Friday, May 13, 2011
Modernism Defined
Works Cited
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 June 1, 2011).
McDonald, Olivia M. "U.S. foreign policy." In Schultz, David, ed. Encyclopedia of Public Administration and Public Policy. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2003. American History Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?
ItemID=WE52&iPin=EPAPP0377&SingleRecord=True (accessed June 1, 2011).
Werlock, Abby H. P. "modernism." 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= CASS589&SingleRecord=True (accessed June 1, 2011).
Monday, May 9, 2011
Journal #44: Post-Modernism Movie
Most films can be classified with a Post-Modernism title. It is apparent that various films correlate with common characteristics of the style. The use of political inequalities, religious exploration or prevention, the use of multiple worlds, etc. are all common characteristics within Post-Modernism pieces. In the film industry, it is quite common for a film to correlate with such characteristics.
One of my favorite movies of all time would probably be Garden State. I absolutely love that movie. Not only is the story line just exceptionally great, I believe the soundtrack is probably the best soundtrack I have ever heard. I feel that Garden State is one of the best indie films of all time. Well I may be completely exaggerating but I feel that the film is just dandy. The movie follows Zach Braff, who also wrote and directed the film. In the movie, his character's mother has died. He returns back to his hometown in order to pay respect toward his mother and support his father. His relationship with his parents was greatly scathed since he left. The movie then spirals down into his depression, but in the midst of it all, he meets a wonderful ole lady. That girl is played by Natalie Portman. Following this introduction, they began to spend time together, having comical encounters and falling in love. Her persona completely lightens the film, making it less dark. I believe this is a true representation of Post-Modernism.
Garden State displayed Post-Modernism throughout. The film retained various aspects of the film, allowing for much literary observation. The film has common uses of humor, darkness, drama, and content. Due to this, I believe Garden State is an effective representation of the various aspects found within a Post-Modernism piece. Much like most films of this time, one may find many correlations between the story and Modernism. I really connect with the film, not only because of the writing and soundtrack, but because of the vibe, message, and resolution. I truly believe that Garden State is an adequate and completely effective depiction of Post-Modernism within the film industry.
One of my favorite movies of all time would probably be Garden State. I absolutely love that movie. Not only is the story line just exceptionally great, I believe the soundtrack is probably the best soundtrack I have ever heard. I feel that Garden State is one of the best indie films of all time. Well I may be completely exaggerating but I feel that the film is just dandy. The movie follows Zach Braff, who also wrote and directed the film. In the movie, his character's mother has died. He returns back to his hometown in order to pay respect toward his mother and support his father. His relationship with his parents was greatly scathed since he left. The movie then spirals down into his depression, but in the midst of it all, he meets a wonderful ole lady. That girl is played by Natalie Portman. Following this introduction, they began to spend time together, having comical encounters and falling in love. Her persona completely lightens the film, making it less dark. I believe this is a true representation of Post-Modernism.
Garden State displayed Post-Modernism throughout. The film retained various aspects of the film, allowing for much literary observation. The film has common uses of humor, darkness, drama, and content. Due to this, I believe Garden State is an effective representation of the various aspects found within a Post-Modernism piece. Much like most films of this time, one may find many correlations between the story and Modernism. I really connect with the film, not only because of the writing and soundtrack, but because of the vibe, message, and resolution. I truly believe that Garden State is an adequate and completely effective depiction of Post-Modernism within the film industry.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Modernism Vs. Realism
Modernism is a differing style of writing. It contrasts with that of Realism pieces, due to its ability to effectively convey opposition within literature and art. Opposition, being an adequate description of the altering styles, can only further display Modernism's successful transition from reality to abstract and unrecognizable themes. Following the Realism movement, Modernism grasped itself with such force and opposition. Because of this, it is made apparent that the contrasting style is overall effective in its undeniable attempt to recreate originality and value within the literary community. Further deciphering this style, the structure throughout is more raw, spontaneous, and charged by secular themes. As in secular themes, one may compare this to Modernism's opposition toward religion. It does not use religion as a supreme source, although it is often involved within these pieces. Art, being a contrasting subject or medium as well, was characterized by abstract lines and contrasting strokes. Many authors and artists were stifled by resenting supporters who did not respect the idea of Modernism. Modernism represents originality and creativity. It is one of the few styles which uses one's representational thoughts to create an effective piece. It defies structure and tradition. Because of this quality, Realism cannot retain much similarities between the opposing style, Modernism.
According to Michael Plante in the article "Modernism," the contrasting style of Modernism stresses "newness" and "innovation." This correlates with the idea of opposition. Opposition, in this case, would undoubtedly refer to the opposition of tradition and the conservation of morality and religion. Plante believes that Modernism was "dominant" between 1890 and roughly 1945 (Plante). With this said, many conservative supporters did not find such positive correlation with the new style. They believed it represented a division or split from Realism and its traditional style. Realism did not retain the use of "innovation" or strong creativity (Plante). After much observation, it is made apparent that Modernism only further displays the liveliness and originality that Realism lacked.
Modernism emerged as a prominent source of writing in the late 1800's (Plante). It originated in France, though it was quickly submerged in English and American writing. Modernists writers such as T.S. Elliot, James Joyce, and J.D. Salinger used the style as an effective alternative to Realism (Plante). They evoked such ideas and actions as would the avant-garde. This would refer to the arousal of such creative ideas and innovations as displayed in Modernism. After being recognized for its differing style, it is made clear that Modernism retains the use of originality to effectively convey its prominence.
Realism is a style of writing based upon tradition and the conservation of religious and moral themes; opposing this would be the once recently refined style of Modernism. Modernism conveys creativity and innovation. As stated by Michael Plante, Modernism stressed such "innovation" and "newness." Clearly depicted within literary pieces, Modernism uses much examples of this with authors such as J.D. Salinger and T.S. Elliot. Salinger prevented the use of religion with his critically acclaimed novel, The Catcher in the Rye. The controversial novel displayed no religious resolutions, only the depiction of two charitable nuns. Without this resolution, it was made apparent that Modernism and a secular formation of words may relieve the previous style, Realism. Its success only further retains prominence and praise throughout the altering society and literary community.
Plante, Michael. "Modernism." World Book Advanced. World Book, 2011. Web. 3 May 2011.
According to Michael Plante in the article "Modernism," the contrasting style of Modernism stresses "newness" and "innovation." This correlates with the idea of opposition. Opposition, in this case, would undoubtedly refer to the opposition of tradition and the conservation of morality and religion. Plante believes that Modernism was "dominant" between 1890 and roughly 1945 (Plante). With this said, many conservative supporters did not find such positive correlation with the new style. They believed it represented a division or split from Realism and its traditional style. Realism did not retain the use of "innovation" or strong creativity (Plante). After much observation, it is made apparent that Modernism only further displays the liveliness and originality that Realism lacked.
Modernism emerged as a prominent source of writing in the late 1800's (Plante). It originated in France, though it was quickly submerged in English and American writing. Modernists writers such as T.S. Elliot, James Joyce, and J.D. Salinger used the style as an effective alternative to Realism (Plante). They evoked such ideas and actions as would the avant-garde. This would refer to the arousal of such creative ideas and innovations as displayed in Modernism. After being recognized for its differing style, it is made clear that Modernism retains the use of originality to effectively convey its prominence.
Realism is a style of writing based upon tradition and the conservation of religious and moral themes; opposing this would be the once recently refined style of Modernism. Modernism conveys creativity and innovation. As stated by Michael Plante, Modernism stressed such "innovation" and "newness." Clearly depicted within literary pieces, Modernism uses much examples of this with authors such as J.D. Salinger and T.S. Elliot. Salinger prevented the use of religion with his critically acclaimed novel, The Catcher in the Rye. The controversial novel displayed no religious resolutions, only the depiction of two charitable nuns. Without this resolution, it was made apparent that Modernism and a secular formation of words may relieve the previous style, Realism. Its success only further retains prominence and praise throughout the altering society and literary community.
Plante, Michael. "Modernism." World Book Advanced. World Book, 2011. Web. 3 May 2011.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Job Shadowing Reflection
Yesterday, Thursday March 31, I job shadowed a graphic design business, Canham Graphics. Canham Graphics, headed by Bill and Doug Canham, is a sign, vinyl, and car graphics business. They often do business with various companies in need of a unique sign or logo. Although they specialize in this area, they also work on graphics for cars, such as vinyl stripes, pinstripes, window art, etc. Bill and Doug adequately displayed their job with honesty and originality. The experience, misleading in a positive and negative way, allowed me to understand the business and formulate an opinion on the graphic design industry.
When I arrived, I was skeptical of the performance or expectations that Bill and Doug had. Bill showed me various software programs and ideas for upcoming projects. He also allowed me to understand the significance of the sign industry and how it does not thrive in a poor economy. Although it was made clear that their specific job was not the choice for me, it still allowed me to evoke an interest in a broader career choice.
After much sitting around, we were finally informed of a project that needed to be done on that particular day. A customer of Isringhausen was to bring in his 2007 Porsche 911. Me being quite the car enthusiast, I pretty much flipped at the idea of this. The car was black with green accents. I did not like the green accents whatsoever but the car was quite attractive. The customer wanted one green stripe going across the surface of the passenger side. The customer wanted a green vinyl stripe, as opposed to a painted stripe itself. This confused everyone, but they did the job anyway. Once completed, Doug asked if either of us wanted to drive it back into the parking lot. I was able to drive it and I pretty much freaked out. It was amazing!
Because of the rush of projects that needed to be done, we did not get to do that many hands on tasks. We saw vinyl being placed on a motor home and we also got to cut out vinyl designs. The software was interesting as well. Although I quite enjoyed the experience, I would have enjoyed something with a little more art and design involved. Possibly a graphic designer who did advertisements would be a little more fitted to my expectations. After everything, I am glad I was able to shadow something in that field of work. It was interesting and allowed me to better decide on my career choice in the near future.
When I arrived, I was skeptical of the performance or expectations that Bill and Doug had. Bill showed me various software programs and ideas for upcoming projects. He also allowed me to understand the significance of the sign industry and how it does not thrive in a poor economy. Although it was made clear that their specific job was not the choice for me, it still allowed me to evoke an interest in a broader career choice.
After much sitting around, we were finally informed of a project that needed to be done on that particular day. A customer of Isringhausen was to bring in his 2007 Porsche 911. Me being quite the car enthusiast, I pretty much flipped at the idea of this. The car was black with green accents. I did not like the green accents whatsoever but the car was quite attractive. The customer wanted one green stripe going across the surface of the passenger side. The customer wanted a green vinyl stripe, as opposed to a painted stripe itself. This confused everyone, but they did the job anyway. Once completed, Doug asked if either of us wanted to drive it back into the parking lot. I was able to drive it and I pretty much freaked out. It was amazing!
Because of the rush of projects that needed to be done, we did not get to do that many hands on tasks. We saw vinyl being placed on a motor home and we also got to cut out vinyl designs. The software was interesting as well. Although I quite enjoyed the experience, I would have enjoyed something with a little more art and design involved. Possibly a graphic designer who did advertisements would be a little more fitted to my expectations. After everything, I am glad I was able to shadow something in that field of work. It was interesting and allowed me to better decide on my career choice in the near future.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Journal #42: Whitman or Dickinson
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.
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.
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.
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