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. .

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.

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).

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

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.

Whitman and "Self" Reflection

Whitman’s poems have defined various trials and developments in the literary community. His somewhat controversial language has left him with an arguable basis. Although he is not thoroughly respected by many, critical review, such as Harold Bloom, feel otherwise. In an article, Bloom on Walt Whitman, Bloom displays his respect toward the prominent author (Bloom). Bloom states in the introduction paragraph, “For many years now I have been expanding my contention that Walt Whitman remains the most eminent author nurtured in the Western Hemisphere, in the four hundred years since European languages first invaded the shores of the Americas” (Bloom). Bloom then goes on to speak about Whitman’s prominence throughout the literary community. He commends Whitman for his developing abilities throughout this particular period. Although Whitman’s work can be highly regarded, his themes can be considered somewhat controversial within themselves.

In an effort to discover one’s self, Whitman used various poems. Poems such as: “O Captain, My Captain, One Song, America, Before I go, As I watch’d the Ploughman Ploughing, and Myself and Mine.” With these poems, an adequate depiction of self discovery and Whitman’s influential work can be highly displayed. Whitman used repetitive, yet sufficient language to obtain his audience. Whitman commonly used cliché language in his writing. Although this is set typically as a negative aspect of one’s writing, Whitman was effective in his ability to capture his audience and display his intentions throughout his literary pieces.

In the poem “O Captain, My Captain,” Whitman uses much evidence of death in relation to the sea and ships (Whitman). His metaphorical composition allows for entertainment, as opposed to a literary piece based upon death itself. This correlates with Realism and the ability to compose factual information into a singular piece. Although this particular piece may not be based upon factual information, the language allows the reader to retain an adequate depiction of death, Realism, and one’s ability to care for another. “O Captain, My Captain” displays Whitman’s prominence in the literary community. He uses effective structure and language to successfully obtain an audience (Whitman). This poem itself is a significant example of Whitman’s excellent qualities as a writer. With his ability to write in a successful manner, Whitman is able to correlate with Harold Bloom’s interpretation of the author. Because of this quality, Whitman can be further examined as an adequate author and figure.

Whitman uses the ideology of self and religion to display his work. In the poem "O Captain, My Captain," Whitman speaks about Abraham Lincoln and his assassination (Whitman). Thoughts about his death and his outlasting impact on the United States is heavily revealed. With this, Whitman uses the relation of ships, the sea, and nautical themes to persuade his audience on the relevance of Lincoln throughout the reforming times (Whitman). Whitman speaks about the United States throughout this entire poem. Because of his relation to nautical themes, readers may gain an adequate interpretation of Lincoln's success and overall relevance in History.

According to the theory of self, religious empowerment relies in one's self. The idea that a higher power inhabits oneself is that of a more opinionated theory. Because of this opinionated theory, a reader opposed to the idea of religion may feel inept in his or her interpretation of self. Much knowledge of religion is not heavily displayed throughout poems such as "O Captain, My Captain," but the poem "As I Watch'd the Ploughman Ploughing" depict this ideology of religion (Whitman). The poem speaks about life and death, as in relation to Jesus Christ and the Crucifixion (Whitman). By allowing this material to inhabit his work, Whitman brought about much support but allowed for much criticism throughout. After much thought, the poem can depict an everlasting quality in relation to religion. A further depiction of one's religious abilities and qualities can be further evaluated upon knowledge of Whitman's literary pieces.

Throughout Whitman's work, he continuously displays a cohesive amount religion, Realism, and symbolic relations to entertain his readers. Although he faced some controversy with his subject matter, his ability to sufficiently depict or elaborate upon factual material allows for much recognition. Whitman's prominence in the literary community allowed for an adequate example of religion, self, and actuality within various pieces. Whitman's undeniable contribution to the literary community will allow for further improvement throughout.

Bloom, Harold. "Bloom on Walt Whitman." In Bloom, Harold, ed. Walt Whitman, Classic Critical Views. New York: Chelsea House Publishing, 2007. Bloom's Literary Reference Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE54&SID=5&iPin= CCVWaW001&SingleRecord=True (accessed March 1, 2011).

Whitman, Walt. "As I Watch'd the Ploughman Ploughing". Leaves of Grass. 1900. Print.

Whitman, Walt. "O Captain! My Captain!". Leaves of Grass. 1900. Print.

Journal #36: Vivid Description of Favorie Meal

I have a lot of favorite foods. I really like pizza and sometimes Mexican food, but my favorite food is probably anything Italian. Italian food is unbelievably good. I really enjoy pizza and what not. I would probably say that Chicago style pizza is the best kind of all. Deep dish is pretty good. I pretty much love any Chicago style. Rosatti's, Gino's, Ats-A-Nice, etc. are probably the best. Actually, just writing about this is making me think of pizza. It's so good. I may just have to buy some pizza later. It is a total possibility.

I do not know how to continue to write about food. I like Mexican food, although I cannot have the majority of it. I used to love fake Mexican, such as Taco Bell. Overtime though, I have received food poisoning and found an ant in my food. That is probably the most disgusting thing ever. I do not enjoy it whatsoever, therefore, I have began to keep my distance from that unhealthy establishment. I also hate the service with a passion. They are extremely rude. I mean I continue to show a lot of respect toward those who are in the industry do to the disrespect that they are given. Because of this, I cannot act in a rude way to the employees, regardless of the horrible service I get.

When I used to eat meat, I quite enjoyed eating this Cincinnati dish, Ghetta. It is probably the best thing I have ever had. To my knowledge, it is sausage, oats, and spices. I think there is something like basil or other spices in it, but it is actually amazing. I was very surprised that I liked it so much. I believe that is probably my favorite thing to eat, but I unfortunately cannot eat it anymore. This is quite the shame that I cannot ingest it anymore. I truly miss it, but I do not really care that much. I imagine that is the one food that could possibly temp mem to eat meat again.