I am not necessarily a large supporter of either Emily Dickinson nor Walt Whitman. I find their poetry almost completely dry and somewhat overdone. I feel that each poet used excessive language and structure to identify themselves as a radical inhabitant in this society. It is almost comical how elaborate the language and themes Whitman seems partake in. Because of this, I can only show some more respect for Emily Dickinson and her literary career. I feel that her ability to remain isolated in her career has left her with much commence. Due to the isolation and seclusion, she did not stifle readers with constant pieces, contributing to a dilapidated literary community. After much thought, I believe that I can only agree with Dickinson's work more. Although her language can be confusing and dry, I feel that her work is much more respectable then that of Whitman's pieces.
Whitman often uses sexual appeal to relate or connect with his readers. His pieces often speak of love and sex. Although many authors incorporate this content in their literary pieces, Whitman exasperates it, often confusing or misleading the unaware reader. By this strong content to surface, some traditional audiences may disregard his literary work, feeling that his content is too inappropriate for modern development within the literature community. Although Whitman's work can be found quite unappealing, his prominence has established much significance in the developing literary period.
Dickinson, opposing most of Whitman's pieces, did not label her literary work as a specific genre or category. Because of this, I have more respect and support for Dickinson's work. Her work has established much prominence and notability within the community. Dickinson's pieces retained more Realism, as opposed to Whitman's work, which used qualities from various subcategories of literature. Her work, left unpublished until a later period, often spoke of nature and the differing species inhabiting it. Because Dickinson's work reveals detail, thought, and validity, I can only support her pieces furthermore.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Mark Twain- "Two Views of the River"
"Two Views of the River" is a small excerpt composed by Mark Twain. Twain effectively captures the element of cohesive detail, often found within Realism literature, as well as a prominent display of human nature and realistic habits. Though simplistic and short, Twain composes the excerpt with a large amount of detail and descriptions, which illustrated his relationship with the river and the steamboats (Twain). He adequately explains how once, he had a strong desire to be where he is now, but now that he is here, he cannot help but ignore the beauty of the river and analyze everything pessimistically (Twain). This illustrates the typical manner in which people want what they cannot have. These two outlooks and attitudes are found so often within human nature, and Twain presents them in a very talented way with his descriptions and use of nature as an analogy.
Nature itself is a characteristic of Realism, and the mixture of Twain's description is strong, formulating details which combine two Realist traits (Campbell). The use of nature to convey themes of human nature, and Twain's emotions and thought processes are also traits of Realism - characters of Realism are usually in explicable relation to nature (Campbell).
Twain also presents himself as a member of the middle-class, which is another correlating factor of Realism (Campbell). Later on, he formulates a comparison to a doctor, another middle-class position, to stress his dismay at the way that people lose the ability to value beauty and similar things (Twain).
In Twain's ability to present an intended idea or lesson through aspects of Realism, he presents a large amount of values and morals in the formation of heroism. The hero of his writing isn't a direct character, but rather the emphasis he stresses on preserving the gratitude and value for which humans place on things in life, especially nature. This hero is also a form of the American Dream, or at least Twain's version of it.
Campbell, Donna M. "Realism in American Literature, 1860-1890." Literary Movements. Dept. of English, Washington State University. 21 Mar 2010. Web. 26 Jan 2011.
Twain, Mark. "Two Views of the River." Glencoe Literature. Comp. Jeffrey Wilhelm. American Literature ed. Columbus; McGraw-Hill, 2010. 504-505. Print.
Nature itself is a characteristic of Realism, and the mixture of Twain's description is strong, formulating details which combine two Realist traits (Campbell). The use of nature to convey themes of human nature, and Twain's emotions and thought processes are also traits of Realism - characters of Realism are usually in explicable relation to nature (Campbell).
Twain also presents himself as a member of the middle-class, which is another correlating factor of Realism (Campbell). Later on, he formulates a comparison to a doctor, another middle-class position, to stress his dismay at the way that people lose the ability to value beauty and similar things (Twain).
In Twain's ability to present an intended idea or lesson through aspects of Realism, he presents a large amount of values and morals in the formation of heroism. The hero of his writing isn't a direct character, but rather the emphasis he stresses on preserving the gratitude and value for which humans place on things in life, especially nature. This hero is also a form of the American Dream, or at least Twain's version of it.
Campbell, Donna M. "Realism in American Literature, 1860-1890." Literary Movements. Dept. of English, Washington State University. 21 Mar 2010. Web. 26 Jan 2011.
Twain, Mark. "Two Views of the River." Glencoe Literature. Comp. Jeffrey Wilhelm. American Literature ed. Columbus; McGraw-Hill, 2010. 504-505. Print.
"Spoon River Anthology"
"The Spoon River Anthology" is quite extensive, but adequately provides various examples of Realism, especially considering the fact that it is a diverse collection of poems from the "dead." These photos reference historical, social, and cultural aspects of the United States. Although it is quite known for being creative, there are aspects dispersed throughout that give it certain characteristics of Realism. Ultimately, it is labeled in Realism because it undoubtedly collects relates to various aspects of American society and reality, all while presenting them to the reader in a simplistic and poetic structure (Campbell).
In the excerpt "Hod Putt," the poet establishes the lives of two dead individuals, one were hung for theft and murder (Masters). This an adequate example of the minor historical aspects dispersed throughout the poems of "Spoon River Anthology." It seems provide examples of how poems focus on characters, usually neighboring corpses, and therefore displaying the aspect of Realism; placing emphasis on characters above everything else (Campbell).
Most of these characters appear to be member of the middle class, which is again, another common theme of Realism (Campbell). The characters tell their tales in the poems through first person and with their natural vernacular and diction, adding more to the effects of Realism (Campbell). The lines of the poem from "Isa Nutter" show some of the natural vernacular - "Right up to the day I sneaked up to Peoria, and married Minnie in spite of them, and why do yo wonder my will was made for the best and purest of women?" (Masters "Isa").
Because of the vast amount of diverse characters who "compose" the poetry, there are many different outlooks into personalities and human nature. An example of this is the poem from "Fiddler Jones". In this poem, a man tells us about his life where his true passion lied in music and fiddling rather than tilling and plowing his land (Masters). He ends up with a broken fiddle, but says he has no regrets (Masters). This is very revealing of human nature because it shows that you should pursue your real passion, and enjoy life that way. It also reveals that everyone is different and their interests are diverse. Similarlily, the collection of these poems is interesting because they portray the different roles that make up the society and culture of the people in Spoon River, and in doing so portray more Realism (Diamond). There are many different types of people; one can see this even by just glancing at some of the names of poems through out the analogy such as "Doc Hill," "Andy the Night-Watch," "Theodore the Poet," "Sexsmith the Dentist," and "Penniwit the Artist" (Masters). Collectively, these are composed as a very lengthy, but creative and effective work of literature that depict a sufficient amount about Realism through beautiful free verses. It is clear to observe the diversities that lie in American culture by looking at some of the individual writings by the "poets".
Campbell, Donna M. "Realism in American Literature, 1860-1890." Literary Movements. Dept. of English, Washington State University. 21 Mar 2010. Web. 26 Jan 2011.
Diamond, Marie Josephine, ed. "realism." Encyclopedia of World Writers, 19th and 20th Centuries. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2003. Bloom's Literary Reference Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE54&SID=5&iPin= GEWW480&SingleRecord=True (accessed February 16, 2011).
Masters, Edgar Lee. "Fiddler Jones." Spoon River Anthology. Bartleby: Great Books Online. 2011. Online. http://www.bartleby.com/84/index.html. February 15, 2011.
Masters, Edgar Lee. "Hod Putt." Spoon River Anthology. Bartleby: Great Books Online. 2011. Online. http://www.bartleby.com/84/index.html. February 15, 2011.
Masters, Edgar Lee. "Isa Nutter." Spoon River Anthology. Bartleby: Great Books Online. 2011. Online. http://www.bartleby.com/84/index.html. February 15, 2011.
Masters, Edgar L. ""Spoon River Anthology" (or Excerpts From)." American Literature. Comp. Jeffrey D. Wilhelm, Douglas Fisher, Beverly A. Chin, and Jacqueline J. Royster. Columbus: Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, 2009. 514-17. Print.
In the excerpt "Hod Putt," the poet establishes the lives of two dead individuals, one were hung for theft and murder (Masters). This an adequate example of the minor historical aspects dispersed throughout the poems of "Spoon River Anthology." It seems provide examples of how poems focus on characters, usually neighboring corpses, and therefore displaying the aspect of Realism; placing emphasis on characters above everything else (Campbell).
Most of these characters appear to be member of the middle class, which is again, another common theme of Realism (Campbell). The characters tell their tales in the poems through first person and with their natural vernacular and diction, adding more to the effects of Realism (Campbell). The lines of the poem from "Isa Nutter" show some of the natural vernacular - "Right up to the day I sneaked up to Peoria, and married Minnie in spite of them, and why do yo wonder my will was made for the best and purest of women?" (Masters "Isa").
Because of the vast amount of diverse characters who "compose" the poetry, there are many different outlooks into personalities and human nature. An example of this is the poem from "Fiddler Jones". In this poem, a man tells us about his life where his true passion lied in music and fiddling rather than tilling and plowing his land (Masters). He ends up with a broken fiddle, but says he has no regrets (Masters). This is very revealing of human nature because it shows that you should pursue your real passion, and enjoy life that way. It also reveals that everyone is different and their interests are diverse. Similarlily, the collection of these poems is interesting because they portray the different roles that make up the society and culture of the people in Spoon River, and in doing so portray more Realism (Diamond). There are many different types of people; one can see this even by just glancing at some of the names of poems through out the analogy such as "Doc Hill," "Andy the Night-Watch," "Theodore the Poet," "Sexsmith the Dentist," and "Penniwit the Artist" (Masters). Collectively, these are composed as a very lengthy, but creative and effective work of literature that depict a sufficient amount about Realism through beautiful free verses. It is clear to observe the diversities that lie in American culture by looking at some of the individual writings by the "poets".
Campbell, Donna M. "Realism in American Literature, 1860-1890." Literary Movements. Dept. of English, Washington State University. 21 Mar 2010. Web. 26 Jan 2011.
Diamond, Marie Josephine, ed. "realism." Encyclopedia of World Writers, 19th and 20th Centuries. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2003. Bloom's Literary Reference Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE54&SID=5&iPin= GEWW480&SingleRecord=True (accessed February 16, 2011).
Masters, Edgar Lee. "Fiddler Jones." Spoon River Anthology. Bartleby: Great Books Online. 2011. Online. http://www.bartleby.com/84/index.html. February 15, 2011.
Masters, Edgar Lee. "Hod Putt." Spoon River Anthology. Bartleby: Great Books Online. 2011. Online. http://www.bartleby.com/84/index.html. February 15, 2011.
Masters, Edgar Lee. "Isa Nutter." Spoon River Anthology. Bartleby: Great Books Online. 2011. Online. http://www.bartleby.com/84/index.html. February 15, 2011.
Masters, Edgar L. ""Spoon River Anthology" (or Excerpts From)." American Literature. Comp. Jeffrey D. Wilhelm, Douglas Fisher, Beverly A. Chin, and Jacqueline J. Royster. Columbus: Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, 2009. 514-17. Print.
Chief Joseph "I Will Fight No More Forever"
“I Will Fight No More” by Chief Joseph is an effective contribution to the always developing literary community. At this time, Realism sustained much prominence, using effective language, structure, and factual material to convey its particular point; therefore, Realism can be found not only in a written formation but possibly a speech, statement, or dialogue between individuals. The piece displays Realism through various aspects. Joseph's style is simplistic and monotonous, also correlating with the idea of Realism. There is still strong emotion and descriptions that determine the overall theme. Although it using much emotion, it lacks originality and establishes itself as a more redundant and monotonous piece. The statement does not contain extra information which make it artistic or flowing. The statement, focus on the more humanistic side of a Native American. He is portrayed as a common character that is mourning the death of his fellow Chiefs. The character wants to remain neutral, simplified, and peaceful. These characteristics determine the piece as a realistic and specified source of literature.
The speech is composed in a very simplistic style, however, the words that Joseph choose to use are picked very carefully to illustrate a more specific picture of the ongoing turmoil and agony being described. He is direct and outright, and this conveys the message directly to the listener or reader without any confusion. "I am tired. My heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands I will fight no more forever" (Joseph). This statement can be easily inferred or picked apart, due to its simplicity and subject matter. The deaths of those around have overwhelmed his heart and fatigued him, therefore, he cannot and will not undergo anymore fights. The last lines are very prominent and evident because they display a rare quality of bravery. A strong, yet effectively brave individual must be used to admit defeat in a direct way that will test whatever horrible consequences await him or her. From a historical perspective, readers obtain the knowledge that that Chief Joseph was of the Nez Perce Indians, and these Indians had originally been ordered off their own lands in Oregon (McCloskey). Joseph agreed at first, but had to lead his group away from the pursue of white settlers after some tribe members killed some of the white settlers (McCloskey). Some people may say that giving up shows fear and cowardice, but from Joseph's words, we know that he a very wise man, and is choosing his actions carefully to avoid any more deaths of his people. Given this background, this gives this speech a unique form of Realism. It is from a different perspective opposed to the usual viewpoints. So far, a lot of these Realism stories have been from the viewpoints of white Americans or African Americans, but this one gives a look into the Indian culture and their troubled past. He depicts the perspective of Indians as they truly are, therefore, depicting Realism in a successful and undoubtedly effective style (Campbell).
Campbell, Donna M. "Realism in American Literature, 1860-1890." Literary Movements. Dept. of English, Washington State University. 21 Mar 2010. Web. 26 Jan 2011.
Joseph, Chief. "I Will Fight No More." Glencoe American Literature. comp. Wilhelm, Jeffery. McGraw Hill. Columbus, OH. 2009. 533. Print.
McCloskey, Mary Lou. "Surrender Speech of Chief Joseph". 15 Feb 2011. .
The speech is composed in a very simplistic style, however, the words that Joseph choose to use are picked very carefully to illustrate a more specific picture of the ongoing turmoil and agony being described. He is direct and outright, and this conveys the message directly to the listener or reader without any confusion. "I am tired. My heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands I will fight no more forever" (Joseph). This statement can be easily inferred or picked apart, due to its simplicity and subject matter. The deaths of those around have overwhelmed his heart and fatigued him, therefore, he cannot and will not undergo anymore fights. The last lines are very prominent and evident because they display a rare quality of bravery. A strong, yet effectively brave individual must be used to admit defeat in a direct way that will test whatever horrible consequences await him or her. From a historical perspective, readers obtain the knowledge that that Chief Joseph was of the Nez Perce Indians, and these Indians had originally been ordered off their own lands in Oregon (McCloskey). Joseph agreed at first, but had to lead his group away from the pursue of white settlers after some tribe members killed some of the white settlers (McCloskey). Some people may say that giving up shows fear and cowardice, but from Joseph's words, we know that he a very wise man, and is choosing his actions carefully to avoid any more deaths of his people. Given this background, this gives this speech a unique form of Realism. It is from a different perspective opposed to the usual viewpoints. So far, a lot of these Realism stories have been from the viewpoints of white Americans or African Americans, but this one gives a look into the Indian culture and their troubled past. He depicts the perspective of Indians as they truly are, therefore, depicting Realism in a successful and undoubtedly effective style (Campbell).
Campbell, Donna M. "Realism in American Literature, 1860-1890." Literary Movements. Dept. of English, Washington State University. 21 Mar 2010. Web. 26 Jan 2011.
Joseph, Chief. "I Will Fight No More." Glencoe American Literature. comp. Wilhelm, Jeffery. McGraw Hill. Columbus, OH. 2009. 533. Print.
McCloskey, Mary Lou. "Surrender Speech of Chief Joseph". 15 Feb 2011. .
Edwin Arlington Robinson "Richard Cory" and "Miniver Cheevy"
"Miniver Cheevy" and "Richard Cory" are two effective poems composed by Edwin Arlington Robinson. Robinson's two pieces can adequately formulate a strong relation to the famous literary genre, Realism. Realism, being a genre composed of factual material and ideals, often found prominence in literature within this period. Realism was not just subjected to writing, though. Realism often found itself in music and art. Because of this, the genre cannot be narrowed to a specific theme or idea solely determined by literature. Putting this aside, though, Robinson's piece used much evidence from this evident genre. Also correlating with Realism, Robinson's characters in each of these poems seem to relate to a more average or common person, as opposed to the "hero" defined in other genres of literature. Due to this quality, readers of these two poems can connect or relate to these characters much more than opposing characters in contrasting genres of literature. Because Robinson retains the use of simplicity, yet structure through these two pieces, an audience is much easier to define. With these aspects of the poems, a reader may continue to relate to Robinson's literary work and its intentions.
Throughout the literary piece, it is evident that it heavily correlates with the genre of Realism. The poems are set with average characters, using common aspects of society and simplicity. Characters such as these can heavily relate to the everyday readers who enjoy these pieces (Robinson). Because of this aspect, Robinson obtains the support and audience deserved due to his ability to compose factual characters and story-lines. One of the most common characteristics among literature in the genre of Realism would be the composition of factual characters, using average and simplistic ideals to represent the story. Most often, the character is an average, middle-class person instead of an extraordinary hero. Fortunately Robinson retains these characters in his literary pieces (Robinson). This is relative to the idea of Realism and all of its subgenres. Besides the obvious point of the character, Richard Cory, and his undeniable wealth (Robinson). Besides this difference in the characteristics of the protagonist, both are common characters, using their simplicity and originality to define Realism and all of its intentions.
There are many characteristics of Realism literature used in Edwin Arlington Robinson’s two poems, “Richard Cory” and “Miniver Cheevy.” The major aspects of Realism consist of simplistic writing and a psychological focus on the protagonist, who is most commonly an average, middle-class character. The common similarities between each character is that there is a lack of religion and that it may be what caused the demise of each character. These characteristics can be seen in both of these poems, which are adequate examples of Realism in the literary community.
Robinson, Edwin Arlington. "Richard Cory." Glencoe American Literature. comp. Wilhelm, Jeffery. McGraw Hill. Columbus, OH. 2009. pg. 575.
Robinson, Edwin Arlington. "Miniver Cheevy." Glencoe American Literature. comp. Wilhelm, Jeffery. McGraw Hill. Columbus, OH. 2009. pg. 576.
Throughout the literary piece, it is evident that it heavily correlates with the genre of Realism. The poems are set with average characters, using common aspects of society and simplicity. Characters such as these can heavily relate to the everyday readers who enjoy these pieces (Robinson). Because of this aspect, Robinson obtains the support and audience deserved due to his ability to compose factual characters and story-lines. One of the most common characteristics among literature in the genre of Realism would be the composition of factual characters, using average and simplistic ideals to represent the story. Most often, the character is an average, middle-class person instead of an extraordinary hero. Fortunately Robinson retains these characters in his literary pieces (Robinson). This is relative to the idea of Realism and all of its subgenres. Besides the obvious point of the character, Richard Cory, and his undeniable wealth (Robinson). Besides this difference in the characteristics of the protagonist, both are common characters, using their simplicity and originality to define Realism and all of its intentions.
There are many characteristics of Realism literature used in Edwin Arlington Robinson’s two poems, “Richard Cory” and “Miniver Cheevy.” The major aspects of Realism consist of simplistic writing and a psychological focus on the protagonist, who is most commonly an average, middle-class character. The common similarities between each character is that there is a lack of religion and that it may be what caused the demise of each character. These characteristics can be seen in both of these poems, which are adequate examples of Realism in the literary community.
Robinson, Edwin Arlington. "Richard Cory." Glencoe American Literature. comp. Wilhelm, Jeffery. McGraw Hill. Columbus, OH. 2009. pg. 575.
Robinson, Edwin Arlington. "Miniver Cheevy." Glencoe American Literature. comp. Wilhelm, Jeffery. McGraw Hill. Columbus, OH. 2009. pg. 576.
Jack London "To Build a Fire"
Jack London composed the short story, "To Build a Fire," which correlated with Naturalism. Naturalism consists of scientific reasoning, which is relative to this piece in particular. This genre of Realism, often compared to as well, draws much attention onto nature and humanity. Humanity, being quite the broad subject, can be specified as a social interaction or behavior for this particular point. London's literary piece features a man with his loyal and trustworthy Huskie dog. These two characters set about into the wilderness of Alaska. The temperature remained as a large issue in the piece. Due to this particular predicament, the story foreshadows a survival guide, incorporating the use of human instincts. With the use of humanistic instincts and interactions, one can presume a correlation between London's piece and Naturalism. An adequate example of this lies in the introduction of the piece; the title of the story. The title of the piece allows readers to formulate an idea or theme of this piece, incorporating various aspects of Naturalism throughout. Because of the human nature displayed in this piece, characteristics relative to Naturalism are discovered. "To Build a Fire" adequately displays Naturalism in a sense of survival, nature, and human instinct. Because of this, one may retain the theme and idea of the story itself.
It is strongly presumed that the protagonist of the story is unaware and inexperienced in his abilities out in the wilderness (London). He searches for gold, ignoring any dangerous actions or signs. The most important sign the protagonist seems to disregard would be that of the temperature and weather. The inexperienced protagonist continues to disregard any strong or main signs of absolute danger (London). Again, right from the beginning, the reader may imply that the man will have to endure some sort of instinctual struggle with nature. As the story progresses, nature does not do anything drastic against the man and his dog, but it simply sustains its conditions to where the man is not concerned about his initial intentions-gold (London). The undeniable conflict and struggle of "man vs. nature" heavily occurs throughout London's literary piece. Although this is directed with nature, it does not correlate with Naturalism itself. Naturalism involves the viewing of human beings from a mutual, yet neutral and scientific standpoint (Werlock). Naturalism's role in the story is bringing out the man and his dog's instincts to where he is almost not properly functioning as a human anymore. This allows the protagonist to obtain the role of a more animalistic perspective, retaining survival as a natural occurrence. Naturalism, in itself, is based heavily upon Darwin's ideals, and London's story undoubtedly conveys his survival theory (Werlock). The main issue is not that of competition to survive, but more of the force and subjection to undergo this undeniably agonizing predicament (London). London's literary piece heavily relates to the idea of survival and one's limits in terms of nature and instinct. This can test the boundaries of those who cannot define these aspects easily. Naturalism, being a subgenre of Realism, can depict a scientifically charged approach to the literary community. Because of "To Build a Fire's" heavy use of science and factual material, one may adequately define it as a Naturalistic piece. Because of this, London's survival tale can effectively display the use of Naturalism and human instinct.
London, Jack. "To Build a Fire." American Literature. Comp. Jeffrey D. Wilhelm. Columbus: McGraw Hill, 2009. 601-614. Print.
Werlock, Abby H. P. "naturalism." The Facts On File Companion to the American Short Story, Second Edition. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2009. Bloom's Literary Reference Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE54&SID=5&iPin= Gamshrtsty0501&SingleRecord=True (accessed February 15, 2011).
It is strongly presumed that the protagonist of the story is unaware and inexperienced in his abilities out in the wilderness (London). He searches for gold, ignoring any dangerous actions or signs. The most important sign the protagonist seems to disregard would be that of the temperature and weather. The inexperienced protagonist continues to disregard any strong or main signs of absolute danger (London). Again, right from the beginning, the reader may imply that the man will have to endure some sort of instinctual struggle with nature. As the story progresses, nature does not do anything drastic against the man and his dog, but it simply sustains its conditions to where the man is not concerned about his initial intentions-gold (London). The undeniable conflict and struggle of "man vs. nature" heavily occurs throughout London's literary piece. Although this is directed with nature, it does not correlate with Naturalism itself. Naturalism involves the viewing of human beings from a mutual, yet neutral and scientific standpoint (Werlock). Naturalism's role in the story is bringing out the man and his dog's instincts to where he is almost not properly functioning as a human anymore. This allows the protagonist to obtain the role of a more animalistic perspective, retaining survival as a natural occurrence. Naturalism, in itself, is based heavily upon Darwin's ideals, and London's story undoubtedly conveys his survival theory (Werlock). The main issue is not that of competition to survive, but more of the force and subjection to undergo this undeniably agonizing predicament (London). London's literary piece heavily relates to the idea of survival and one's limits in terms of nature and instinct. This can test the boundaries of those who cannot define these aspects easily. Naturalism, being a subgenre of Realism, can depict a scientifically charged approach to the literary community. Because of "To Build a Fire's" heavy use of science and factual material, one may adequately define it as a Naturalistic piece. Because of this, London's survival tale can effectively display the use of Naturalism and human instinct.
London, Jack. "To Build a Fire." American Literature. Comp. Jeffrey D. Wilhelm. Columbus: McGraw Hill, 2009. 601-614. Print.
Werlock, Abby H. P. "naturalism." The Facts On File Companion to the American Short Story, Second Edition. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2009. Bloom's Literary Reference Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE54&SID=5&iPin= Gamshrtsty0501&SingleRecord=True (accessed February 15, 2011).
Journal #41: DIckinson "A Wounded Deer Leaps Highest"
Emily Dickinson composed "A Wounded Deer Leaps Highest," which speaks of experience in relation to a deer and various other aspects throughout the poem (Dickinson). She uses multiple concepts to convey the overall theme. With this structure, she uses much more support as opposed to another poem which lacks that. Her use of rocks, deer, and "trampled steel" are adequate examples of these aspects that were previously described (Dickinson). Because of Dickinson's effective language and style, a basis of relative and inspirational writing is established. A catalyst for the remainder of the poem, "A wounded deer leaps highest," the first line and title of the piece, conveys the theme. This single line depicts the purpose and idea of the piece itself, the remaining pieces of the poem only further support this theme.
"The smitten rock that gushes,
The trampled steel that springs:
A cheek is always redder
Just where the hectic stings!" (Dickinson)
This stanza in the poem allows for much support, as described earlier in the previous paragraph. Dickinson uses a rock and "trampled steel" to depict this overall piece (Dickinson). When referring to smitten, Dickinson is speaking of the density or roughness of the rock. When it "gushes," it is retaining a developed or established new density; possibly correlating with the poems initial line, "a wounded deer leaps highest" (Dickinson). Throughout this stanza, many aspects seem to convey the overall theme Dickinson is speaking of. Her intentions, I believe, are to describe human nature and recovery. The second line in this stanza also refers to experience or development. Possibly the idea of trampled steel "springing" can correlate with the idea of motivation and one's ability to recover against an illness, pain, or emotional disturbance. I believe Dickinson is effectively speaking of humanity or homeostasis throughout this literary piece. Her constant development on the idea of experience is consistently tested throughout the poem. Because of this, much support, understanding, and persuasion can be retained from "A Wounded Deer Leaps Highest."
Dickinson, Emily. "A Wounded Deer Leaps Highest." Bartleby. Online. March 22, 2011. http://www.bartleby.com/113/1008.html
"The smitten rock that gushes,
The trampled steel that springs:
A cheek is always redder
Just where the hectic stings!" (Dickinson)
This stanza in the poem allows for much support, as described earlier in the previous paragraph. Dickinson uses a rock and "trampled steel" to depict this overall piece (Dickinson). When referring to smitten, Dickinson is speaking of the density or roughness of the rock. When it "gushes," it is retaining a developed or established new density; possibly correlating with the poems initial line, "a wounded deer leaps highest" (Dickinson). Throughout this stanza, many aspects seem to convey the overall theme Dickinson is speaking of. Her intentions, I believe, are to describe human nature and recovery. The second line in this stanza also refers to experience or development. Possibly the idea of trampled steel "springing" can correlate with the idea of motivation and one's ability to recover against an illness, pain, or emotional disturbance. I believe Dickinson is effectively speaking of humanity or homeostasis throughout this literary piece. Her constant development on the idea of experience is consistently tested throughout the poem. Because of this, much support, understanding, and persuasion can be retained from "A Wounded Deer Leaps Highest."
Dickinson, Emily. "A Wounded Deer Leaps Highest." Bartleby. Online. March 22, 2011. http://www.bartleby.com/113/1008.html
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Journal #38: "As I Watch'd the Ploughman Ploughing"
This poem of Whitman's is mainly a mixed composition of "every-man" figures and Christianity symbolism. These establish a sort of holy trio through the common laborer roles, and delve into an allegory of life and death. It's pretty obvious how the poem deals with the "every man" concept. The poem deals with a harvester, sower, and ploughman. It doesn't take much more than common knowledge to know that these are three hard laborer roles. Therefore, they represent the middle class and common laboring habits of the people of Whitman's era. Going deeper into the symbolism of the poem brings out the Christianity aspects of it. Notice that the ploughman plows all the crops, taking them away for good. This represents death or God's ability to end lives. The sower sows, or plants seeds in the land. This represents birth, or the soul. The harvester harvests the crops out of the land, and once again, this represents death. Together, these three characters represent the Holy Spirit, God, and Jesus. Alongside this, the poem also represents the circle of life in general. The sower represents the power of birth by planting seeds, the harvester represents life, by taking crops and giving it to others, and the ploughman represents death by completely harvesting all the crops. By demonstrating the circular habits of farming and etc., Whitman also portrays the circle of life through these every man techniques and Christianity. This is pretty impressive considering the poem is an entire four lines. It's about thirty something words, and by just using three roles and a very brief statement involving life and death, Whitman manages to cram all this stuff involving Christan symbolism, life and death, and the circle of life into it. It probably goes even deeper than that, but I'm not going to further elaborate on that subject. This is initially the central theme and exploration of Whitman's poem, and therefore the most important. Ultimately, the poem demonstrates Whitman's ability to mix interesting every man concepts and heavy symbolism.
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