't been filled. I think these lines are symbolic of things in Frost's own life that he was not able to do, or goals he did not achieve. To me, Frost seems to be drowsy or tired: "Of apple picking: I am over tired." I think the main message of this poem that Frost is trying to convey is that of eventual human mortality. I think Frost wants to make sure people get the most out of life.

  The next set of poems I read were by Emily Dickinson. The first poem, Some Keep the Sabbath, was about Dickinson's personal views about organized religion. I think that Dickinson was not too fond of organized religion, although she did view herself as a Christian. In this poem, Dickinson writes how some people are very strict about their religion and their customs. I feel that Dickinson was more relaxed about religion. The second poem was, I taste a Liquor Never Brewed... I think the theme of this poem was Dickinson comparing be inebriated and its affects to her own enjoyment of nature: "I taste a liquor never brewed" Dickinson feels her own "alcohol" (nature) is better than man's brewed alcohol (lines 3-4). The last poem I read by Dickinson was, There's a Certain Slant of Night. I think that this poem was about death. Dickinson feels that sometimes death can be oppressive, but it does not have to always be negative. I think her attitude towards nature is that if admiration and understanding. Dickinson really relates to nature and uses it to symbolize the many phases of life.

  The last work I read for today was the short story, "A White Heron", written by Sarah Orne Jewett. This short story was about a young girl named Sylvia and her love for nature. Sylvia lives with her grandmother in the country. It is evident in the story that she loves the outdoors: "... and she never should wish to go home." While out with the family's cow, she meets a stranger who is hunting for birds. At the dinner table, the stranger describes his longing quest to catch a white heron. Sylvia knows where to find the nest of the white heron, but does not tell the hunter. As the hunter and Sylvia go out in to the woods, she develops a crush on him: "...the woman's heart, asleep in the child, was vaguely thrilled by a dream of love." Throughout the remainder of the story, Sylvia battles with her own childlike crush and her love for nature. She feels that she has a special relationship with the heron, and does not want the hunter to kill it. This story conveys Jewett's own love for nature and her respect for it. Nature plays a big role in Sylvia's life and ultimately wins her heart.

QUESTIONS

1. Why do you think Dickinson had a negative view of organized religion?
2. Why does Sylvia keep the location of the heron's nest a secret? Do you think her grandmother knows that she knows where the bird lives?

CONNECTIONS

• Protecting the environment is a very important topic in today's society. Why do you think human's love and appreciation for nature has declined?

"When your Pursuit of Happiness Conflicts with Another"

  RESPONSES

  This was my first time reading the play, A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams. I really enjoyed this play. I think that Blanche's demise was partly her own fault. I do however, think that it was initiated by the suicide of her husband. Her husband was her first love, but he betrayed her in marriage; this was made even worse by the fact he betrayed her in homosexuality. Witnessing his betrayal and subsequent suicide was an obvious tragic event and began a downward spiral for Blanche. After his death, she began to look for love in all the wrong places, and had many relations with strangers, to fill the void her husband left. Blanche's reckless actions led to men using her, and her obsession with her physical attributes. This led to her being kicked out of her home town in Laurel, and having to move in with her sister. I think her vulnerableness was very evident, and I believed Stella's husband, Stanley had negative intentions towards Blanche from the very beginning. Stanley went out of his way to be mean to Blanche, and this played a huge role in her mental demise. Stella also plays a role in her sister's demise. Her acceptance of her husband's abuse bothers Blanche: Stella: "But there are things that happen between a man and a woman in the dark-that sort of make everything else seem-unimportant." Blanche: "What you are talking about is brutal desire-just-Desire!"  This exchange between sisters shows that Stella accepts her husband's abuse, and in a way is attracted to it. She excuses his behavior. I think that Blanche sees a little of herself in Stella during this exchange. She knows how it feels to depend on men, especially for sex. She does not want her sister to become caught up in the physical and ignore the facts of life. When Stanley rapes Blanche, I think this is "the straw that broke the camels back". This is the last act of betrayal that Blanche can handle. The scene outside of the prostiture and the drunkard, is almost a foreshadowing of the assault inside the house. I also noticed that the Polka music would play anytime Blanche is close to losing her sanity. It is the song her and her husband danced to before his suicide, and plays at dramatic moments in the play.
  If I was to rank the main characters in order of likeability, I would rank them: Stella, Blanche, and Stanley. Stella is the most likeable character because of her easy going nature. She is not an alcoholic nor violent. I think her only flaw is her acceptance and ignorance towards her husband's abuse. She was attracted to this side of him, and they have a sort of volatile relationship.Blanche is next on my list. While she does have her flaws, and tells her share of lies, I believe it is because of the traumatic event she experienced with her husband. her subsequent immoral behavior and the loss of the plantation and her job all play a part in her demise, emotionally and mentally. I did not like Stanley's character. He is very blunt and animalistic. He controls Stella, and this is evident from the very first scene when he throws the piece of meat at her. Her neighbors catch the sexual innuendo of this act. His treatment and rape of Blanche show his true cruel nature and lack of respect for women.
  I did not think that justice was served in this play. While life may go on "as usual" for the Kowalskis with Blanche's departure, none of the characters will have a complete life. I do think that Blanche needed mental help to deal with her problems, but the way she carted away, and at the doing of Stanley nonetheless, were not good for her. Stella will continue to live with her abusive husband, ignorant to the fact that he raped her sister. Stanley does not face consequences for his actions during the play, and will probably continue to go on in his brute way.

QUESTIONS

1. Do you think Stanley had evil intentions towards Blanche from her arrival?
2. Would Stella have left Stanley if she was made aware of his assault against her sister?
3. Why doesn't Blanche say anything about her rape? Do you think she really believes Shep is coming to get her, or has she lost all touch with reality by this point?

CONNECTIONS

• Today, there are many medical names and causes of mental illness. Do you think that those committed to mental institutions by their families, are always "crazy"? Or has their family played a role in their demise such as the story with Blanche?

"The Struggle to lean an Authentic Life"

RESPONSES

  The first work I read today was the poem, The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, written by T.S. Eliot. This story was about the poem's character Prufrock constantly thinking of what others thought of him. I think that he was anxious about a woman and possibly asking her a serious question; maybe a proposal? (lines 106-110). In stanza 6, Purfrock talks of meeting a woman. However, he is nervous because he thinks he will be judged by his appearance and clothes. I think that he may also be concerned with aging: "With a bald spot in the middle of my hair". Purfrock's thinking is sometimes how we think today. We tend to over analyze ourselves, especially if we are going before a person/or people we have never met before. As the poem continues on Prufrock begins to even doubt if it would matter if he approaches the woman or not. He feels like things are becoming redundant, and he has seen these people before (stanza 7). I think that Prufrock just wants to be accepted. Accepted for being himself, and also not to have his advances rejected.

  The last work I read for today's blog posting was by Allen Ginsberg, a poem called Howl. My first thoughts were: 'WOW." It is very obvious from the opening lines that Ginsberg is upset; he is upset about his generation and its demise. He feels that the "great minds" of his generation have been lost to a multitude of things, and Part I of this poem expresses that. Ginsberg names many things that various people have wasted their lives away with: drugs, sex, alcohol. I think that this poem was written after WWII. Many people after the war were scarred from the war, and some veterans could not get jobs. Also, racism was still a big factor in America at the time. These are just a few of the things that Ginsberg feels his generation has been lost to. Ginsberg feels that conformity and the advent of technology are driving his generation mad. When they deviate from the norms of society they become loss in many different things, and because of this Ginsberg feels they succumb to conformity when they try to retreat back to the norms of society. 

  I think that both authors choose a pessimistic view in their poems to display their frustrations with society. They believe in being one's true self, but society does not alway promote this.

QUESTIONS

1. Why does Prufrock feel like he may be rejected? Is it solely because of his appearance? 
2. Does Ginseng feel that his generation is a lot cause? In his poem we read earlier, he still had hope for America that was represented by the sunflower. Does he still feel like there is hope left?

CONNECTIONS

• Life after a war is not always easy, even if the country returns with a win. Do you think this same sense of "loss" will be seen in our generation after the War in Iraq is completed? Or is conformity at an all time high already?

"The Celebration of Individuality"

RESPONSES

  The first text I read for today's reading was Song of Myself by Walt Whitman. I had a hard time understanding this poem. In the stanzas that I read, I feel that Whitman uses many different examples of individuality. He points out many different people (stanzas 15-16) doing different things. It is also evident that Whitman believes in God, and values him. Whitman is also very content with himself: "I resist anything better than my own diversity". Whitman shows optimism in his opinion of the human race. He believes everyone is created equal, and no one is better than anyone else. I did like this theme of the poem. A line that exemplifies Whitman's idea of power and specialness of individuals is line 520: "Divine am I inside and out, and I make holy whatever I touch or am touch'ed from". 

  The second text I read was by Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Self-Reliance". I was familiar with some of Emerson's other work as well as this passage. Emerson stresses that they key to individuality is following one's on belief, and not conforming to what is popular. A lot of times what is popular is not always what is best for an individual person, and Emerson wants the reader to remember this: "trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string." Both authors celebrate themselves for their non-conformity, and inspire others to do the same: "Whoso would be a man must be a nonconformist." It is evident that during Emerson's lifetime he was a non-conformist. He was a chief founder of the Transcendentalist movement, and many of their fundamentals are littered in this essay. Whitman was also a follower of this movement, and sent one his works to Emerson for his opinion. Both authors believe God created human beings to be individuals and that we should celebrate this uniqueness we were created with.

 The last text I read today was "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin. I enjoyed this short story. The story begins with a woman learning the news of her husband's untimely death in a railroad accident. She is in shock and takes some time to her self away from her sister. As she revels in the news, one thing floods her mind: she is free. I assume that she had a hard life living with her husband. Most women would be depressed at the news of their husband's death, however, she is elated. When she leaves the room, she is surprised to see her husband walk through the door. Surprised to the point that she dies. I think that with the death of her husband, the woman felt truly free, in her mind, heart, and soul. When this is taken away from her she can not simply live, having enjoyed that short, but sweet taste of freedom. 

QUESTIONS

1. Do you think that Emerson and Whitman would have rather had death, like the character in Chopin's story, than to lose their individuality?
2. Why does Richard try to shield Louise from her husband?

CONNECTIONS

1. I think that Barlteby's story would have fit just as well in today's blog posting. Do you think it was his non-conformity that eventually led to his death?

"The American Dream: Achievable for All?"

  My personal conception of the "American Dream" is the ability to think of, pursue, and achieve or fail anything that you want to. As Americans we have many freedoms, probably some of the most in the world. While not everyone is born with a "silver spoon in their mouth", anyone is capable of being successful in this country. I will admit though, that I think your upbringing plays a significant part in the EASE of being successful. Many of our countries most successful people did not always come from a rich family. However, it was their ambition, hard work ethic, and blessings that they were able to achieve what they set their minds to. I think that is the beauty of the American dream. Although the journey to success may be different for all of us, it is still a road that we all have the choice to embark upon. 
  I think that Brittney Spears represents the stereotypical American Dream. For many people, their dream or goal in life is to be rich. In our country, often times society and the media play a bog role in equating happiness and success with money. However, this is not always the case. As evident in Spears's own life, money does not equal happiness. While she does have a very lucrative career, making her a millionaire, she went through a period of depression and many questioned whether she would be able to maintain or recover her career. Brittney Spears may have obtained the American Dream according to society, but many times we tend to let this overshadow the downs of life. I feel that becoming a celebrity and rich should not be defined as the American dream. The true American Dream should be reaching your goals you have set for your own life, and being truly happy.
  I feel that the speech in this video clip is partially applicable tot he Younger's life. Each of the characters in the play have their own personal dreams that they are striving to reach in the play. However, many factors, within and outside, of their family unit hold them back from achieving their dreams. One of the main factors holding the Youngers back is the issue of money. From the opening scene of the play, the reader is clued in that the Younger family is waiting on a check. They feel like this check will be a new beginning for them. Walter has dreams of investing, and plans to use the insurance check as his down payment for a liquor store with his "friends" Willy and Bobo. Walter's sister, Beneatha has dreams of going to medical school and becoming a doctor. She is in school now, and hopes to use some of the check to pay her tuition for medical school. Mama and Ruth both want to move out of their cramped apartment, and their plans for the check is to use that for a down payment for a new house. All of the family members dreams seem to be dependent upon this check. Within their household, Walter feels as if no one in the family supports his dreams, especially Ruth. This is a main source of tension between them. When the check arrives, it is almost as if a heavy weight is lifted from their apartment, their lives, and their attitudes. Everyone is in good spirits. When Mama uses part of the check to put a down payment on a new house, every one is excited except for Walter. It is not until Mama entrusts him with the remainder of the money that he is happy. However, he does not listen to Mama and uses all of the money in an investment deal gone wrong. This really upset me. Although I was not surprised, I still felt that it was really selfish and stupid of Walter to do this. His actions directly affected the family, and especially Beneatha, whose tuition money was included in that deal. I was surprised about how the end of the play turned out. I thought that Walter was going to accept the offer from Lindner; I was happy to see that he didn't. I think that Hansberry ended the play like this to show that the Youngers were still a proud people, and that despite their recent monetary setbacks, they would achieve their dreams. Whether they knew it or not, I believe that the first step for any of them to achieving their dreams was moving out of their apartment. If their was a sequal to the play I think that it would be set about 5-10 years int he future. I think that the Youngers would have saved up enough money to send Beneatha off to medical school and she would take Asagai up on his offer to move to Africa. I also think that Ruth would have kept her baby. Walter would have also matured and started to put his family first before his own dreams. 
  Nowadays, I think it takes more than just optimism and determination to fulfill one's dreams. It also takes hard work and maybe most importantly, the acceptance that failures may occur. There are many successful people, who did not become successful on their first, second, or even third attempt at their dream. I think this is what separates the people who become successful from those who do not, how they bounce back from failures and setbacks. I think that the Youngers are people who are able to overcome their setbacks, and this is why they will be able to achieve their own "American Dream". I think that some people's idea of the American dream may have been affected by the recent economic downturn. Many families are now struggling to provide for their loved ones, and live from day to day. I feel that while the American spirit of hard work and determination have not been lost, the goals of the American people have changed. People still want to be successful and be able to provide for their families, but with the economic hardships they just have to work harder and realize that their sense of "comfort" can be taken away from them in the blink if an eye. While I have been blessed to not have been affected by the economy too much, some of my peers have. I can only hope that the economy continues to improve, people get their jobs back, and the American spirit of pride and determination pave the way for many more people to embark upon the journey to their own American Dream.

"Race and Equality"

RESPONSES

  The first passage I read for today's blog posting were poems by Claude McKay, America and If We Must Die. In the poem America, McKay tells of his love/hate relationship with America. He feels that America, and more specifically the culture and area he grew up in, were harsh, but shaped his youth nonetheless (lines 1-4). McKay dealt with things like racism and prejudice, but these made him a stronger person. When I read the opening line: "Although she feeds me bread of bitterness", I thought that McKay was expressing America's ill treatment towards him, but in a way his dependence upon America. The author has mixed feelings toward America because of the injustices he faces, but is still happy to be an American:  "I stand within her walls with not a shred, Of terror, malice, not a word of jeer." McKay feels that unless America is more tolerant of African Americans, the talents of black people will go to waste: "Like priceless treasures sinking in the sand". 

  The second poem by McKay was, If We Must Die. This poem encourages African Americans in their daily struggle with racism. The author knows that times are hard, but wants his people to continue fighting and living with pride: "If we must die, O let us nobly die". During the Civil Rights movement, many African American gave their lives to ensure equal rights for us today.  I am personally grateful for these brave men and women, and this poem is a testament to their struggle and fight.  In both of his poems, McKay does not ignore the treatment of African Americans, but he does feel that they could rise above it and still make America a country worth living in for them and for African Americans in the future.

  The second set of poems I read were by Countee Cullen, Yet Do I Marvel and Incident. In this first poem, Cullen talks about his faith in God. He believes God is superior, and what would happen if God were to explain his creations: "And did he stoop to quibble, He could tell why." Cullen names a few facts of life that puzzle him in lines 3-6; such as why is the mole blind, why must humans die, etc. Cullen's biggest marvel is: "To make a poet black, and bid him sing!" I think that by this line Cullen is questioning why would God make a poet black, knowing the hardships and struggles African Americans faced at the time. This line also shows his faith in God, he is not questioning God, but merely in awe of this. He knows that God would do this for a reason.

The second poem by Cullen was Incident. I enjoyed this poem. Cullen told of a time when he was a young boy in Baltimore. When he first arrived, he was very happy lines 1-2. However, shortly in to his trip he encountered an act of racism. This scarred his whole experience in Baltimore and overshadows his other experiences while there lines 9-12. Although this poem was short, it encased a lot of feelings of Cullen. At a young age he was affected by racism. I think that I too, would have remembered an incident such as this. These poems are similar to McKay's poems in that they are a first hand view of growing up in America during a time of overt racism and prejudice. Both poets faced these injustices, but were able to rise above and still be successful. 

  The third set of poems I read were by Langston Hughes, Mother to Son and Theme for English B. I have read some of Hughes work before including Mother to Son and have always enjoyed it. His second poem was no different. In Mother to Son, Hughes' mother giver her son advice on life and to always strive for the best. She tells him that her life hasn't been easy: "Life for me aint been no crystal stair." His mother endured many hardships, but through it all continued to "climb". I think that this is a very good poem, and many mothers can attest to the same feelings as Hughes' mother. 

I truly enjoyed reading Theme for English B. Langston Hughes is such an open book to his generation and their struggles and accomplishments. This poem tells about when he is assigned to write about himself for an English class. He is the only black student in the class, and his sentiments come out. He writes what he likes to do and where he is from, the special part of this poem to me is in this line: "I guess being colored doesn’t make me not like

the same things other folks like who are other races." This line portrays Hughes true feelings and emotions on race. And I can not blame him. In some of my classes here at Clemson, I am the only African American. And although I have not dealt with any racism, I sometimes too wonder how much am I different from my fellow tigers outside of the color of my skin. Hughes goes on to tell of the relationship and bond that he and his teacher have, not because they chose to, but because they are AMERICAN. Being American brings all of us together, and this poem really opened my eyes to see that African Americans during Hughes generation really just wanted the same thing. Acceptance and equality for their similarities. Just like the authors from yesterday's readings, Hughes wants to be accepted by his fellow Americans, because he is too a true American.

The last work I read for today was How it feels to be Colored Me. This was written by Zora Neale Hurston. She details of her adolescence and when she realized she was "colored". She grew up in an all black town, and went to a white school when she was thirteen. While she is constantly reminded of her "coloredness", Hurston does not identify with this label. "Someone is always at my elbow reminding me that I am the grand daughter of slaves. It fails to register depression with me." Hurston only feels colored when she is around a lot of whites; and recognizes when the shoe is on the other foot: "A white person is set down in our midst, but the contrast is just as sharp for me." I can personally attest to feeling like Hurston did in these situations too. I feel like Hurston was the author that was most similar to the authors of yesterday, especially Wheatley. Neither woman classified themselves as strictly African American. Both women identify with a larger and more diverse group: Christians (Wheatley) and Americans (Hurston). I think that Hurston refers to God as the "Great Stuffer of Bags". She symbolizes her and other humans as bags with their insides not being unique enough to matter to God anyway: "A bit of colored glass more or less would matter." I think out off all the authors from today's reading, Hurston is most in touch with her Americaness, and not by the labels her era tried to place on her.

QUESTIONS

1.   How do you think Langston Hughes's english teacher responded to Hughes's paper? Was he shocked? Upset?
2.    Do you think Cullen's encounter with racism affected his decision to become a poet? Influence his themes in his poetry?

CONNECTIONS

•    Langston Hughes's poem Mother to Son, is a very popular poem. What do you think of its message? Is it still relevant to mothers and their childrens today? I think it is.

"American Notions of Equality"

RESPONSES

  The first passage I read for today's blog posting was the poem by Phyllis Wheatley, On Being Brought from Africa to America. This was a relatively short poem, but enlightening nonetheless. Wheatley in these few lines chronicles her feelings of being brought to America. Before reading this poem, I thought it would be filled with angst and hatred. I was surprised to read just the opposite: " 'Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land." This first line showed that she was grateful for the slave owners kidnapping her from her home land. She was raised as a Christian by her slave owners. I do think that this may have been good, but it seemed odd that she attributed her being led to the Christian faith to her owners, and not her African family. In other works by slaves and former slaves I have read, they had a strong Christian faith because of their families; religion was very important to slaves. She does however, acknowledge the contempt some people had for African Americans, regardless of their color: "Some view our sable race with scornful eye." I think Wheatley felt that through religion she was equal to whites. Today, I think that we as Christians view everyone as equal, but I am sure some Christians did not feel like this during Wheatley's lifetime. Overall, I enjoyed this poem and it showed a different viewpoint from a slave. 

  The next text I read was The Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson. I had read this document before in high school US history, but it was nice to be refreshed on it with today's reading. The first paragraph of this text is often quoted, and it was familiar to me. This paragraph basically summarizes the reason that America feels it is their God given right to separate from Britain: "...the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them..." In the second paragraph, Jefferson details the purpose of government and rights all men are born with. He tells of the injustices that the government of Britain has imposed on America, and this is their main reason of why they are declaring their own separate government. The bulk of the document actually goes into details of all the injustices the British have performed. I felt that these were serious enough for us as Americans to want to disband: 

• "For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world"
• "For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent"

These are just two of the many offenses. After detailing these offenses, Jefferson concludes the document by formally stating that all political ties with Britain have been dissolved, and that America is is own country. Jefferson did not delve deep into religion in this document, but he did credit America's rights as "God given". Jefferson values equality, and feels like Britain has taken advantage of its power over America. I think that our contemporary views of freedom are based on this document, however, today we have a more diverse definition of when Jefferson states: "all men are created equal". Since the signing of this document, many government laws, bills, and acts have been passed to ensure that ALL citizens of America have equal rights.


  The third text I read was by Thomas Paine, The Crisis. This was a familiar text, and it was written to inspire the American troops in their fight for freedom, and written as a series of pamphlets. Paine starts of the text by emphasizing the importance of the war, and also pointing out the difference between those who were truly committed or not: "THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman." I think that this is a very strong opening statement, and this first line probably inspired the troops a lot. Paine wanted to make a clear distinction between those who were loyal to America and those who were still loyal to Britain. Paine also uses some religious ideas in these pamphlets. He believes God is with the troops and uses this to ensure them that their fighting is not in vain:"...God Almighty will not give up a people to military destruction..." He then goes on to detail of his personal experience thus far in the war. He tells of the success of his troops, despite their weariness, fatigue, and sometimes few numbers. I think this played a big part in inspiring the troops, because Paine includes his first hand account, and the American troops can relate. Paine stresses to the troops to be completely loyal to America and not be like the "Tories", or Britain supporters. I enjoyed this first pamphlet, and I think it speaks of the great American courage and resolve for freedom. I still see this same attitude in our troops today, as they risk their lives in foreign countries for its citizens freedoms and rights. \

  The last text I read was Letters from an American Farmer (letter III: What is an American) by J.Hector St. John de Crevecoeur. I think the resounding theme of this letter is freedom. He stresses the freedoms of Americans and all that we are able to do. He compares things such as freedom of religion, culture, etc. versus our European neighbors. de Crevecoeur values the freedom of religion that Americans possess. He likes his life here in America, and quickly notices the differences between his life here and his life living in France. This author believes equality is available to everyone, and all people have the same opportunities.

QUESTIONS

1. Why does Phyllis Wheatley associate more with her white slave owners than her fellow slaves? Should she be mad about being brought to America?
2. Do you think that had the British government had good relations with America, Americans would have still wanted to become its own nation?

CONNECTIONS

• Phyllis Wheatley would later go on to become the first African American to have a book published. I think this was largely due to the fact of her Christian owners, who may have had a more lenient and accepting view of slaves who were converted Christians.
• Although the pamphlets are not still read aloud to troops today, I feel like the theme of the pamphlets is one that is still a strong military principle today. Freedom and God given rights are a big part of today's military, and some people's argument for the war we are currently in. What do you think?

"Freedom to assert oneself; Non-conformity"

RESPONSES

  The first passage I read for today's topic was, Sunflower Sutra, by Allen Ginsberg. It was hard for me to grasp the main concept of the poem the first time I read it, but after a closer reading I feel that I was able to see Ginsberg's message. The poem's first stanza places the author looking out upon an industrialized world: "... look at the sunset over the box hills and cry." The author seems upset at urbanization of his surroundings. In the third stanza he uses many illustrations to depict how urbanization has affected the landscape: "The oily water on the river mirrored the red sky...". Human's have made the river virtually inhabitable. The author then discovers a sunflower. To me, this sunflower represented America. The author depicted the sunflower as a last glimmer of hope for America to return to its roots and not conform: "The grime was no man's grime but death and human locomotives." The author symbolizes the locomotive as the deterioration and conformity of America. Ginsberg recalls his time in New York, and how industrialization had ruined the beauty of the city (lines 15-19). I think that Ginseng sees this same type of urban decay occurring out West where he is located, hand this hurts him very much. Ginseng portrays non-conformity as the bleak and polluted sunflower. Although he is faced with the conformity of urbanization, he still views the sunflower as hope that America can reverse the conformity. Ginsberg feels that he can bring back this natural beauty to America and that human's are innately good on the inside, just like the sunflower.

 The second and last text for today's reading was, Bartleby the Scrivener, by Herman Melville. I was familiar with this author's work, as I had read Moby Dick in high school. Before I began reading this short story, I first had to look up the definition of "scrivener". I learned that it was another word for scribe, and was traditionally a person who could read and write and hired as a secretary. The story is told by an lawyer on Wall Street. He is an older man, and already has two scriveners working under him when Bartleby is hired. The lawyer's first view of Bartleby is a good one: "At first Bartleby did an extraordinary quantity of writing". His only issue at the time was the lack of enthusiasm Bartleby possessed. However, one day the lawyer asks Bartleby to help him compare some papers. He is surprised to hear Bartleby's response of "I would prefer not to." The lawyer was even more astonished at the calm manner in which Bartleby refused his request. This came as a shock to me as well, and I wondered why Bartleby would refuse such a simple task. As I continued reading the story, I learned that "I would prefer not to" became a daily response from Bartleby. To my surprise, the lawyer does not fire him and just assigns his work to the other scriveners, Turkey and Nippers. To me, Bartleby's refusal to do work of any kind was his way of non-conforming, albeit a very risky one seeing that the tasks asked of him were in his job description. I think Bartleby was a very individualistic person, and would change this for anyone, not even his boss. Another part that puzzled me was Bartleby's refusal to answer even general questions his boss posed to him: " 'Will you tell me Bartleby, where you were born.' " Barlteby would even refuse to eat! Maybe his refusal to do anything was spurned by his previous job where he was assigned to read " Dead Letters"; the author never really gives an explanation for Bartleby's behavior.

  Although the theme of both of these texts  are individuality and non-conformation, I do not think that it is being celebrated. In either story, the "non-conformists" had to face constant  adversity and multiple attempts to be conformed. The benefits in Sunflower Sutra seem to be that being a non-conformist inspires others to do the same.

QUESTIONS

1. What was really the cause of Bartleby's refusals? Previous work experience? Discontentment with the basis of Wall Street (money)?

CONNECTIONS

• Urbanization has become what America is known for around the world, is it possible to be a non-conformist in today's society? (ie Amish communities)

"Freedom of Religion"

RESPONSES

  The first text I read for today's posting was the poem, Sunday Morning, by Wallace Stevens. My first time reading through this poem, it was difficult for me to understand. I read through it again, and some words I had to look up. My interpretation of the poem is a woman who decides to spend a Sunday at home rather than at church. As she sits on her porch eating her coffee and oranges she begins to think of religion. The line : "... The holy hush of ancient sacrifice." and "Encroachment of that old catastrophe." led me to believe this was a special Sunday, maybe Easter. She begins to think of this special day and the significance of Jesus's sacrifice. In the second stanza she begins to think of the true meaning of divinity and where it may lie: the earth or within herself, Divinity must live within herself." The poem then goes on to talk about Jesus and his time here on earth, and the significance of him passing away to us as Christians. I think that the line: "Death is the mother of beauty." means that death should be seen as more than a tragic experience. As Christians, death is the beginning of eternal life, and the author deems this eternal life in Heaven as "beautiful".

  The second text I read was, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" by Jonathan Edwards. I had read this previously back in high school, so it was nice to see some familiarity in this passage. The first thing that always strikes me first as I read through Edward's sermon is his fierceness with his message. he tries to make it very clear that sin will not be tolerated by God: "There is nothing that keeps wicked men at any one moment out of hell, but the mere pleasure of God." Edwards reiterates this theme many times throughout his message, and I think it is a good theme. Edwards uses harshness, but also honesty in an effort to save his congregation from Hell. Another theme that Edwards uses to juxtapose the wrath of God is God's mercy: "Were it not for the sovereign pleasure of God, the earth would not bear you one moment." Throughout the sermon, Edwards warns of the wrath of God and the eternal despair of Hell. I can only imagine the thoughts and overall mood in Edwards' church the Sunday he preached this. I am sure many were moved to get their lives right, but some others may have been in denial about their own sins and felt that Edwards went overboard in his approach to this sensitive topic.

  For today's reading, the last passage I read was, Young Goodman Brown, by Nathaniel Hawthorne. This story was hard for me to understand, but I do feel that I got the main theme. The story begins with the departure of Goodman Brown from his wife. To me it seems that Goodman Brown is on his way to do something evil: "Goodman Brown felt himself justified in making more haste on his present evil purpose." He partakes on his journey with a fellow church goer. As they travel in the woods, Goodman Brown has second thoughts about his "mission" and attests to the good name his family has. However, he is shocked to discover the wrong doings of his father and grandfather from his companion: "I have been well acquainted with your family... to set fire to an Indian village, in King Phillip's war." Troubled by this news Goodman Brown continues on his journey and spots another church goer in the woods, this time an old lady. He is hesitant about letting her know of his presence. The story continues with Goodman Brown finally making up his mind that he will not continue on the journey, and he and his companion split up. While he is still in the woods, he notices more church members and is curious to see what their business is. He comes upon a sort of "baptism" and is surprised and upset to find his "angel" wife being baptized in sin: "My Faith is gone!". After witnessing this he becomes very critical of everyone in the church and in his village. He no longer believes there is good on earth, and spends the rest of his life with this view. This passage portrays even "good" people sinning, but it is not a damnation like the sermon of Jonathan Edwards. Both stories show the evils of men, but the authors present this in two different ways. Edwards's sermon is direct and stern, while Hawthorne's story makes the reader read between the lines. While these two stories detail the evils of men, the poem, Sunday Morning, shows the glory of God, and the death and rising of Jesus.

QUESTIONS

1. In the poem, Sunday Morning, does the main character feel as in touch with her spirituality at home, as if she would in church?
2. What was Goodman Brown's initial intent of traveling in the woods?

CONNECTIONS

• I think that the poem, Sunday Morning, best represents our society's views on religion today. Religion today is seen as more of a personal relationship, and we do not have to go to church to be able to have a relationship with God.
• I think that if Jonathan Edwards were alive today, he would still feel his message was relevant to the times (and I could agree). However, I'm not sure if he would have as welcome as a reception.

"Social Freedom.... or lack thereof"

  RESPONSES

  Anne Bradstreet's first poem: The Author to Her Book discusses her feelings about being a mother, and having her child taken away from her. I think that she uses a human child as symbolism for her literary work (so I will use "work" as reference to her "child") Her work was taken from her and shown off to the world, but in a way that Bradstreet felt was degrading; "Who thee exposed to public view, made thee in rags, halting to th' press to trudge". The work was not presented in the best light an judged harshly. When her work was returned to her, Bradstreet was ashamed and tried her best to correct and improve upon her work, but to no avail (in her opinion): "Yet being mine own, at length affection would they blemishes amend, if so I could". To me, it seems that Bradstreet's work was published without her knowledge, or at least her consent. Her second poem: Prologue is about the difficulties for women in literature. She begins her poem by acknowledging great acts in history: "to sing of wars, of captains, and kings...", but also notes that she feels her "mean pen" are inferior to these things. This poem suggests that Bradstreet feels she is not taken seriously as she would have been had she been a man. She is criticized for pursuing her passion of poetry: "I am obnoxious to each carping tongue, who says my hand a needle better fits". I feel like Bradstreet felt she didn't have a lot of freedom in expressing herself, and felt that she would not be given full credit of her accomplishments. This is evident in the line: "Yet grant some acknowledgement of ours". The last poem I read was: To my Dear and Loving Husband". In this poem Bradstreet talks about her sincere love for her husband: "I prize thy love more than whole mines of gold". That seems like a lot of love to me. Although I do not doubt the love Bradstreet had for her husband, I do feel that she had some resentment because of the role she was expected to play as wife of a prominent man in their Puritan community. Bradstreet did not achieve the social freedom that she longed for, but I do believe that as wife of the future governor, she had more freedoms than other women in the colony. With this small amount of social freedom, Bradstreet was able to convey her feelings through her poems.


  The second text I read for today's post was "Rip Van Winkle" by Washington Irving. I read this story my senior year in high school and it was nice to revisit it. This story exhibits the main character dealing with social freedoms, however, in this care it is a man. Rip Van Winkle wanted to escape the domestic life and the nagging of his wife: "... Rip was ready to attend to anybody's business but his own; but as to doing family duty, and keeping his farm in order, he found it impossible". In this story, Rip escapes the pressures of family life by either talking at the local inn with his friends, or hunting squirrels with his dog, Wolf, in the mountains. On one of these particular outings, Rip spots a mountain dweller and helps him carry a large keg. Upon reaching the traveler's destination, Rip drinks out of the keg then falls in to a deep slumber. When he awakes, he does not recognize his surroundings and when he returns to his village he does not recognize any of the villagers. After many questions, Rip finds out he has been asleep for 20 years! To me, Rip does not seem to down about this: he learns that his wife has died (who was his main source of contempt). Before his identity is confirmed, Rip just wants to be recognized and remembered, he was hurt that his own dog did not remember him: " 'My very dog,' sighed poor Rip, 'has forgotten me!' ". Fortunately, Rip's daughter still lives in the village and takes him in. Now in old age, Rip is able to return to his lackadaisical life style without any complaints.


  The last text I read was, The Yellow Wallpaper, by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. This was a very interesting story indeed. I read it as diary entries by the main character. The story starts off and it is evident that the main character is sick: "You see he does not believe I am sick!". She is married to a prominent physician and her brother is a doctor as well. Neither one of them believes she is truly sick. To me, this represents the times that these characters lived in. The women are submissive to their husbands, and abide by their beliefs and rules. However, in her writings, she expresses her differing views and her growing discomfort in their summer home. In particular, she hates the bedroom her husband chose: "No wonder the children hated it! I should hate it myself if I had to live in this room long". The main focus of the story is her issue with the yellow wallpaper in the room. As I continued reading this story, it became more evident to me that she was more mentally sick than physically sick. She tries to hide her contempt with the wallpaper so that her husband won't worry about her condition: It is getting to be a great effort for me to think straight. Just this nervous weakness I suppose". She does try to talk with her husband about leaving the room, but he feels she should simply get more sleep. This story exemplifies the lack of social freedom women had during these times. As a doctor, her husband had even more stature and his opinion always overrode hers. The other issue holding the main character back from being free is the room itself. She believe the wallpaper is moving and spends the greater portion of her time trying to figure out it's "secrets". At the end of the story she finally is able to "escape": " 'I've got out at last,' said I, 'in spite of you and Jane. And I've pulled off most of the paper, so you can't put me back!' ".

QUESTIONS

Here are a few questions I had from today's readings:

1. Did Anne Bradstreet's position as wife of the future governor hurt or help her passion for poetry?
2. Did Anne Bradstreet, truly love her husband, or did she feel it was her "duty" to love her husband?
3. Did the mountain dwellers know of Rip Van Winkle's home life? Why did they choose that particular day to appear?
4. Why did the main character's husband in The Yellow Wallpaper ignore her deteriorating condition? Was it not obvious to him that she was not getting better?
5. If her husband had moved her to another room, would she still feel trapped as she did in the room with the yellow wallpaper? (The Yellow Wallpaper)

CONNECTIONS

Here are a few CONNECTIONS I applied from the readings:

• The theme of today's readings was "social freedom". All of the characters in today's readings dealt with some type of social hinderance. The works were very evident of the time they were written. However, I have seen these same type of injustices in the news in Middle Eastern countries. For example, in some Middle Eastern countries the women have no social freedoms and their daily lives are dictated by the men in their lives. 
• I also noticed a theme of "mental illness" in The Yellow Wallpaper. In today's society those with mental illnesses are usually diagnosed and undergo treatment. However, just like in this story, sometimes those suffering from mental illness are not believed or simply ignored. Especially in women. I recently read a story of a mother who killed her children, and many question arose such as: Why? Could this have been avoided? Did the mother not exhibit signs of depression before?