In "The Wife of His Youth", by Chestnutt, readers are given an intimate view of the segregation and discrimination which is prevalent even among people of the same race.
It is undeniable that, in the Blue Veins, blacks with the lightest skin are more respected and hold positions of higher power. The more separated from their African ancestry the individuals become, the more social mobility they are given.
In this story, it is made quite clear that blacks can choose one of two choices. They can either integrate into white society, or they can become 'lost' in black society. According to this story, it is not an option for these individuals to combine these two options; in their eyes, the situation is literally black and white.
Even at the end of the story, when the main character accepts his past and his dark-skinned wife, readers are made to understand that, if he chooses to accept this past, he is giving up an opportunity to improve his social standing.
Not only are blacks and whites competing for social standing, but light and dark skinned blacks are also competing between themselves for a high position in the social hierarchy. Consequently, dark skinned blacks are not only at a disadvantage in society as a whole, but also within their race. Perhaps Chestnutt is attempting to capitalize on this point in this story, and to emphasize the fact that such social divisions are pointless and a waste of time and energy. If in this story African Americans were not divided amongst themselves, then they would be more apt to make progressive social change and advancement. If being something that they obviously are not were not a goal in their lives, then they would be more successful in developing with what resources they are given.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Friday, March 23, 2007
Huck's Moral Development
In “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”, by Mark Twain, the main character (Huck Finn) progresses through a unique moral development. Because he is not introduced to ‘proper society’ at a young age, he is given the liberty to view society’s standards in an objective manner. Pap’s removal of Huck from society also reinforces his ability to view society in a detached manner.
The river which takes Jim and Huck on their many adventures is often thought of as an alternate reality, a place which is separate from the customary constraints of society. This additional isolation lends to Huck’s ability to develop as an individual, rather than as a member of society. He is able to develop his own sense of morals and beliefs.
When Huck is faced with the decision of whether or not to report Jim to his ‘owners’, he is able to base that decision on his personal moral guidelines as a result of his detachment from proper society. He makes this decision based on what he personally believes is right, even though it might mean that he ‘goes to hell’. Although originally his decision to keep Jim as a traveling companion may have been heavily influenced by the practicality of the situation (Jim can help and protect him), eventually he does come to see Jim as an individual. Because Jim is an African-American and a slave, accepting him as a person would not have been typical of the ‘proper society’ which Huck chooses to shun.
It is thought by many that at the end of this novel, by agreeing to Tom’s elaborate scheme to free Jim (instead of taking the more sensible approach) that Huck is going against his newly developed morals. However, even though Huck may not appear to make a choice that aligns with his newly founded beliefs (which include respecting Jim as an individual and as a person), the fact remains that, in the end, Huck will accomplish his moral objective in the eventual freedom of Jim. It cannot be denied that, in order for him to function in society, it is necessary for him to make minor concessions (which include complying with Tom’s schemes).
The river which takes Jim and Huck on their many adventures is often thought of as an alternate reality, a place which is separate from the customary constraints of society. This additional isolation lends to Huck’s ability to develop as an individual, rather than as a member of society. He is able to develop his own sense of morals and beliefs.
When Huck is faced with the decision of whether or not to report Jim to his ‘owners’, he is able to base that decision on his personal moral guidelines as a result of his detachment from proper society. He makes this decision based on what he personally believes is right, even though it might mean that he ‘goes to hell’. Although originally his decision to keep Jim as a traveling companion may have been heavily influenced by the practicality of the situation (Jim can help and protect him), eventually he does come to see Jim as an individual. Because Jim is an African-American and a slave, accepting him as a person would not have been typical of the ‘proper society’ which Huck chooses to shun.
It is thought by many that at the end of this novel, by agreeing to Tom’s elaborate scheme to free Jim (instead of taking the more sensible approach) that Huck is going against his newly developed morals. However, even though Huck may not appear to make a choice that aligns with his newly founded beliefs (which include respecting Jim as an individual and as a person), the fact remains that, in the end, Huck will accomplish his moral objective in the eventual freedom of Jim. It cannot be denied that, in order for him to function in society, it is necessary for him to make minor concessions (which include complying with Tom’s schemes).
Friday, March 9, 2007
Dickinson in Agony
Emily Dickinson's poem "I like a look of agony" explores the subject of death, and the inability to replicate the anguish of dying. Her approach to death is quite unique, as it is rare that poems are written about liking death; normally people tend to be afraid of the unknown, instead of looking forward to it.
In this poem, it is impossible to tell whether Dickinson is referring to her own death, to the death of someone she knows, or merely to death in general. The poem fails to be specific, saying things such as "The eyes glaze over..", leaving readers unsure whose eyes are being discussed. Perhaps this poem is purposefully ambiguous, and intends to revoke thought and reflection on the significance of one's own death and of those around you, and encourage them to truly remember her poem.
Because death is viewed as a positive thing in this poem, a reader can't help but wonder what the poet would view as a negative thing. A reader gets the idea from this poem that, in comparison to other things in the poet's life, the stability of death is a much needed anchor. Death, unlike other things, is not something that can be imitated.
Dickinson's recurring references to death in her poems are undoubtedly linked to war. Taking this into account, perhaps this poem is not written from Dickinson's point of view. Perhaps it is satirically written from the view of someone fighting in a war. Through this poem, Dickinson attempts to show what is required from war, and the fact that people fighting in a war not only look forward to the abstract concept of victory, but, on a more concrete level, must also look forward to death itself. In the long run, after all, death is victory.
Because the subject and narrator of this poem is ambiguous, all readers are able to relate to the content of this poem. Death, after all, is a goal which every individual works towards.
In this poem, it is impossible to tell whether Dickinson is referring to her own death, to the death of someone she knows, or merely to death in general. The poem fails to be specific, saying things such as "The eyes glaze over..", leaving readers unsure whose eyes are being discussed. Perhaps this poem is purposefully ambiguous, and intends to revoke thought and reflection on the significance of one's own death and of those around you, and encourage them to truly remember her poem.
Because death is viewed as a positive thing in this poem, a reader can't help but wonder what the poet would view as a negative thing. A reader gets the idea from this poem that, in comparison to other things in the poet's life, the stability of death is a much needed anchor. Death, unlike other things, is not something that can be imitated.
Dickinson's recurring references to death in her poems are undoubtedly linked to war. Taking this into account, perhaps this poem is not written from Dickinson's point of view. Perhaps it is satirically written from the view of someone fighting in a war. Through this poem, Dickinson attempts to show what is required from war, and the fact that people fighting in a war not only look forward to the abstract concept of victory, but, on a more concrete level, must also look forward to death itself. In the long run, after all, death is victory.
Because the subject and narrator of this poem is ambiguous, all readers are able to relate to the content of this poem. Death, after all, is a goal which every individual works towards.
Friday, March 2, 2007
Whitman's ambivalence
Whitman’s approach to the civil war is perhaps the most neutral when compared to Timrod and Horton. His agenda in writing about the civil war seems to be nothing more than to discuss the disturbances and distastefulness of it, and most certainly not to encourage the idea of emancipation.
When classifying these three poets, Timrod is undeniably a Confederate, while Horton is undeniably aligned with the Union. This can be seen quite clearly in their works. In “The Cotton Boll”, Timrod expounds upon the beauty of the South in a rather long winded manner, capitalizing on the characteristics which make it uniquely southern, and claiming recognition as a separate entity from the North. In Horton’s works, even though they may not at first seem to be advancing the rights of African Americans, they most certainly do in the fact that the minority is writing history (instead of the leading class, which would be Caucasians). Even though Horton is undoubtedly catering to the whims of Caucasians in his poetry (which was often recited for entertainment) an underlying theme of racial equality can be seen throughout his works, and a desire for emancipation, although not prominent in his works, was most definitely a goal of his (as it would have been for most African Americans).
Whitman, on the other hand, can not be classified as easily as Horton and Timrod. His description of the war approaches conflict as a generally negative thing, and fails to take a particular side. Whitman cares more about the war being resolved in general, and no longer disturbing the “weeper or prayer” than about a particular side winning.
What makes Whitman able to approach war in such an ambivalent manner is the simple fact that he did not have to cater to a particular audience in order for his work to be successful. Whitman is a rare case of a poet whose literary decisions were not heavily influenced by his audience; his work was valued practically based on merit alone.
When classifying these three poets, Timrod is undeniably a Confederate, while Horton is undeniably aligned with the Union. This can be seen quite clearly in their works. In “The Cotton Boll”, Timrod expounds upon the beauty of the South in a rather long winded manner, capitalizing on the characteristics which make it uniquely southern, and claiming recognition as a separate entity from the North. In Horton’s works, even though they may not at first seem to be advancing the rights of African Americans, they most certainly do in the fact that the minority is writing history (instead of the leading class, which would be Caucasians). Even though Horton is undoubtedly catering to the whims of Caucasians in his poetry (which was often recited for entertainment) an underlying theme of racial equality can be seen throughout his works, and a desire for emancipation, although not prominent in his works, was most definitely a goal of his (as it would have been for most African Americans).
Whitman, on the other hand, can not be classified as easily as Horton and Timrod. His description of the war approaches conflict as a generally negative thing, and fails to take a particular side. Whitman cares more about the war being resolved in general, and no longer disturbing the “weeper or prayer” than about a particular side winning.
What makes Whitman able to approach war in such an ambivalent manner is the simple fact that he did not have to cater to a particular audience in order for his work to be successful. Whitman is a rare case of a poet whose literary decisions were not heavily influenced by his audience; his work was valued practically based on merit alone.
The rhythm of Whitman
Walt Whitman’s poem “Beat! Beat! Drums!” is eerily memorable and haunting, beating out a cadence that stays in a reader’s mind long after they have read it. The drums, like war itself, are unstoppable, not even pausing long enough for a wedding ceremony to be completed. In this poem, through his clever use of literary techniques, Whitman displays his own distasteful opinions of war, most likely influenced by his personal experiences with it.
When first reading this poem, it is easy to see it as merely a description of the beating of drums. However, upon closer examination, it can be seen that, in the act of describing the drums as something that never ceases, Whitman is in fact describing them in a negative light. This can be seen in the drums interrupting such things as ‘the peaceful farmer…ploughing his field’, which is most definitely an activity that benefits society. The events which Whitman lists as being interrupted by the drums (and by war) can also be classified as normal occurrences of everyday life. In this list, Whitman highlights the idea that all aspects of life are affected by war, and that everyone in some way is influenced by it. Perhaps they may not be influenced in such a direct way as their wedding being interrupted, but in some way every individual in a society at war with itself is affected by the turmoil in their country.
Whitman makes his potent messages memorable by his ingenious use of literary techniques. The cadence of the poem itself echoes that of a drum, leaving readers hearing the beat of these ceaseless drums as they read it. Repetition (specifically the use of anaphora) also makes the poem memorable, and is reminiscent of the rhythm of a drum. This poem is essentially a representation of the march of war, and the fact that the poem ends on an open note, with the lines ‘so loud you bugles blow’, hints at the idea that this war will never end. When it does end, another war will come to take its place. Life is, essentially, a ceaseless, unstoppable march of death.
When first reading this poem, it is easy to see it as merely a description of the beating of drums. However, upon closer examination, it can be seen that, in the act of describing the drums as something that never ceases, Whitman is in fact describing them in a negative light. This can be seen in the drums interrupting such things as ‘the peaceful farmer…ploughing his field’, which is most definitely an activity that benefits society. The events which Whitman lists as being interrupted by the drums (and by war) can also be classified as normal occurrences of everyday life. In this list, Whitman highlights the idea that all aspects of life are affected by war, and that everyone in some way is influenced by it. Perhaps they may not be influenced in such a direct way as their wedding being interrupted, but in some way every individual in a society at war with itself is affected by the turmoil in their country.
Whitman makes his potent messages memorable by his ingenious use of literary techniques. The cadence of the poem itself echoes that of a drum, leaving readers hearing the beat of these ceaseless drums as they read it. Repetition (specifically the use of anaphora) also makes the poem memorable, and is reminiscent of the rhythm of a drum. This poem is essentially a representation of the march of war, and the fact that the poem ends on an open note, with the lines ‘so loud you bugles blow’, hints at the idea that this war will never end. When it does end, another war will come to take its place. Life is, essentially, a ceaseless, unstoppable march of death.
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