While reading Bastard out of Carolina I wondered how a girl like Bone survived. She has managed to survive abuse and neglect. I think the worst moment for me came when the family found out about Glen abusing Bone. I thought it would be a fresh start for Bone and her family. But in a way it seemed to drag them down more. All through the abuse, Anney had always comforted Bone and Bone strongly loved her mother. To me that is a little disturbing. Anney never did anything to prevent the abuse. But once the family found out, Anney and Bone drifted apart.
I think in part, Anney felt lost. She had lost her husband, but at the same time, she was feeling guilty. Anney never did anything to stop the abuse or to tell her family about it. But at the same time, she truly loved Glen and I believe she felt guilty that her brothers beat him up. He never did abuse Anney and I think that hung over her.
My reaction is how can you choose your cruel husband over your innocent child? I think the reason Anney did was because she was very dependent on Glen. However, most of the time he was out of work and he contributed to the reason they moved so often. Anney really didn't need Glen, he was more of a convenience for her. Glen was someone Anney could go through life with. I think Bone is getting more and more messed up from her life. There really seems to be no hope for this family.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Understanding Dickey
Whenever I read poetry (which is not unless it is required) I always look for underlying meanings. I always feel that I have to "read between the lines." So when I started reading James Dickey's poems, I kept thinking What does this have to do with the South? Where is the racism or the "Southern belle" and gentlemen stereotypes? For a few of the poems, I think I read to far into it. Dickey seems to be pretty straightforward in his writings.
I want to re-examine the poem Cherrylog Road. When I first read this, I had some idea of what was going on. It is a love story without much romance. I didn't pick up on the other themes in this poem until we discussed it in class. The concept of the old cars as a sign of the past relates to many Southerners want to keep intact the old ways of life. The old cars sitting in the hot sun, not moving, not going anywhere, just gathered around reminds me of scenes in Their Eyes were Watching God. All the town people would gather on porches, just sitting around in the hot sun, doing the same thing every night. Usually it was older people who sat on the porch, so the representations are reminders of the past. I also like how this poem changes pace. It starts of slow and quiet, with a sense of stillness, much like life in the South is. Then, there is a degree of anticipation and a faster pace, when Doris Holbrook and this man "hook up." This again reminds me of some of the readings we have done. Something exciting happens in the town, everyone gathers and gossip begins. Then the excitement dies down and everyone goes back to their ordinary life. Just as in this poem, the girl and the man go their separate ways, back to their lives.
Another poem that I tried to interpret was The Heaven of Animals. Needless to say, I was way off in my interpretation. But nonetheless, I still enjoyed this poem. It reminds me of stories that my parents told me about our animals. Even though I had this notion that all people, no matter their age, race, gender, or lifestyle, went to the same heaven. Animals on the other hand, all went to different heavens. Dogs went to dog heaven. Cats went to cat heaven. Rabbits went to rabbit heaven. And fish eventually made their way to fish heaven. When I was young, this was the only explanation I needed. I didn't really think farther than this. But, Dickey sort of idealized this idea and made it make a little more sense. In his sense of Animal Heaven, each animal continued its way of life. Therefore, all animals would have to go to the same heaven, in order to interact as they do here on Earth. In this heaven, they continue their cycle. I think its interesting that most of us have a similar notion when it comes to this concept of heaven. Even though none of us can testify to the validity of Dickey's explanations and descriptions, we can all understand and interpret what he is saying.
Now that I understand Dickey a little better, I am starting to enjoy his poetry a little better. His presentation of stories, such as A Dog Sleeping on My Feet, Falling, Hunting Civil War Relics at Nimblewill Creek, and Cherrylog Road, give us a little insight to things he might have experienced or stories he may have heard.
I want to re-examine the poem Cherrylog Road. When I first read this, I had some idea of what was going on. It is a love story without much romance. I didn't pick up on the other themes in this poem until we discussed it in class. The concept of the old cars as a sign of the past relates to many Southerners want to keep intact the old ways of life. The old cars sitting in the hot sun, not moving, not going anywhere, just gathered around reminds me of scenes in Their Eyes were Watching God. All the town people would gather on porches, just sitting around in the hot sun, doing the same thing every night. Usually it was older people who sat on the porch, so the representations are reminders of the past. I also like how this poem changes pace. It starts of slow and quiet, with a sense of stillness, much like life in the South is. Then, there is a degree of anticipation and a faster pace, when Doris Holbrook and this man "hook up." This again reminds me of some of the readings we have done. Something exciting happens in the town, everyone gathers and gossip begins. Then the excitement dies down and everyone goes back to their ordinary life. Just as in this poem, the girl and the man go their separate ways, back to their lives.
Another poem that I tried to interpret was The Heaven of Animals. Needless to say, I was way off in my interpretation. But nonetheless, I still enjoyed this poem. It reminds me of stories that my parents told me about our animals. Even though I had this notion that all people, no matter their age, race, gender, or lifestyle, went to the same heaven. Animals on the other hand, all went to different heavens. Dogs went to dog heaven. Cats went to cat heaven. Rabbits went to rabbit heaven. And fish eventually made their way to fish heaven. When I was young, this was the only explanation I needed. I didn't really think farther than this. But, Dickey sort of idealized this idea and made it make a little more sense. In his sense of Animal Heaven, each animal continued its way of life. Therefore, all animals would have to go to the same heaven, in order to interact as they do here on Earth. In this heaven, they continue their cycle. I think its interesting that most of us have a similar notion when it comes to this concept of heaven. Even though none of us can testify to the validity of Dickey's explanations and descriptions, we can all understand and interpret what he is saying.
Now that I understand Dickey a little better, I am starting to enjoy his poetry a little better. His presentation of stories, such as A Dog Sleeping on My Feet, Falling, Hunting Civil War Relics at Nimblewill Creek, and Cherrylog Road, give us a little insight to things he might have experienced or stories he may have heard.
Friday, April 13, 2007
The Heaven of Animals by James Dickey
I need to start off by saying that I don't enjoy poetry and I never have. I don't understand it, know how to interpret it, and always miss the underlying meanings. So, in my attempt to break down James Dickey's poems, I apologize if I am way off, which I probably will be.
The poem I chose was "The Heaven of Animals." This poem appealed to me with the first line: Here they are. The soft eyes open. Although the title refers to animals, I think he is actually referring to the black race. But he is not saying that they are animals. I think this poem represents African Americans' life of slavery and fight for civil rights. The soft eyes refers to the innocence and decency of the African Americans. They stalk more silently... and their descent upon the bright backs of their prey.. I think this line refers to the slave masters. They kept a close eye on their slaves, and if a slave was to disobey, the master would put them in their place. And those that are hunted know this as their life, their reward: to walk. I think this line represents slaves fight for freedom. In the end, Dickey refers to African Americans struggle for freedom and equal rights. They go through a cycle, where every time they are beaten down by society, they rise up against it: They fall, they are torn, they rise, they walk again.
I think the overall tone of this piece is calm. The visual imagery of woods and a rolling plain seem peaceful. Even his references to violence are very mellow. Dickey makes repeated references to the landscape, each time describing them a little differently: grass rolling, landscape flowers, richest wood, deepest field, limbs of trees, trees full of knowledge. I'm not sure of what Dickey is referring to with these references. But because Dickey refers to heaven, he believes that even if all people aren't treated the same on Earth, they will all be treated the same in heaven.
Having no souls, they have come, Anyway, beyond their knowing. This line really struck me when I read this poem. Even though African Americans were seen as inferior to the white race, everyone goes to the same place in the end. And when that time comes, color won't matter, everyone will be treated the same.
The poem I chose was "The Heaven of Animals." This poem appealed to me with the first line: Here they are. The soft eyes open. Although the title refers to animals, I think he is actually referring to the black race. But he is not saying that they are animals. I think this poem represents African Americans' life of slavery and fight for civil rights. The soft eyes refers to the innocence and decency of the African Americans. They stalk more silently... and their descent upon the bright backs of their prey.. I think this line refers to the slave masters. They kept a close eye on their slaves, and if a slave was to disobey, the master would put them in their place. And those that are hunted know this as their life, their reward: to walk. I think this line represents slaves fight for freedom. In the end, Dickey refers to African Americans struggle for freedom and equal rights. They go through a cycle, where every time they are beaten down by society, they rise up against it: They fall, they are torn, they rise, they walk again.
I think the overall tone of this piece is calm. The visual imagery of woods and a rolling plain seem peaceful. Even his references to violence are very mellow. Dickey makes repeated references to the landscape, each time describing them a little differently: grass rolling, landscape flowers, richest wood, deepest field, limbs of trees, trees full of knowledge. I'm not sure of what Dickey is referring to with these references. But because Dickey refers to heaven, he believes that even if all people aren't treated the same on Earth, they will all be treated the same in heaven.
Having no souls, they have come, Anyway, beyond their knowing. This line really struck me when I read this poem. Even though African Americans were seen as inferior to the white race, everyone goes to the same place in the end. And when that time comes, color won't matter, everyone will be treated the same.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
The Displaced Person Displaced Me
Of all the readings we've done, I find Flannery O'Connor's style of writing long and odd. "The Displace Person" contained so much extra information that I lost interest after the first few pages. While reading it, I didn't understand the underlying meanings or message she was trying to convey. But I was able to pick up on few topics that we had discussed with other works we've read.
I think when I was reading it I was looking for specific examples of racism, the typical "southern belle" and gentlemen stereotypes, or notions to the Old South. There were only a few of these examples that I caught. For instance, Mrs. Shortley compares the black workers to mules and notes their worthlessness. Another example is the Judge, who represents an older generation and most likely the Old South.
In class, I realized that O'Connor's writing was nothing like we've read yet. Her focus is on religion. It took a lot for me to realize the point of her writing. The only religion I picked up on was Mrs. Shortley's vision. But we also discussed O'Connor's need to shock her audience. The ending of The Displaced Person showed violence, but not the way we are used to seeing it. Although the Displaced Person was deliberately killed, there were hardly any gruesome descriptions: "...she had heard the little noise the Pole made as the tractor wheel broke his backbone." In other readings, we've seen much more violence. In A Streetcar Named Desire, we saw Stanley's temper in action, in Their Eyes were Watching God we read about Janie's beatings, and in Dry September we read about the horrible mistreatment of an accused black man. So The Displaced Person seems mild to me.
In order to really enjoy O'Connor's writings, I think you must know a lot about her background and her intentions. Before we discussed this in class, I thought that the story was rather dull. I thought it dragged on and there was a lot of unnecessary information. After our discussion, I understood her motives and reasons for her writings, but I still find the plot to be lacking.
I think when I was reading it I was looking for specific examples of racism, the typical "southern belle" and gentlemen stereotypes, or notions to the Old South. There were only a few of these examples that I caught. For instance, Mrs. Shortley compares the black workers to mules and notes their worthlessness. Another example is the Judge, who represents an older generation and most likely the Old South.
In class, I realized that O'Connor's writing was nothing like we've read yet. Her focus is on religion. It took a lot for me to realize the point of her writing. The only religion I picked up on was Mrs. Shortley's vision. But we also discussed O'Connor's need to shock her audience. The ending of The Displaced Person showed violence, but not the way we are used to seeing it. Although the Displaced Person was deliberately killed, there were hardly any gruesome descriptions: "...she had heard the little noise the Pole made as the tractor wheel broke his backbone." In other readings, we've seen much more violence. In A Streetcar Named Desire, we saw Stanley's temper in action, in Their Eyes were Watching God we read about Janie's beatings, and in Dry September we read about the horrible mistreatment of an accused black man. So The Displaced Person seems mild to me.
In order to really enjoy O'Connor's writings, I think you must know a lot about her background and her intentions. Before we discussed this in class, I thought that the story was rather dull. I thought it dragged on and there was a lot of unnecessary information. After our discussion, I understood her motives and reasons for her writings, but I still find the plot to be lacking.
Sunday, April 1, 2007
A Streetcar, burning with Desire
I have to start by saying "wow!" I think this movie was almost exactly as I had pictured the play to be. The characters went beyond what I had imagined as I read the play. But I think the movie expanded on my ideas and notions and really brought to life the characters and their actions.
Each character truly exemplified what had been presented in the play and made you feel personally connected. When I read the play, I thought Stanley was a man's man, with a bursting ego, who didn't allow anyone to tell him what to do or how to live. In a word, I thought he was a jerk. But watching the movie, I had mixed feelings for him. Stanley seemed very untrustworthy, selfish, and had an animalistic sense to him. He was very demanding of Stella and very intrusive of Blanche's things, claiming he was only looking for what was rightfully his. And I say animalistic for two reasons. The first is because of his constant eating. The gross way in which he shovels food into his mouth reminds me of a wolf praying on a dead carcass. The second reason is the scene where Blanche comes out of the bathroom. Stanley stares at her with such evil in his eyes, if I hadn't known better, I thought he would attack her. But Stanley also has a caring side, which also implies his selfishness. I think deep down Stanley truly loved Stella, but was selfish with his love. He only wanted Stella for himself, and didn't want anyone to come in between them (as Blanche had done.) Stanley wanted all Stella's attention focused on him. After they fight, Stanley embraces Stella. I think this is his way of showing his apology. Also, when Stanley was telling Stella about Blanche's "secret life", he sees how upset this makes her. So, he rubs her back to soothe her, but continues his story. In a way, I think this is him saying that he cares, but he still is thinking about himself.
Blanche is quite the character. I'm actually at a loss for words. Blanche, on the other hand, wasn't. Her mouth flowed like a raging river; her brain and all its thoughts working faster than her mouth could keep up. And she likes to overreact to everything. So much so that no one could really carry on a normal conversation with her. Not only does she have a lot to say, but her body language creates a story all on its own. I noticed she was always fumbling with her hands and her face, like she is producing the typical "scared" pose in a scary movie: the nail-biting, teeth chattering sort of thing. And if she's not in that pose, she is frumped over with her head down. The way she always would whimper and hide reminded me of a dog with its tail between its legs. This got me to thinking if she had been abused- mentally, physically, or verbally- or if she just had such awful memories from her past. Her eyes always looked worried and nervous, like she was afraid someone would find out about her past. Another thing that struck me as odd, but added to Blanche's character, was the way she always covered her chest. For her being so promiscuous, it seems that she would want to flaunt it more. what I didn't get from the play was how she shied away from light. Mitch had never seen her in the light, and when he does, she shies away from him. Again, this gives me a sense that something from her past his haunting her; not just her dead husband, but maybe something else that had happened.
I didn't care too much for Stella's character. In the movie, it seemed as though she was in the background more. I thought she had more presence in the play. What I did get from her was that she was very passive. Although she had the will to stand up to Stanley and express her hurt and concern for her sister, she never acted on any of these feelings. She let Stanley continue to torment her sister. Although Stanley was the one who provided her with a sense of security, what he was doing to Blanche was not right, and Stella knew it.
I thought the end of the movie was a good twist to the play. Stella lost her sister, but left her husband behind. In a way, Stella and Blanche ended in a similar situation. Both are driven away by the ones they love, have no one to confide in, and don't know where they are going to end up.
Each character truly exemplified what had been presented in the play and made you feel personally connected. When I read the play, I thought Stanley was a man's man, with a bursting ego, who didn't allow anyone to tell him what to do or how to live. In a word, I thought he was a jerk. But watching the movie, I had mixed feelings for him. Stanley seemed very untrustworthy, selfish, and had an animalistic sense to him. He was very demanding of Stella and very intrusive of Blanche's things, claiming he was only looking for what was rightfully his. And I say animalistic for two reasons. The first is because of his constant eating. The gross way in which he shovels food into his mouth reminds me of a wolf praying on a dead carcass. The second reason is the scene where Blanche comes out of the bathroom. Stanley stares at her with such evil in his eyes, if I hadn't known better, I thought he would attack her. But Stanley also has a caring side, which also implies his selfishness. I think deep down Stanley truly loved Stella, but was selfish with his love. He only wanted Stella for himself, and didn't want anyone to come in between them (as Blanche had done.) Stanley wanted all Stella's attention focused on him. After they fight, Stanley embraces Stella. I think this is his way of showing his apology. Also, when Stanley was telling Stella about Blanche's "secret life", he sees how upset this makes her. So, he rubs her back to soothe her, but continues his story. In a way, I think this is him saying that he cares, but he still is thinking about himself.
Blanche is quite the character. I'm actually at a loss for words. Blanche, on the other hand, wasn't. Her mouth flowed like a raging river; her brain and all its thoughts working faster than her mouth could keep up. And she likes to overreact to everything. So much so that no one could really carry on a normal conversation with her. Not only does she have a lot to say, but her body language creates a story all on its own. I noticed she was always fumbling with her hands and her face, like she is producing the typical "scared" pose in a scary movie: the nail-biting, teeth chattering sort of thing. And if she's not in that pose, she is frumped over with her head down. The way she always would whimper and hide reminded me of a dog with its tail between its legs. This got me to thinking if she had been abused- mentally, physically, or verbally- or if she just had such awful memories from her past. Her eyes always looked worried and nervous, like she was afraid someone would find out about her past. Another thing that struck me as odd, but added to Blanche's character, was the way she always covered her chest. For her being so promiscuous, it seems that she would want to flaunt it more. what I didn't get from the play was how she shied away from light. Mitch had never seen her in the light, and when he does, she shies away from him. Again, this gives me a sense that something from her past his haunting her; not just her dead husband, but maybe something else that had happened.
I didn't care too much for Stella's character. In the movie, it seemed as though she was in the background more. I thought she had more presence in the play. What I did get from her was that she was very passive. Although she had the will to stand up to Stanley and express her hurt and concern for her sister, she never acted on any of these feelings. She let Stanley continue to torment her sister. Although Stanley was the one who provided her with a sense of security, what he was doing to Blanche was not right, and Stella knew it.
I thought the end of the movie was a good twist to the play. Stella lost her sister, but left her husband behind. In a way, Stella and Blanche ended in a similar situation. Both are driven away by the ones they love, have no one to confide in, and don't know where they are going to end up.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Streetcar and Reign Over Me
Before anyone begins to read this blog, I have to warn you that I compare it to the new movie, Reign Over Me. If you plan on seeing this movie, you may not want to read this blog.
I wasn't really sure what I was going to write about in my blog this week. Last night I saw Reign Over Me and immediately saw a comparison to A Streetcar Named Desire. Although the two story lines have completely different settings and circumstances, a similar theme exists. In Streetcar, Blanche tells numerous lies and embellishes many stories. The reason for this is that Blanche doesn't want to face the truth. She'd rather live in a fantasy world than in her real life. By telling these lies, Blanche is creating her own imaginary world, where she can pretend certain things don't exist. In Reign Over Me, Adam Sandler's character, Charlie, has lost his wife and 3 daughters in 9/11. He creates a pretend world for himself as well. He blocks memories of his family and memories prior to 9/11. He buries himself in remodeling his kitchen (several times a month) and video games, so that he has removed himself from his previously normal life. He doesn't even recognize his college roommate, Allen, when he runs into him on the street.
In Streetcar, Stanley tries to bring Blanche back to reality. However, some may believe that he does it in a cruel manner. He knows that Blanche has created a web of lies and he tries to get her caught in her own web. In the end, Blanche is forced to face reality, no matter how hard she wants to hide from it. Reign Over Me takes a different approach. Allen knows that Charlie needs help. Whenever Allen brings up a topic regarding Charlie's family or previous dental career, Charlie goes ballistic. He throws tantrums and mentally shuts down. However, Allen refuses to give up on Charlie. Instead of ruining the fantasy world that Charlie has created for himself, Allen lets Charlie slowly integrate reality.
Both stories show that if you are willing to, you can shut your mind off to anything. If you tell yourself a lie for long enough, you will eventually learn to believe it and live by it. However, facing reality can be hard when you've lived in a fantasy world for so long.
I wasn't really sure what I was going to write about in my blog this week. Last night I saw Reign Over Me and immediately saw a comparison to A Streetcar Named Desire. Although the two story lines have completely different settings and circumstances, a similar theme exists. In Streetcar, Blanche tells numerous lies and embellishes many stories. The reason for this is that Blanche doesn't want to face the truth. She'd rather live in a fantasy world than in her real life. By telling these lies, Blanche is creating her own imaginary world, where she can pretend certain things don't exist. In Reign Over Me, Adam Sandler's character, Charlie, has lost his wife and 3 daughters in 9/11. He creates a pretend world for himself as well. He blocks memories of his family and memories prior to 9/11. He buries himself in remodeling his kitchen (several times a month) and video games, so that he has removed himself from his previously normal life. He doesn't even recognize his college roommate, Allen, when he runs into him on the street.
In Streetcar, Stanley tries to bring Blanche back to reality. However, some may believe that he does it in a cruel manner. He knows that Blanche has created a web of lies and he tries to get her caught in her own web. In the end, Blanche is forced to face reality, no matter how hard she wants to hide from it. Reign Over Me takes a different approach. Allen knows that Charlie needs help. Whenever Allen brings up a topic regarding Charlie's family or previous dental career, Charlie goes ballistic. He throws tantrums and mentally shuts down. However, Allen refuses to give up on Charlie. Instead of ruining the fantasy world that Charlie has created for himself, Allen lets Charlie slowly integrate reality.
Both stories show that if you are willing to, you can shut your mind off to anything. If you tell yourself a lie for long enough, you will eventually learn to believe it and live by it. However, facing reality can be hard when you've lived in a fantasy world for so long.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Tea Cake vs. Jody
While I did enjoy Hurston's novel, I was just reading along without really thinking what was going on. The beginning of the novel didn't have too much excitement in it, but once the hurricane scene came, I was embedded into the novel.
Although Janie's relationship with Tea Cake is much more serious than with Jody, I noticed some similarities between the two men. We all know that Jody was very controlling and very demanding of Janie. She felt that he put her on a pedestal, but to keep her away from everyone. Jody wouldn't let her talk to the people of the town, unless she was assisting them in the store. Jody thought that she was too good for the townspeople. He didn't want her talking to trashy people." (p. 54) This was his way of controlling her. Tea Cake also puts Janie on a pedestal, but he does it as a way to praise her. Tea Cake isn't trying to keep her from society and socializing, but to show his love and affection for her. "Dem wuzn't no high muckty mucks. Dem wuz railroad hands and dey womenfolks. You ain't usetah folks lak dat and Ah wuz skeered you might git all made and quit me for takin' you 'mongst 'em." (p. 124)
I also noticed a similarity in the two deaths. Both husbands' deaths had a preceding illness, which made each of them crazy. Both of them seemed to lose their lifes before they were really dead. Although Jody wasn't mentally crazy, he didn't want to see her wife as he lay on his deathbed. I mean, they had been together for 20 years and Jody had nothing to say to his wife as he lay dying? To me, they could at least made ammends just so Jody could die peacefully and Janie could move along with her life with no regrets. (However, Janie never really had regrets about Jody's death.) During his illness, Janie noticed that Jody had no life left to him. One day she noticed that Joe didn't sit down. He just stood in front of a chair and fell in it. That made her lok at him all over. Joe wasn't so young as he used to be. There was already something dead about him.... Eyes a little absent too. (p. 77) Tea Cake's death was similar to this. After being bitten by a rapid dog, Tea Cake comes down with the disease and began to have awful fits. Janie knew that she was going to lose Tea Cake. Tea Cake had two bad attacks that night. Janie saw a changing look come in his face. Tea Cake was gone. Something else was looking out of his face. (p. 181)
Poor Janie, to lose two husbands must be an awful experience. However, the first was probably more of a relief, but her second was heartache. I think Janie was more accepting of Tea Cake's death. With Tea Cake, she had found what she had always hoped to find. She was able to let go of Tea Cake because he had fulfilled her life. But with Jody, Janie had wasted so much time being miserable.
Although Janie's relationship with Tea Cake is much more serious than with Jody, I noticed some similarities between the two men. We all know that Jody was very controlling and very demanding of Janie. She felt that he put her on a pedestal, but to keep her away from everyone. Jody wouldn't let her talk to the people of the town, unless she was assisting them in the store. Jody thought that she was too good for the townspeople. He didn't want her talking to trashy people." (p. 54) This was his way of controlling her. Tea Cake also puts Janie on a pedestal, but he does it as a way to praise her. Tea Cake isn't trying to keep her from society and socializing, but to show his love and affection for her. "Dem wuzn't no high muckty mucks. Dem wuz railroad hands and dey womenfolks. You ain't usetah folks lak dat and Ah wuz skeered you might git all made and quit me for takin' you 'mongst 'em." (p. 124)
I also noticed a similarity in the two deaths. Both husbands' deaths had a preceding illness, which made each of them crazy. Both of them seemed to lose their lifes before they were really dead. Although Jody wasn't mentally crazy, he didn't want to see her wife as he lay on his deathbed. I mean, they had been together for 20 years and Jody had nothing to say to his wife as he lay dying? To me, they could at least made ammends just so Jody could die peacefully and Janie could move along with her life with no regrets. (However, Janie never really had regrets about Jody's death.) During his illness, Janie noticed that Jody had no life left to him. One day she noticed that Joe didn't sit down. He just stood in front of a chair and fell in it. That made her lok at him all over. Joe wasn't so young as he used to be. There was already something dead about him.... Eyes a little absent too. (p. 77) Tea Cake's death was similar to this. After being bitten by a rapid dog, Tea Cake comes down with the disease and began to have awful fits. Janie knew that she was going to lose Tea Cake. Tea Cake had two bad attacks that night. Janie saw a changing look come in his face. Tea Cake was gone. Something else was looking out of his face. (p. 181)
Poor Janie, to lose two husbands must be an awful experience. However, the first was probably more of a relief, but her second was heartache. I think Janie was more accepting of Tea Cake's death. With Tea Cake, she had found what she had always hoped to find. She was able to let go of Tea Cake because he had fulfilled her life. But with Jody, Janie had wasted so much time being miserable.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Searching for Identity
I enjoyed reading Zora Neale Hurston's "How it feels to be colored me." I think this piece gives us yet another different perspective of the South; this time through the eyes of a young girl. Even at a young age, Zora knew that white people treated colored people differently. She has many experiences, which help build her character.
As Zora is faced with different situations and different settings, she is treated differently. At first, it seems that Zora can't find her true identity. In her hometown, she was quite a performer. She would sing and dance and "speak pieces" to the Northerners that passed through her town. At this point, it doesn't really seem that there is a big difference between white and black people. Color doesn't really play a role in her hometown, as least from Zora's perspective. But it seemed that the Northerners were poking fun at Zora.
When Zora became a teen, she was sent to go to school in Jacksonville, where she learned what it meant to be a colored person. "I was not Zora of Orange County any more, I was now a little colored girl." (p. 416) Although things in Jacksonville were different from Eatonville, Zora doesn't see being black as a negative aspect. It also seems that every black person in Jacksonville is feeling pity on themselves. But Zora doesn't feel this pity. "I do not belong to the sobbing school of Negrohood who hold that nature somehow has given them a lowdown dirty deal and whose feelings are all hurt about it." Zora does not see herself as a victim, and refuses to believe that she must take pity on herself: "No, I do not weep at the world-I am too busy sharpening my oyster knife." (p. 417) As this is a reference to Shakespeare, Zora is going to try to conquer the world.
At the end of this piece, Zora knows that her true identity has nothing to do with her color. She sees herself as a strong female character, no matter what her race is. Her different personalities are what make her unique. "But in the main, I feel like a brown bag of miscellany propped against a wall." I think we can all relate to her feelings. At one point or another, we have acted differently in different situations. In classes or on interviews we tend to act a little more serious and when we are with our friends or family we are more relaxed and less serious. At times we even may feel a little discriminated against; if we are thrown into a new situation, we may need some time to adjust. I think Zora's different experiences are not only due to her different situations, but also part of growing up. Everyone has had an awkward moment or two, until they realize the right way to act in a situation.
As Zora is faced with different situations and different settings, she is treated differently. At first, it seems that Zora can't find her true identity. In her hometown, she was quite a performer. She would sing and dance and "speak pieces" to the Northerners that passed through her town. At this point, it doesn't really seem that there is a big difference between white and black people. Color doesn't really play a role in her hometown, as least from Zora's perspective. But it seemed that the Northerners were poking fun at Zora.
When Zora became a teen, she was sent to go to school in Jacksonville, where she learned what it meant to be a colored person. "I was not Zora of Orange County any more, I was now a little colored girl." (p. 416) Although things in Jacksonville were different from Eatonville, Zora doesn't see being black as a negative aspect. It also seems that every black person in Jacksonville is feeling pity on themselves. But Zora doesn't feel this pity. "I do not belong to the sobbing school of Negrohood who hold that nature somehow has given them a lowdown dirty deal and whose feelings are all hurt about it." Zora does not see herself as a victim, and refuses to believe that she must take pity on herself: "No, I do not weep at the world-I am too busy sharpening my oyster knife." (p. 417) As this is a reference to Shakespeare, Zora is going to try to conquer the world.
At the end of this piece, Zora knows that her true identity has nothing to do with her color. She sees herself as a strong female character, no matter what her race is. Her different personalities are what make her unique. "But in the main, I feel like a brown bag of miscellany propped against a wall." I think we can all relate to her feelings. At one point or another, we have acted differently in different situations. In classes or on interviews we tend to act a little more serious and when we are with our friends or family we are more relaxed and less serious. At times we even may feel a little discriminated against; if we are thrown into a new situation, we may need some time to adjust. I think Zora's different experiences are not only due to her different situations, but also part of growing up. Everyone has had an awkward moment or two, until they realize the right way to act in a situation.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Underlying meanings to Faulkner's works
William Faulkner’s writings may seem like ramblings, too tedious to read, or complete nonsense to some. But, I’ve found that after I’ve dug through all the rubble and got down to the storyline, I actually like Faulkner’s writings. I particularly enjoyed “Barn Burning”, so I am doing another blog on Faulkner.
One of the interesting things I found about Faulkner’s writings is his overuse of a particular phrase or idea. In “Barn Burning”, there were several of these instances. For example, in the first paragraph there is a long description of the cheese: “The boy… knew he smelled cheese…- this, the cheese which he knew he smelled…” (p.161) Then, towards the end of this short story there is another reference to the cheese: “he watched his father emerge from the store and produce from a paper sack a segment of cheese.” (p.172) Another phrase he used several times was “without heat.” On page 163, he talks about this in reference to the mules. “His father mounted to the seat where the older brother already sat and struck the gaunt mules with two savage blows with the peeled will, but without heat.” This phrase is used again a few pages later: “His father struck him with the flat of his hand on the side of the head, hard but without heat.” (p. 164). A few lines later, it was used again. “…any stick in order to kill a horse fly, his voice still without heat or anger.” I think the overuse of this particular phrase shows Abner Snopes character. Abner Snopes is controlling and feels superior to many other characters in the story. I think this phrase shows that Abner doesn’t do things to be mean. I think it’s his demand for respect. (Just to follow up on this remark, in Faulkner’s other short story, “An Odor of Verbena”, I noticed he used the 3 years Bayard had been in college as a steady time frame.)
The beginning of this short story was a little confusing. He mentions a young boy in a courtroom and there is a long reference to cheese. I thought to myself, what do the two have to do with each other? To me, that was a weird correlation. After reading the entire piece, I realized the underlying meaning to this long, wordy passage. (It is a reference to the social status of the family.)
Sarty faces a few dilemmas in this short story. His big dilemma in this story is his loyalty to his family vs. his loyalty to moral justice and all that is right. I think Faulkner puts a lot of emphasis on this point. I think it’s a valid point because it made me think of what I would have done in his position. The ways of your family is one of the first things you learn. Whether what your family is doing is right or wrong, the morals created by them are embedded in your head. As you encounter other people and other aspects of society, you come to realize that other people have other values and morals, some which may be different than yours. A younger Sarty may have seen his father as a hero or invincible. But as he grew up and began to develop his own ideas, he begins to realize that his father may not be right. This is a strong dilemma. Think about turning against your family. It’s hard to imagine. Another dilemma Sarty faces may seem less important. Abner Snopes was charged 20 bushels for his barn burning. Sarty knows that his father’s burning was wrong, but on the other hand, he believed that the 20 bushels was an excessive punishment. Here he is looking for middle ground.
Faulkner's writings make you reflect on your own life. What would you do in each character's position? Would you get the same outcome?
One of the interesting things I found about Faulkner’s writings is his overuse of a particular phrase or idea. In “Barn Burning”, there were several of these instances. For example, in the first paragraph there is a long description of the cheese: “The boy… knew he smelled cheese…- this, the cheese which he knew he smelled…” (p.161) Then, towards the end of this short story there is another reference to the cheese: “he watched his father emerge from the store and produce from a paper sack a segment of cheese.” (p.172) Another phrase he used several times was “without heat.” On page 163, he talks about this in reference to the mules. “His father mounted to the seat where the older brother already sat and struck the gaunt mules with two savage blows with the peeled will, but without heat.” This phrase is used again a few pages later: “His father struck him with the flat of his hand on the side of the head, hard but without heat.” (p. 164). A few lines later, it was used again. “…any stick in order to kill a horse fly, his voice still without heat or anger.” I think the overuse of this particular phrase shows Abner Snopes character. Abner Snopes is controlling and feels superior to many other characters in the story. I think this phrase shows that Abner doesn’t do things to be mean. I think it’s his demand for respect. (Just to follow up on this remark, in Faulkner’s other short story, “An Odor of Verbena”, I noticed he used the 3 years Bayard had been in college as a steady time frame.)
The beginning of this short story was a little confusing. He mentions a young boy in a courtroom and there is a long reference to cheese. I thought to myself, what do the two have to do with each other? To me, that was a weird correlation. After reading the entire piece, I realized the underlying meaning to this long, wordy passage. (It is a reference to the social status of the family.)
Sarty faces a few dilemmas in this short story. His big dilemma in this story is his loyalty to his family vs. his loyalty to moral justice and all that is right. I think Faulkner puts a lot of emphasis on this point. I think it’s a valid point because it made me think of what I would have done in his position. The ways of your family is one of the first things you learn. Whether what your family is doing is right or wrong, the morals created by them are embedded in your head. As you encounter other people and other aspects of society, you come to realize that other people have other values and morals, some which may be different than yours. A younger Sarty may have seen his father as a hero or invincible. But as he grew up and began to develop his own ideas, he begins to realize that his father may not be right. This is a strong dilemma. Think about turning against your family. It’s hard to imagine. Another dilemma Sarty faces may seem less important. Abner Snopes was charged 20 bushels for his barn burning. Sarty knows that his father’s burning was wrong, but on the other hand, he believed that the 20 bushels was an excessive punishment. Here he is looking for middle ground.
Faulkner's writings make you reflect on your own life. What would you do in each character's position? Would you get the same outcome?
Sunday, February 18, 2007
"Dry September" not so dry
William Faulkner's "Dry September" is somewhat of a confusing title. Upon reading the first paragraph, we realize that 'dry' refers to the consistent southern heat. But as we continue to read, we realize that there is so much going on in this story. Just in the beginning paragraphs we get great, lengthy descriptions of the town and the people. Faulkner puts much effort into his descriptions. Reading his story, I got a vivid image of the heat that surrounded the people and the town.
I think the heat plays a very important role in this story. These people have gone for over sixty days with no rain. All these people were focused on the heat, that is until the story of Willie Mayes made its way around town. I think the heat and the weather are parallels in this story. The heat and Willie Mayes' accusation surrounded the people.
This story is typical of small town life. Generally, there is little excitement in a small town, but when there is, people jump on it. As Faulkner described, the rumor spread "like a fire in dry grass." Gossip and rumors are usually the focus of small town life. (I know this from experience!!)
One thing I noticed about this story is we never witness Willie Mayes' death. There is much hype and drama leading up to it, but it never happens. In the end, the focus is turned back to Minnie Cooper and we don't hear about Willie Mayes. I think Faulkner did this to focus on the circumstances surrounding the death of Willie Mayes: the accusation, the threatening, the torturing, and the reactions of the people. I think Faulkner left out the actual death so we realize that it is much more than hanging the person.
I think the heat plays a very important role in this story. These people have gone for over sixty days with no rain. All these people were focused on the heat, that is until the story of Willie Mayes made its way around town. I think the heat and the weather are parallels in this story. The heat and Willie Mayes' accusation surrounded the people.
This story is typical of small town life. Generally, there is little excitement in a small town, but when there is, people jump on it. As Faulkner described, the rumor spread "like a fire in dry grass." Gossip and rumors are usually the focus of small town life. (I know this from experience!!)
One thing I noticed about this story is we never witness Willie Mayes' death. There is much hype and drama leading up to it, but it never happens. In the end, the focus is turned back to Minnie Cooper and we don't hear about Willie Mayes. I think Faulkner did this to focus on the circumstances surrounding the death of Willie Mayes: the accusation, the threatening, the torturing, and the reactions of the people. I think Faulkner left out the actual death so we realize that it is much more than hanging the person.
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
Chopin incorporates vivid images
Kate Chopin’s works are different than anything we’ve read thus far. Even though we’ve seen differences in class status in previous works, we’ve mostly only seem class status as related to slavery and racism. Chopin’s work focuses on different class types: the Creoles and the Cadians.
I have to agree that the plot of “At the Cadian Ball” was lacking, and it was almost boring. Although the essay didn’t have much of a story, the descriptions Chopin presented made up for this. She has in depth descriptions of the people, the places, and the activities that were common to Southern Louisiana. She describes Calixta as a “little Spanish vixen”, her eyes as “the bluest, the drowsiest, most tantalizing that ever looked into a man’s”, “her flaxen hair that kinked worse than a mulatto’s.” Chopin puts effort into describing the tornado: “the cyclone came that cut into the rice like fine steel.” There were many more descriptions.
My point is that Chopin put effort into her descriptions rather than her plot. I’m not saying that Chopin is incapable of creating an elaborate story. “The Storm” proves this theory wrong. I think the point of her story was to show her appreciation of the south.
“The Storm” almost seems to be written by a different author. This essay has a more exciting plot, but with the same attention to the details. Chopin includes what would be considered a ‘racy’ adulterous affair in the same detail she used in “At the Cadian Ball.” Her face was “warm and steaming.” “When he touched her breasts they gave themselves up in quivering ecstasy, inviting his lips.” These are some vivid details.
I think the essay has such importance, especially for that time. Affairs and adultery are not socially acceptable, and for an author to write such a lucid description of one, was most likely unheard of. It exposes the constraints that marriages have, and the sexual desires that both men and women have.
It seems that Chopin incorporates romance and sexual topics in many of her works. As we examined with Edgar Allen Poe, maybe events in Chopin's life encouraged her to include these topics.
I have to agree that the plot of “At the Cadian Ball” was lacking, and it was almost boring. Although the essay didn’t have much of a story, the descriptions Chopin presented made up for this. She has in depth descriptions of the people, the places, and the activities that were common to Southern Louisiana. She describes Calixta as a “little Spanish vixen”, her eyes as “the bluest, the drowsiest, most tantalizing that ever looked into a man’s”, “her flaxen hair that kinked worse than a mulatto’s.” Chopin puts effort into describing the tornado: “the cyclone came that cut into the rice like fine steel.” There were many more descriptions.
My point is that Chopin put effort into her descriptions rather than her plot. I’m not saying that Chopin is incapable of creating an elaborate story. “The Storm” proves this theory wrong. I think the point of her story was to show her appreciation of the south.
“The Storm” almost seems to be written by a different author. This essay has a more exciting plot, but with the same attention to the details. Chopin includes what would be considered a ‘racy’ adulterous affair in the same detail she used in “At the Cadian Ball.” Her face was “warm and steaming.” “When he touched her breasts they gave themselves up in quivering ecstasy, inviting his lips.” These are some vivid details.
I think the essay has such importance, especially for that time. Affairs and adultery are not socially acceptable, and for an author to write such a lucid description of one, was most likely unheard of. It exposes the constraints that marriages have, and the sexual desires that both men and women have.
It seems that Chopin incorporates romance and sexual topics in many of her works. As we examined with Edgar Allen Poe, maybe events in Chopin's life encouraged her to include these topics.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Poe is Crazy, but interesting!
"The Fall of the House of Usher" has to be one of the most interesting pieces of literature I've read in a while, and so far the most interesting thing we've read in class. Edgar Allen Poe himself is an interesting character and "The Fall of the House of Usher" may be quite reflective of his character.
Poe's family life seemed to fall apart when Poe was young. His parents died within days of each other when Edgar was only 3 years old. From then on he never seemed to have a steady family life. He was taken in by friends of his parents, who seemed to move around. Although Poe was born in Boston and moved around quite a bit, he considered himself a Virginian. Perhaps this was his only claim to a sense of security after all he had endured.
"The Fall of the House of Usher" was described as the "ultimate nightmarish vision of the plantation myth of the Old South." (p.99) After reading it, this description couldn't be more correct. This story seems to only appear in a nightmare. The physical House of Usher seems to be right out of a horror story or movie. It is falling apart and has an eerie feel to it. Poe uses some unique statements to describe the house:
"extraordinary dilapidation," "crumbling condition of individual stones," "Gothic archway of the hall," "dark and intricate passages," "the ebon blackness of the floors, and the phantasmagoric armorial trophies."
Not only is the physical house falling apart, but the Usher family itself is falling apart. The last two known beings of the Usher family, Roderick and Madeline, are themselves falling apart, to the point of death. What I found most interesting about this story are the questions that arose in my mind. There are no definite interpretations of what is happening in this story. There are questions as to whether or not Madeline was already dead, was dying, or if she even existed. That was my biggest concern. I also began to feel bad for the narrator, in a sense sympathetic. The narrator was confused and a bit scared from the moment he came to the house. Roderick Usher seemed to be near death, but had the energy of a young boy. He had symptoms of various diseases so that one could not be pinpointed. There were many odd things that happened throughout the house. The narrator noticed all these things, but it was as if he was afraid to mention any of it. Eventually, the narrator seems to go crazy as well.
As a reader, I felt that the narrator should have gotten out of the house immediately, at the same time, I was curious to see what would happen next! It is similar to horror movies, where you are screaming at the TV for the main character to get out of the house!! You know something bad is going to happen but there is nothing you can do.
Poe's family life seemed to fall apart when Poe was young. His parents died within days of each other when Edgar was only 3 years old. From then on he never seemed to have a steady family life. He was taken in by friends of his parents, who seemed to move around. Although Poe was born in Boston and moved around quite a bit, he considered himself a Virginian. Perhaps this was his only claim to a sense of security after all he had endured.
"The Fall of the House of Usher" was described as the "ultimate nightmarish vision of the plantation myth of the Old South." (p.99) After reading it, this description couldn't be more correct. This story seems to only appear in a nightmare. The physical House of Usher seems to be right out of a horror story or movie. It is falling apart and has an eerie feel to it. Poe uses some unique statements to describe the house:
"extraordinary dilapidation," "crumbling condition of individual stones," "Gothic archway of the hall," "dark and intricate passages," "the ebon blackness of the floors, and the phantasmagoric armorial trophies."
Not only is the physical house falling apart, but the Usher family itself is falling apart. The last two known beings of the Usher family, Roderick and Madeline, are themselves falling apart, to the point of death. What I found most interesting about this story are the questions that arose in my mind. There are no definite interpretations of what is happening in this story. There are questions as to whether or not Madeline was already dead, was dying, or if she even existed. That was my biggest concern. I also began to feel bad for the narrator, in a sense sympathetic. The narrator was confused and a bit scared from the moment he came to the house. Roderick Usher seemed to be near death, but had the energy of a young boy. He had symptoms of various diseases so that one could not be pinpointed. There were many odd things that happened throughout the house. The narrator noticed all these things, but it was as if he was afraid to mention any of it. Eventually, the narrator seems to go crazy as well.
As a reader, I felt that the narrator should have gotten out of the house immediately, at the same time, I was curious to see what would happen next! It is similar to horror movies, where you are screaming at the TV for the main character to get out of the house!! You know something bad is going to happen but there is nothing you can do.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Asperger's Syndrome may be Beneficial
When I first heard that Thomas Jefferson most likely had Asperger's syndrome I was astounded. How could he be President with such a disease? I wasn't too familiar with this disorder, however, I did know something about autism. Upon further research into the subject I found more interesting facts beyond just the symptoms of Asperger's. Did you know that Mozart, Marie Curie, and Albert Einstein were all thought to have Asperger's? Who would have thought!!
One of the major criteria of Asperger's is poor social interaction. In order to be a successful President, one must interact with people from all types of backgrounds. Presidents must meet with other leaders, sick and healthy, rich and poor, educated and uneducated, and many more if he wants to ensure the prosperity of the country. Presidents also deliver many speeches that apply to the public, both before and during Presidency. As we learned in class, Jefferson was not a strong orator and out of touch with society. It is surprising to me that he was even considered in the Presidential race. If he was unable to address the public and interact in society, what made him stand out as a leader?
Jefferson's strength was in writing, as we learned from this week's readings. Although I am not in agreement with his opinions, it is clear to see that he was talented in this area. Jefferson repeatedly contradicts himself, so it is hard to determine his official opinion. In his description of colored people, he notes that they sweat and smell, and their wild imaginations tend to make them less serious.
"They secrete less by the kidnies, and more by the glands of the skin, which gives them a very strong and disagreeable odour." (p.48)
"Religion indeed has produced a Phyllis Whately; but it could not produce a poet. The compositions published under her name are below the dignity of criticism."(p. 49)
Jefferson is condescending in his descriptions. Instead of saying in a blunt fashion, he adds a poetic touch. As part of Jefferson's disorder, I don't think he realized the meaning behind his observations. He was so far out of touch with society that he didn't realize that it was slave owners, like himself, that caused the black people to have a "disagreeable odour." Slaves were forced to work in hot conditions, of course they were going to sweat! I also think that his prejudices against black people caused his opinions about Phyllis Wheately (he didn't even spell her name right to begin with!) Her poetry has left its mark in history, so her writings must have been worth the criticism.
Thomas Jefferson has definitely had an impact on United States history. Something about him made him memorable as a President. His writing was most definitely his strong point as he leaves behind a great document in American history: The Declaration of Independence.
One of the major criteria of Asperger's is poor social interaction. In order to be a successful President, one must interact with people from all types of backgrounds. Presidents must meet with other leaders, sick and healthy, rich and poor, educated and uneducated, and many more if he wants to ensure the prosperity of the country. Presidents also deliver many speeches that apply to the public, both before and during Presidency. As we learned in class, Jefferson was not a strong orator and out of touch with society. It is surprising to me that he was even considered in the Presidential race. If he was unable to address the public and interact in society, what made him stand out as a leader?
Jefferson's strength was in writing, as we learned from this week's readings. Although I am not in agreement with his opinions, it is clear to see that he was talented in this area. Jefferson repeatedly contradicts himself, so it is hard to determine his official opinion. In his description of colored people, he notes that they sweat and smell, and their wild imaginations tend to make them less serious.
"They secrete less by the kidnies, and more by the glands of the skin, which gives them a very strong and disagreeable odour." (p.48)
"Religion indeed has produced a Phyllis Whately; but it could not produce a poet. The compositions published under her name are below the dignity of criticism."(p. 49)
Jefferson is condescending in his descriptions. Instead of saying in a blunt fashion, he adds a poetic touch. As part of Jefferson's disorder, I don't think he realized the meaning behind his observations. He was so far out of touch with society that he didn't realize that it was slave owners, like himself, that caused the black people to have a "disagreeable odour." Slaves were forced to work in hot conditions, of course they were going to sweat! I also think that his prejudices against black people caused his opinions about Phyllis Wheately (he didn't even spell her name right to begin with!) Her poetry has left its mark in history, so her writings must have been worth the criticism.
Thomas Jefferson has definitely had an impact on United States history. Something about him made him memorable as a President. His writing was most definitely his strong point as he leaves behind a great document in American history: The Declaration of Independence.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
John Smith- a hero?!?
John Smith had two objectives when he came to the New World; one was to civilize the 'primitive savages' and the other was to encourage people of England to settle in this wonderful new land. Most readings that I have looked at praise John Smith as a hero. Perhaps back then, he was viewed in this sense. In class, however, we compared John Smith's actions to President G.W. Bush's of today, but do we see Bush as a hero- I think not.
John Smith invaded a land and told the people that things were going to change. These Native Americans had no choice. Smith was going to incorporate religion, build towns, and change the lives of these Native Americans. But, I'll bet that the Native Americans were going to stand for that and fought back. Today, Bush is doing the same thing in Iraq. We've invaded a land, told the native people that they are wrong in their ideas and beliefs. Now we are pushing our ways on them. They only choice they have is to fight back.
In both cases, instead of just assuming that their ideas or beliefs are so backwards, wouldn't it make more sense to listen and try to understand. But that's another topic in itself.
So what made the people believe he was a hero? Maybe it's the fact that the people did not see the immediate results of his actions. But today, we have the technology, media, and knowledge of the past to see that Bush's actions are as far from heroic as one might be. John Smith also had the advantage (to himself) to twist the truth in his writings. Today, we have the ability to see what is really going on in the world, and the results of the President's actions.
If you view John Smith as a hero, then maybe you view Bush in the same sense. I, myself, don't see the heroism in either case.
John Smith invaded a land and told the people that things were going to change. These Native Americans had no choice. Smith was going to incorporate religion, build towns, and change the lives of these Native Americans. But, I'll bet that the Native Americans were going to stand for that and fought back. Today, Bush is doing the same thing in Iraq. We've invaded a land, told the native people that they are wrong in their ideas and beliefs. Now we are pushing our ways on them. They only choice they have is to fight back.
In both cases, instead of just assuming that their ideas or beliefs are so backwards, wouldn't it make more sense to listen and try to understand. But that's another topic in itself.
So what made the people believe he was a hero? Maybe it's the fact that the people did not see the immediate results of his actions. But today, we have the technology, media, and knowledge of the past to see that Bush's actions are as far from heroic as one might be. John Smith also had the advantage (to himself) to twist the truth in his writings. Today, we have the ability to see what is really going on in the world, and the results of the President's actions.
If you view John Smith as a hero, then maybe you view Bush in the same sense. I, myself, don't see the heroism in either case.
More thoughts on Southern stereotypes
In class on Wednesday, someone had mentioned that Southern people were generally more pleasant and nice. Last semester I did a research paper on crime in the United States. What I found was that people from the South are more violent than people from the North or West. And it wasn't just southern states. In northern cities that had a high number of southern people also had a high volume of crime. Also, I found that education in the south seems to glorify crime and violence.
When I did this paper the first thing that came to mind was Texas. However, when I think of the south I don't include Texas. Usually I think of Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and Louisiana. But when I think of Texas and violence, two words come to mind: capital punishment. Sitting here contemplating it now I think of horror stories and movies, such as The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, which is supposedly based on a true story.
According to the little bit of research I did on this topic, the correlation of violence and location can be traced back to England. People from certain parts (I'm not sure which) immigrated to the southern part of the United States, while people from other parts immigrated to northern US.
If anyone is interested the book that I used for this research was called Albion's Seed.
When I did this paper the first thing that came to mind was Texas. However, when I think of the south I don't include Texas. Usually I think of Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and Louisiana. But when I think of Texas and violence, two words come to mind: capital punishment. Sitting here contemplating it now I think of horror stories and movies, such as The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, which is supposedly based on a true story.
According to the little bit of research I did on this topic, the correlation of violence and location can be traced back to England. People from certain parts (I'm not sure which) immigrated to the southern part of the United States, while people from other parts immigrated to northern US.
If anyone is interested the book that I used for this research was called Albion's Seed.
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