I began this course thinking I would dread it. I have never been great with the subject of literature, and I thought I would struggle to understand the assigned readings. I thought my understanding would be so poor that I would have a difficult time trying to write blogs about them. However, I have now officially written my 20 blogs, and I must say that I enjoyed this course.
For the first time in my life, I am interested in literature and feel like I can actually understand it. I did not once go online to find a summary of the work, because the help from our podcasts alone were enough to help me decipher the more in depth meanings to some of the readings. This summer class allowed me to relax and enjoy reading the work of some of the best literary minds of our past.
I found our chat sessions to be so much more interactive than the typical classroom settings! Thanks to everyone for helping me understand these authors and get something out of this course! I hope everyone has a great rest of the summer!
Friday, June 29, 2007
Virginia Woolf
I was heartbroken to read about Virginia Woolf's life. Her losses, I am sure, were quite traumatic. Her childhood seemed to be quite painful, which probably helped her become such a moving writer. I believe that a person's best moments, as well as worst moments, shape them into who they are. Their experiences, both good and bad, help mold their personalities, beliefs, and character. Woolf had to go through a great deal during her childhood, which I am sure affected her emotional development.
I was most interested in "A Room of One's Own" because it dealt with the issue of equality between men and women. Even the title suggests that women should be given the opportunity to live a life of their own. Woolf writes, "It would have been impossible, completely and entirely, for any woman to have written the plays of Skakespeare in the age of Shakespeare... his extraordinarily gifted sister, let us suppose, remained at home. She was as adventurous, as imaginative, as agog to see the worldas he was. But she was not sent to school. She had no chance of learning grammar and logic, let alone of reading Horace and Virgil. She picked up a book now and then, one of her brother's perhaps, and read a few pages. But then her parents came in and told her to mend the stockings or mind the stew and not moon about the books and papers..." (1241). This passage stuck out in my mind. It was very impressive! I was happy to read that a woman was bringing out the true facts! Women were not allowed to get the education that men were. Taking this into consideration, it is not wonder that if Shakespeare HAD a sister, she would have never been able to perform like he, because women were simply not given the opportunity!
She goes on further and writes, "Even Lady Bessborough, I remembered, with all her passion for politics, must humbly bow herself and write to Lord Granville Leveson-Gower '... notwithstanding all my violence in politics and talking so much on that subject, I perfectly agree with you that no woman has any business to meddle with that or any other serious business, farther than giving her opinion..' And so she goes on to spend her enthusiasm where it meets with no bstacle.." (1243).
This above passage infuriated me! I hate to see women give up the things they are passionate about because society looks down on them! I have several friends that started off college with lots of dreams and aspirations, but many of my female friends are now engaged and think only of getting married! Love and marriage are important, but I wished that in our modern society, women would realize their dreams are important too. I think society has made leaps and bounds since Virginia Woolf's period; even so, we still have a ways to go. Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoyed her work and found her to be most stimulating!
I was most interested in "A Room of One's Own" because it dealt with the issue of equality between men and women. Even the title suggests that women should be given the opportunity to live a life of their own. Woolf writes, "It would have been impossible, completely and entirely, for any woman to have written the plays of Skakespeare in the age of Shakespeare... his extraordinarily gifted sister, let us suppose, remained at home. She was as adventurous, as imaginative, as agog to see the worldas he was. But she was not sent to school. She had no chance of learning grammar and logic, let alone of reading Horace and Virgil. She picked up a book now and then, one of her brother's perhaps, and read a few pages. But then her parents came in and told her to mend the stockings or mind the stew and not moon about the books and papers..." (1241). This passage stuck out in my mind. It was very impressive! I was happy to read that a woman was bringing out the true facts! Women were not allowed to get the education that men were. Taking this into consideration, it is not wonder that if Shakespeare HAD a sister, she would have never been able to perform like he, because women were simply not given the opportunity!
She goes on further and writes, "Even Lady Bessborough, I remembered, with all her passion for politics, must humbly bow herself and write to Lord Granville Leveson-Gower '... notwithstanding all my violence in politics and talking so much on that subject, I perfectly agree with you that no woman has any business to meddle with that or any other serious business, farther than giving her opinion..' And so she goes on to spend her enthusiasm where it meets with no bstacle.." (1243).
This above passage infuriated me! I hate to see women give up the things they are passionate about because society looks down on them! I have several friends that started off college with lots of dreams and aspirations, but many of my female friends are now engaged and think only of getting married! Love and marriage are important, but I wished that in our modern society, women would realize their dreams are important too. I think society has made leaps and bounds since Virginia Woolf's period; even so, we still have a ways to go. Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoyed her work and found her to be most stimulating!
T.S. Eliot
Having lived abroad last fall, I often heard the English speak of T.S. Eliot. While reading his background, I could not help but be impressed about his family tree, which included "a president of Harvard University and three U.S. Presidents (John Adams, John Quincy Adams, and Rutherford B. Hayes). When I read the title for "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock," I expected it to be a love story. However, it is actually about the speaker's insecurities in himself. I found the poem to be a tale of the man's battle with himself.
Eliot writes, "In the room the women come and go Talking of Michelangelo And indeed there will be a time to wonder, 'Do I dare? Do I dare?' Time to turn back and descend the stair, with a bald spot in the middle of my hair," (1195). The man is obviously insecure with the fact that he is balding. He doesn't want to talk to the women, because he is feeling so lowly about himself. He was afraid that they would only discuss that "his hair is growing thin," (1195).
I found it sad that this man really wanted to talk to the ladies, but he could not because he thought they would pick at his balding spot and his thin arms and legs. At first glance, I thought it would be a love story. However, I find out that it is really a story about a man who wants to have a love, but cannot muster up the courage and gain enough self confidence in order to speak to ladies. Eliot writes, "No! I am not Prince Hamlet, nor was meant to be; Am an attendant lord, one that will do to swell a progress start a scene or two, Advise the prince; no doubt, an easy tool, Deferential, glad to be of use, politic, cautious, and meticulous; Full of high sentence, but a bit obtuse; At times, indeed most ridiculous- Almost at times, the fool," (1197). I was upset that he was calling himself a Fool! It made me want to reach out to the guy and tell him that all he needed was some self respect!
Eliot writes, "In the room the women come and go Talking of Michelangelo And indeed there will be a time to wonder, 'Do I dare? Do I dare?' Time to turn back and descend the stair, with a bald spot in the middle of my hair," (1195). The man is obviously insecure with the fact that he is balding. He doesn't want to talk to the women, because he is feeling so lowly about himself. He was afraid that they would only discuss that "his hair is growing thin," (1195).
I found it sad that this man really wanted to talk to the ladies, but he could not because he thought they would pick at his balding spot and his thin arms and legs. At first glance, I thought it would be a love story. However, I find out that it is really a story about a man who wants to have a love, but cannot muster up the courage and gain enough self confidence in order to speak to ladies. Eliot writes, "No! I am not Prince Hamlet, nor was meant to be; Am an attendant lord, one that will do to swell a progress start a scene or two, Advise the prince; no doubt, an easy tool, Deferential, glad to be of use, politic, cautious, and meticulous; Full of high sentence, but a bit obtuse; At times, indeed most ridiculous- Almost at times, the fool," (1197). I was upset that he was calling himself a Fool! It made me want to reach out to the guy and tell him that all he needed was some self respect!
James Joyce
James Joyce was given credit for the "rebirth" of the medium of writing during his time period. I did not realize he was the author of "Ulysses." I had read that in the past. Due to this, I wanted to focus on "Clay," which was an excerpt from "Dubliners." I must admit that I was not very impressed with this piece of work. I found that it was not able to keep my attention, and I often found myself gazing off. Joyce describes what happens to the character, Maria, who works as a maid. She was "giver ... leave to go out," (1134) so she was going to a party. Maria's character seemed frustrated: only the ederly man on the tram noticed her, she had lost the cake to give Mr. and Mrs. Donnelly, and nearly cried after realizing this. He writes, "at the thought of the failure of her little surprise and of the two and fourpence she had thrown away for nothing, she nearly cried outright," (1136).
Joe had a short temper in the story. When they could not find the nutcracker, he grew angry. Joyce writes, "Joe said he wasn't so bad when you knew how to take him, that he was a decent sort so long you as you didn't rub him the wrong way," (1136). Joe hated his brother and said, "God might strike him stone dead if ever he spoke a word to his brother again," (1136). I felt sorry for Maria, for having to put up with such a man! Nowdays, most people do not behave in such a dominating fashion, but I have met such individuals! Like Maria, I too, felt uncomfortable around them.
The story ends with her singing. "I Dreamt that I Dwelt," (1137). This song moved Mr. Donnelly so much that he had tears in his eyes. Joyce writes, "...his eyes filled up so much with tears that he could not find what he was looking for and in the end had to ask his wife to tell him where the corkscrew was," (1138).
Joe had a short temper in the story. When they could not find the nutcracker, he grew angry. Joyce writes, "Joe said he wasn't so bad when you knew how to take him, that he was a decent sort so long you as you didn't rub him the wrong way," (1136). Joe hated his brother and said, "God might strike him stone dead if ever he spoke a word to his brother again," (1136). I felt sorry for Maria, for having to put up with such a man! Nowdays, most people do not behave in such a dominating fashion, but I have met such individuals! Like Maria, I too, felt uncomfortable around them.
The story ends with her singing. "I Dreamt that I Dwelt," (1137). This song moved Mr. Donnelly so much that he had tears in his eyes. Joyce writes, "...his eyes filled up so much with tears that he could not find what he was looking for and in the end had to ask his wife to tell him where the corkscrew was," (1138).
Thursday, June 28, 2007
William Butler Yeats
Yeats had an interesting background, like most of the writers we have read about. He had an unhappy childhood filled with "pain," (1114). His father must have been a perfectionist, because the book said he "lingered over portraits for months" (1114) changing small details. One could guess that since his first love did not return his affection, Yeats became an excellent author of "unrequited love," (1115). After reading this, I was curious as to whether or not any poems of that subject matter were presented to us in this book.
The first writing that grabbed my attention was "No Second Troy." The speaker begins by stating he should not be mad at her because he has fallen for her. It is clear that he is upset that this mysterious woman did not desire him, yet he looked at her as if she were a goddess. She viewed her as having a rare form of beauty, like a "tightened bow," (1118) which I found to be quite a unique way to describe it!
I also enjoyed "The Wild Swans at Coole." This work did an excellent job painting the scene for the reader. I have a graphic imagination, but even so, the way Yeats described the scenary made me feel as if I was right there, watching the swans in the "October twilight" underneath the "still sky," (1118). The speaker stands watching them, and, in a way, seems to fall in love with their beauty. He writes, "I have looked upon those brilliant creatures And now my heart is sore," (1119). He says that he is changed having seen them for the "first time on this shore," (1119). I thought the work was about love, in a more subtle tone. I felt that is was about someone watching a beautiful creature from a distance, wanting to get closer, but before he could, it flew away. At the end of the poem, he writes, "To find they have flown away?" (1119). Knowing his history of unrequited love, he seems to have made this story about swans tell his story about a woman who flew away before he was able to get closer to her.
The first writing that grabbed my attention was "No Second Troy." The speaker begins by stating he should not be mad at her because he has fallen for her. It is clear that he is upset that this mysterious woman did not desire him, yet he looked at her as if she were a goddess. She viewed her as having a rare form of beauty, like a "tightened bow," (1118) which I found to be quite a unique way to describe it!
I also enjoyed "The Wild Swans at Coole." This work did an excellent job painting the scene for the reader. I have a graphic imagination, but even so, the way Yeats described the scenary made me feel as if I was right there, watching the swans in the "October twilight" underneath the "still sky," (1118). The speaker stands watching them, and, in a way, seems to fall in love with their beauty. He writes, "I have looked upon those brilliant creatures And now my heart is sore," (1119). He says that he is changed having seen them for the "first time on this shore," (1119). I thought the work was about love, in a more subtle tone. I felt that is was about someone watching a beautiful creature from a distance, wanting to get closer, but before he could, it flew away. At the end of the poem, he writes, "To find they have flown away?" (1119). Knowing his history of unrequited love, he seems to have made this story about swans tell his story about a woman who flew away before he was able to get closer to her.
World War I & Wyndham Lewis
I would first like to bring attention to the work "Vorticist Manifesto: Long Live the Vortex!" The second sentence, "We stand for the Reality of the Present - not for the sentimental Future, or the sacripant Past," (1082) laid down the foundation for Wyndham Lewis's thoughts. In this course, we have studied how people tended to either idealize the past or be overly optimistic about the future. This one sentence seems to sum up his more modern thinking, while addressing that very same issue. I enjoyed reading this piece of work, because it really seemed full of meaning, and it became quite obvious that the author was passionate about his beliefs.
I saw frustration in the words, and the author seemed to be wanting to start something fresh. He writes, "We need the unconsciousness of Humanity - their stupidity, animalism, and dreams... We do not want to change the appearance of the world, because we are not Naturalists, Impressionists, or Futurists (the latest form of Impressionism), and do not depend on the appearance of the world for our art," (1082). Lewis had high hopes for his magazine, stating it will be "popular, essentially," (1082). He made his goal that is appeal to all classes apparent by stating "it will not appeal to any particular class, but to the fundamental and popular instincts in every class and description of people..." (1082). He ends this writing by saying, "Blast presents an art of Individuals," (1083) which I felt demonstrated the new thinking of the moderns. They wanted to break away from traditions. They had new ideas and beliefs. I felt like Lewis wanted to show case the individuals, reguardless of class. The effect of the war is present, and it is clear that the war has been hard for the people of every class.
I found the text's examples to be difficult to understand. There always seemed to be an underlying point. For example, "Bless England! For its ships which switchback on Blue, Green, and Red Seas all around the Pink Earth-ball, Big bets on each, Bless all seararers. They exchange not one land for another, but one element for another. The more against the less abstract," (1089). I was very unsure about what the author meant. However, I thought perhaps he was making a statement about land and how countries tend to fight over it and the resources of the land.
I saw frustration in the words, and the author seemed to be wanting to start something fresh. He writes, "We need the unconsciousness of Humanity - their stupidity, animalism, and dreams... We do not want to change the appearance of the world, because we are not Naturalists, Impressionists, or Futurists (the latest form of Impressionism), and do not depend on the appearance of the world for our art," (1082). Lewis had high hopes for his magazine, stating it will be "popular, essentially," (1082). He made his goal that is appeal to all classes apparent by stating "it will not appeal to any particular class, but to the fundamental and popular instincts in every class and description of people..." (1082). He ends this writing by saying, "Blast presents an art of Individuals," (1083) which I felt demonstrated the new thinking of the moderns. They wanted to break away from traditions. They had new ideas and beliefs. I felt like Lewis wanted to show case the individuals, reguardless of class. The effect of the war is present, and it is clear that the war has been hard for the people of every class.
I found the text's examples to be difficult to understand. There always seemed to be an underlying point. For example, "Bless England! For its ships which switchback on Blue, Green, and Red Seas all around the Pink Earth-ball, Big bets on each, Bless all seararers. They exchange not one land for another, but one element for another. The more against the less abstract," (1089). I was very unsure about what the author meant. However, I thought perhaps he was making a statement about land and how countries tend to fight over it and the resources of the land.
G. Bernard Shaw (G.B.S.)
I have often heard of the famous writer, "G.B.S.," for a long time, have wanted to read his work. I was pleased to see his name on the reading list for this summer. After our chat session last week, I read pages 1002-1071, which deal with this great author. The text starts off by claiming G.B.S. to be "one of the most celebrated and controversial writers of the twentieth century," (1002). After reading this and hearing how Dr. Glance and our entire class was impressed by him, I can safely say I was intrigued, to say the least.
My first thought was in disbelief that he was the same author who wrote "Pygmalion." I found the statement that "it is impossible for an Englishman to open his mouth without making some other Englishman despise him," (1005) to be quite true. Having lived in Wales for four months, I knew a large number of English students. I learned quite quickly how to distinguish Welsh accents from one another, and how to distinguish English accents from one another. I could quickly tell who was from Cardiff (those who had a more "proper" English sounding accent) from those from Birmingham (those who had a more "valley" or poor accent). Englishmen judged one's education by their speach. They would call each other awful names and "knew" everything about someone simply by their accent! Shaw writes, "for the encouragement of people troubled with accents that cut them off from high employment..." (1007). This statement is quite true! There are several places in Georgia ALONE where I could not get a job due to my accent, and I am living in 2007! Shaw makes an excellent point, and I enjoyed reading Pygmalion because it really hit home with me.
For instance, Shaw writes:
HIGGINS: Do you mean that my language is improper?
MRS. HIGGINS: No, dearest: it would be quite proper - say on a canal barge; but it would not be proper for her at a garden party.
HIGGINS [deeply injured]: Well I must say -
In this conversational piece, Shaw points out how some accents and use of language would be considered "proper" in some places and not in others. In my opinion, Shaw seems to point out the connection between social class and accent and use of language.
Another part of the writing I liked was discussing having an ear for music. Much like having a "trained" ear for music, some people are looked up to for having a "trained ear for accents, dialects, and languages. He writes, "She can play thge piano quite beautifully. We have taken her to classical concerts and to music halls; and it's all the same to her..." (1041). At the same time, a second character says, "You know, she has the most extraordinary quickness of ear; just like a parrot. Ive tried her with every possible sort of sound that a human can make - Continental dialects, African dialectsk, Hottentot clicks, things it took me years to get a hold of..." (1041). I thought Shaw did an outstanding job in this writing. I was taken back by the profoundness of his work. Like previously mentioned, having an extremely southern accent, Pygmalion really hit home for me, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
My first thought was in disbelief that he was the same author who wrote "Pygmalion." I found the statement that "it is impossible for an Englishman to open his mouth without making some other Englishman despise him," (1005) to be quite true. Having lived in Wales for four months, I knew a large number of English students. I learned quite quickly how to distinguish Welsh accents from one another, and how to distinguish English accents from one another. I could quickly tell who was from Cardiff (those who had a more "proper" English sounding accent) from those from Birmingham (those who had a more "valley" or poor accent). Englishmen judged one's education by their speach. They would call each other awful names and "knew" everything about someone simply by their accent! Shaw writes, "for the encouragement of people troubled with accents that cut them off from high employment..." (1007). This statement is quite true! There are several places in Georgia ALONE where I could not get a job due to my accent, and I am living in 2007! Shaw makes an excellent point, and I enjoyed reading Pygmalion because it really hit home with me.
For instance, Shaw writes:
HIGGINS: Do you mean that my language is improper?
MRS. HIGGINS: No, dearest: it would be quite proper - say on a canal barge; but it would not be proper for her at a garden party.
HIGGINS [deeply injured]: Well I must say -
In this conversational piece, Shaw points out how some accents and use of language would be considered "proper" in some places and not in others. In my opinion, Shaw seems to point out the connection between social class and accent and use of language.
Another part of the writing I liked was discussing having an ear for music. Much like having a "trained" ear for music, some people are looked up to for having a "trained ear for accents, dialects, and languages. He writes, "She can play thge piano quite beautifully. We have taken her to classical concerts and to music halls; and it's all the same to her..." (1041). At the same time, a second character says, "You know, she has the most extraordinary quickness of ear; just like a parrot. Ive tried her with every possible sort of sound that a human can make - Continental dialects, African dialectsk, Hottentot clicks, things it took me years to get a hold of..." (1041). I thought Shaw did an outstanding job in this writing. I was taken back by the profoundness of his work. Like previously mentioned, having an extremely southern accent, Pygmalion really hit home for me, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
Gerald Manley Hopkins
I first skimmed through Gerald Hopkins work, and I figured out two things very quickly, by simply reading the titles of his work. One, he had faith in God, since eight of the ten poems had the word, "God" in them. Two, he had been through some hard times, which was made evident by the title, "I Wake and Feel the Fell of Dark, Not Day," (778). The introduction confirmed both of these initial thoughts by saying he often speaks of "God's presence in nature," (774). His poem, "God's Grandeur," begins by saying "the world is charged with the grandeur of God," (774) which reinterates my thoughts. This poem seems to express his faith and discusses man presence on the earth. He talks about how God's presence alters that of man, and Hopkins writes, "Generations have trod... And all is seared with trade; bleared, smeared with toil; And wears man's smudge and shares man's smell; the soil is bare now, nor can foot feel being shod," (775).
I really liked the poem, "No Worst, There is None," because it talks about the perspective of someone who is trying to have faith during a difficult time period of his/her life. "My cries heave," (777) suggests that this person is growing tired and is desperately calling out for help. He continues on saying, "Fury had shrieked, 'No lingering! Let me be fell; force I must be brief," (778).
Another short poem, "I Wake and Feel the Fell of Dark, Not Day" is also about the trials of life. He writes, "O what black hours we have spent this night... And my lament is cries countless..." (778). I felt compassion for the speaker, for it is evident they are troubled and lost. Hopkins writes, "The lost are like this, and their scourge to be as I am mine, their sweating selves, but worse," (778). I felt this poem was easy to identify with because everyone has spent a time period during their lives where they have felt lost. It can be an upsetting feeling to think you are all alone. These times seemed to try Hopkins faith, as they do most people.
I really liked the poem, "No Worst, There is None," because it talks about the perspective of someone who is trying to have faith during a difficult time period of his/her life. "My cries heave," (777) suggests that this person is growing tired and is desperately calling out for help. He continues on saying, "Fury had shrieked, 'No lingering! Let me be fell; force I must be brief," (778).
Another short poem, "I Wake and Feel the Fell of Dark, Not Day" is also about the trials of life. He writes, "O what black hours we have spent this night... And my lament is cries countless..." (778). I felt compassion for the speaker, for it is evident they are troubled and lost. Hopkins writes, "The lost are like this, and their scourge to be as I am mine, their sweating selves, but worse," (778). I felt this poem was easy to identify with because everyone has spent a time period during their lives where they have felt lost. It can be an upsetting feeling to think you are all alone. These times seemed to try Hopkins faith, as they do most people.
Oscar Wilde
The author describes Oscar Wilde first as an excellent conversationalist. I have met people like that during my life, which made me feel instantly connected with Wilde. I enjoyed reading "The Decay of Lying," but I found it hard to understand. I felt like there was a deeper meaning that I had trouble finding. I liked the part about "art never expressing anything but itself... It has an independent life, just as Thought has, and develops purely on its own lines," (845). I found this statement both true and false at the same time. Art, to me, is just art. However, at the same time, it can be an expression of meaning, or an expression of one's true inner feelings and emotions. Oftentimes, the work of a struggling author seems to evoke more deeper feelings from its viewers than work of a previous, less stressful time for the author. I am not quite sure if Wilde really meant all of that in his sentence, but I found the alternate views of Cyril and Vivian to contrast different ideas very stimulating to read.
Another interesting piece was the poem entitled, "Preface to 'The Picture of Dorian Gray.'" It begins with the sentence, "The artist is the creator of beautiful things," (846). It ends with, "All art is quite useless," (847). These two very different sentences showed me from the start that this poem was full of meaning, comparisons, and contrasts. I found this poem to be beautifully written. The form and the meaning go much deeper than I felt I could interpret, but even so, I got the feeling after I read it that Wilde's definition of an artists was like describing yen and yang. There are some good points and some bad points, to put it simply. He writes, "Those who find ugly meanings in beautiful things are corrupt without being charming. This is fault. Thos e who find beautiful meanings in beautiful things are the cultivated. For these there is hope," (846). In this poem, I thought Wilde was attempting to cleverly express his opinion about art critics and the actual true meanings of art, since he kept bringing in the word "critic," (847). He writes, "When critics disagree the artist is in accord with himself. We can forgive a man fora making a useful thing as long as he does not admire it," (847).
One last point I would like to make with Wilde's work is the "Aphorisms" on page 887-888. The text says, "Wilde's aphorisms often cleverly invert a cliche in order to produce a seeming paradox," (887). I felt like this style showed his great intellect and wit. My favorite Aphorisms was, "The one duty we owe to history is to rewrite it," (887). This one seems so simple, but it is full of meaning.
Another interesting piece was the poem entitled, "Preface to 'The Picture of Dorian Gray.'" It begins with the sentence, "The artist is the creator of beautiful things," (846). It ends with, "All art is quite useless," (847). These two very different sentences showed me from the start that this poem was full of meaning, comparisons, and contrasts. I found this poem to be beautifully written. The form and the meaning go much deeper than I felt I could interpret, but even so, I got the feeling after I read it that Wilde's definition of an artists was like describing yen and yang. There are some good points and some bad points, to put it simply. He writes, "Those who find ugly meanings in beautiful things are corrupt without being charming. This is fault. Thos e who find beautiful meanings in beautiful things are the cultivated. For these there is hope," (846). In this poem, I thought Wilde was attempting to cleverly express his opinion about art critics and the actual true meanings of art, since he kept bringing in the word "critic," (847). He writes, "When critics disagree the artist is in accord with himself. We can forgive a man fora making a useful thing as long as he does not admire it," (847).
One last point I would like to make with Wilde's work is the "Aphorisms" on page 887-888. The text says, "Wilde's aphorisms often cleverly invert a cliche in order to produce a seeming paradox," (887). I felt like this style showed his great intellect and wit. My favorite Aphorisms was, "The one duty we owe to history is to rewrite it," (887). This one seems so simple, but it is full of meaning.
John Stewart Mill
Our book begins the discussion of John Stewart Mill by describing him as a "genius," (513). After reading this, my interest in his work was peaked. I wanted to read the work of what our book's author thought to be an intelligent man. Being fascinated by psychology, I was also curious with what Mill's style would be like due to his lack of a normal childhood.
I must admit I was instantly impressed with John Mill. I could not believe that Mill felt so strongly about the equal rights of men and women. The radical thoughts behind his writings showed me how much thought he put into them. I felt that his ideas were well develped and thought out. He certainly did not just slap down his opinions onto paper. My favorite piece was "The Subjection of Women." Mill writes, "the legal subordination of one sex to the other is wrong in itself, and now on of the chief hindrances to human improvement; and that it ought to be replaced by a principle of perfect equality, admitting no power or privilege on the one side, nor disability on the other," (521). This sentence stuck out in my mind, because it seems nearly unbelievable for a man during this time period to have such developed thoughts and ideas. Mill's extreme intellectualism was evident in his work. Mill writes further "The subjection of women to men being universal custom, any departure from it quite naturally appears unnatural. But how entirely, even in this case, the feeling is dependent on custom, appears by ample experience. nothing so much astonishes the people of istnat parts of the world when they first learn anything about England, as to be told that it is under a queen...the thing seems to them so unnatural as to be almost incredible..." (522). I enjoyed how he brought England's queen into the picture. He paints a clear image of how people have different perspectives due to their own experiences, such as having a woman as a ruler instead of a man.
I was sad to read that his dad had pressured him severely into studying and reading. It is clear that his father's constant push helped him become the "genius" he was; however, even so, it is still sad to read that he went through depression. I can understand where his depression came in, because it seems to me that the more educated one is, the more one can question life, worry about life, and wonder about life. In an essence, ignorance can be bliss. Unfortunately for Mr. Mill, he knew so much that he was never given the alternative of education. He writes, "A stupid person's notions and feelings may confidently be inferred from those which prevail in the circle by which the person is surrounded. Not so with those whose opinions and feelings are an emanation from their own nature and faculties," (525).
I must admit I was instantly impressed with John Mill. I could not believe that Mill felt so strongly about the equal rights of men and women. The radical thoughts behind his writings showed me how much thought he put into them. I felt that his ideas were well develped and thought out. He certainly did not just slap down his opinions onto paper. My favorite piece was "The Subjection of Women." Mill writes, "the legal subordination of one sex to the other is wrong in itself, and now on of the chief hindrances to human improvement; and that it ought to be replaced by a principle of perfect equality, admitting no power or privilege on the one side, nor disability on the other," (521). This sentence stuck out in my mind, because it seems nearly unbelievable for a man during this time period to have such developed thoughts and ideas. Mill's extreme intellectualism was evident in his work. Mill writes further "The subjection of women to men being universal custom, any departure from it quite naturally appears unnatural. But how entirely, even in this case, the feeling is dependent on custom, appears by ample experience. nothing so much astonishes the people of istnat parts of the world when they first learn anything about England, as to be told that it is under a queen...the thing seems to them so unnatural as to be almost incredible..." (522). I enjoyed how he brought England's queen into the picture. He paints a clear image of how people have different perspectives due to their own experiences, such as having a woman as a ruler instead of a man.
I was sad to read that his dad had pressured him severely into studying and reading. It is clear that his father's constant push helped him become the "genius" he was; however, even so, it is still sad to read that he went through depression. I can understand where his depression came in, because it seems to me that the more educated one is, the more one can question life, worry about life, and wonder about life. In an essence, ignorance can be bliss. Unfortunately for Mr. Mill, he knew so much that he was never given the alternative of education. He writes, "A stupid person's notions and feelings may confidently be inferred from those which prevail in the circle by which the person is surrounded. Not so with those whose opinions and feelings are an emanation from their own nature and faculties," (525).
Monday, June 18, 2007
Robert Browning
After reading the work of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, I had to go and directly read the work of her husband, Robert, whom the love sonnet was about. I wanted to learn a little about the man that inspired her to write such beautiful poems. After reading the notes about his life, I thought it was interesting that he did not want people to ever guess his work was his. He wanted to hide behind a mask, which I suppose gives them the privacy needed to write without any worries about how the public will perceive them. As an artist, I am sure it is best when you can write things without ruining your personal and private life, so for this, I respect his efforts.
When I read "Porphyria's Lover," I immediately remembered it from high school. The poem starts off so lovingly. It has the suttle hints of the struggle of the relationship, but then, it appears out of no where, he strangles the woman who came to tell him she loved him in the middle of the night in the pooring rain. After he knows this, he is happy. Her presence warmed him, and he was glad to know she loved him. However, I am only to guess that this man only wanted to be sure she never changed. I never did really understand why he killed her, but I can only guess that love made him crazy.
His work seems twisted. "Love Among the Ruins" was another example. He writes, "Lust of glory pricked their hearts up, dread of shame struck them tame; And that glory and that shame alike, the gold bought and sold," (669). In this line, you can see how he like to pair words together that would usually be used in different contexts. He says "lust of glory pricked their hearts," and them says that "glory and that shame alike the gold bought and sold," (669). I find his work to be constantly on the edge between sanity and reality. I do not fully understand what he is trying to say, but then again I wonder if I really want to.
When I read "Porphyria's Lover," I immediately remembered it from high school. The poem starts off so lovingly. It has the suttle hints of the struggle of the relationship, but then, it appears out of no where, he strangles the woman who came to tell him she loved him in the middle of the night in the pooring rain. After he knows this, he is happy. Her presence warmed him, and he was glad to know she loved him. However, I am only to guess that this man only wanted to be sure she never changed. I never did really understand why he killed her, but I can only guess that love made him crazy.
His work seems twisted. "Love Among the Ruins" was another example. He writes, "Lust of glory pricked their hearts up, dread of shame struck them tame; And that glory and that shame alike, the gold bought and sold," (669). In this line, you can see how he like to pair words together that would usually be used in different contexts. He says "lust of glory pricked their hearts," and them says that "glory and that shame alike the gold bought and sold," (669). I find his work to be constantly on the edge between sanity and reality. I do not fully understand what he is trying to say, but then again I wonder if I really want to.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Being a female, I am always interested in the female perspective of a time period. It is always entriguing to read about how women used to live and what all they had to do. Since Elizabeth was one of the most well known female writers during the Victorian age, I was excited to read her work.
I first read "Sonnets from the Portuguese" and was amazed at the quality of her writing. I appreciated the beginning, and it reminded me of love.
Elizabeth wrote in a conversational piece between two lovers:
Man: "Guess now who holds thee?"
Woman: "Death"
Man: "Not Death, but Love."
I am not sure how we are supposed to interpret this part, but I thought it meant that she viewed his hold as the "death" of her. In a sense, love can be the death of someone. If it ends poorly, some people think they are dead or some may wish they were dead. When they become dependent upon one another, it can feel like the death of an individual and the rebirth on "two souls in one." I am not sure which she meant, or for that matter what she meant, but I enjoyed the symbolism in it all the same.
These sonnets are quite moving and very powerful. You can see how emotional she was, how in love she was, and how she was becoming more in love with each line. She wrote, "Seeing that I stand unwon, however wooed, And rend the garment of my life, in brief, By a most dauntless, voiceless fortitude, Lest one touch of this heart convey its grief," (530). She wants the man to repeat he loves her, and in these sonnets it is evident how much she loves him. She is trying not to fall too fast, and she needs reassurance that her feelings are met by his. She writes, "Say over again, and yet once over again, That thou dost love me," (530). Many women seem to need this confirmation of love, even in the present day.
In my opinion, this poem is timeless. People from the beginning of time to the end of time will all fall in love the same way. Anyone who has ever been in love can appreciate this poem, which is what makes it so good. I believe her husband was correct when he thought her poems to be "the finest sonnets written in any language since Shakespeare's," (530).
I first read "Sonnets from the Portuguese" and was amazed at the quality of her writing. I appreciated the beginning, and it reminded me of love.
Elizabeth wrote in a conversational piece between two lovers:
Man: "Guess now who holds thee?"
Woman: "Death"
Man: "Not Death, but Love."
I am not sure how we are supposed to interpret this part, but I thought it meant that she viewed his hold as the "death" of her. In a sense, love can be the death of someone. If it ends poorly, some people think they are dead or some may wish they were dead. When they become dependent upon one another, it can feel like the death of an individual and the rebirth on "two souls in one." I am not sure which she meant, or for that matter what she meant, but I enjoyed the symbolism in it all the same.
These sonnets are quite moving and very powerful. You can see how emotional she was, how in love she was, and how she was becoming more in love with each line. She wrote, "Seeing that I stand unwon, however wooed, And rend the garment of my life, in brief, By a most dauntless, voiceless fortitude, Lest one touch of this heart convey its grief," (530). She wants the man to repeat he loves her, and in these sonnets it is evident how much she loves him. She is trying not to fall too fast, and she needs reassurance that her feelings are met by his. She writes, "Say over again, and yet once over again, That thou dost love me," (530). Many women seem to need this confirmation of love, even in the present day.
In my opinion, this poem is timeless. People from the beginning of time to the end of time will all fall in love the same way. Anyone who has ever been in love can appreciate this poem, which is what makes it so good. I believe her husband was correct when he thought her poems to be "the finest sonnets written in any language since Shakespeare's," (530).
Thomas Carlyle
When I read that Thomas Carlyle was idolized by Tennyson and Dickens, I was already impressed. I view both Tennyson and Dickens to be excellent writers. When I read what George Eliot said, it made me even more interested in Carlyle's writings. Eliot said that if Carlyle's writings were all burnt, "it would be only like cutting down an oak after its acorns have sown a forest," (475).
In his work, "Past and Present," he spoke of the condition of England. He believed England to be "full of wealth," but "dying of inanition," (477). Carlyle also writes about the population has grown in this popular city, to "some two millions, it is not counted," (477). He compares England to Scotland and writes, "So many hundred thousands sit in workhouses: and other hundred thousands have not yet got even workhouses; and in thrifty Scotland itself, in Glasgow or Edinburgh City, in their dark landes, hidden from all but the eye of God, and of rare Benevolence the minister of God, there are scenes of woe and destitution and desolation, such as, one may hope, the Sun never saw before in the most barbarous regions where men dwelt," (478). It seems that Carlyle believes the attention to be on England, and everyone, except God, has forgotten about the cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Carlyle looks at the past and the future, and he questions what is to come. He writes, "To whom, then, is this wealth of England wealth? Who is it that it blesses; makes happier, wiser, beautifuler, in any way better?... As of yet, no one," (480). He is not viewing the future in a favorable light. He is idealizing the past, and he only sees problems with the future. He is not optimistic, but mad about the way things are changing.
One last interesting part of this passage I would like to point out is the last paragraph on page 480. He uses the tale of Midas to explain what he thinks. Midas wanted gold, and insulted the gods. He got his wish, but also got a pair of long ears. Carlyle writes, "What a truth in these old Fables!" (480).
More Personal Thoughts:
I visited Scotland last fall and was amazed at the natural beauty of Edinburgh. Carlyle went to school at the University of Edinburgh, which is one of the most inspiring places I have ever had the opportunity to visit. It is no wonder to me that he was a phenomenal writers, because I found myself better able to write in this remarkable city. Also, the author of Harry Potter wrote her famous stories while seated in the Elephant Cafe, which overlooks the Edinburgh Castle. I realize their writings styles were completely different, but it is interesting that such great writers both lived for a period in the beautiful city of Edinburgh.
In his work, "Past and Present," he spoke of the condition of England. He believed England to be "full of wealth," but "dying of inanition," (477). Carlyle also writes about the population has grown in this popular city, to "some two millions, it is not counted," (477). He compares England to Scotland and writes, "So many hundred thousands sit in workhouses: and other hundred thousands have not yet got even workhouses; and in thrifty Scotland itself, in Glasgow or Edinburgh City, in their dark landes, hidden from all but the eye of God, and of rare Benevolence the minister of God, there are scenes of woe and destitution and desolation, such as, one may hope, the Sun never saw before in the most barbarous regions where men dwelt," (478). It seems that Carlyle believes the attention to be on England, and everyone, except God, has forgotten about the cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Carlyle looks at the past and the future, and he questions what is to come. He writes, "To whom, then, is this wealth of England wealth? Who is it that it blesses; makes happier, wiser, beautifuler, in any way better?... As of yet, no one," (480). He is not viewing the future in a favorable light. He is idealizing the past, and he only sees problems with the future. He is not optimistic, but mad about the way things are changing.
One last interesting part of this passage I would like to point out is the last paragraph on page 480. He uses the tale of Midas to explain what he thinks. Midas wanted gold, and insulted the gods. He got his wish, but also got a pair of long ears. Carlyle writes, "What a truth in these old Fables!" (480).
More Personal Thoughts:
I visited Scotland last fall and was amazed at the natural beauty of Edinburgh. Carlyle went to school at the University of Edinburgh, which is one of the most inspiring places I have ever had the opportunity to visit. It is no wonder to me that he was a phenomenal writers, because I found myself better able to write in this remarkable city. Also, the author of Harry Potter wrote her famous stories while seated in the Elephant Cafe, which overlooks the Edinburgh Castle. I realize their writings styles were completely different, but it is interesting that such great writers both lived for a period in the beautiful city of Edinburgh.
Charles Dickens
It was evident by Dickens' work that he was critical of the railroads. In "Dombey and Son," he described how they destroyed neighborhoods and land. Dickens writes, "Houses were knocked down; streets broken through and stopped; deep pits and trenches dug in the ground; enormous heaps of earth and clay thrown up; buildings that were undermiend and shaking, propped by great beams of wood. Here, a chaos of carts, overthrown and jumbled together, lay topsy-turvy at the bottom of a steep unnatural hill," (496). I was able to mentally visualize this destruction, thanks to his graphic description. I loved how he used the term "topsy-turvy" to show how the carts laid. It was evident in his writings that he was an amazing writer, able to bring the reader to the scene. I nearly felt as though I was standing outside looking at the torn down homes, the mounds of dirt, and the "chaos." (496). He portrayed the scene in a sad tone. He wrote about "brigdes that lead nowhere" and "unfinished walls." (496).
Dickens did not see the excitement like Fanny Kemble. He saw the destruction of the land, of the home, and of the world as he knew it. He did not want to see change. He was not ready for what this new technology would bring. Dickens took his feelings and wrote them down. In his work "Hard Times," he depicts a town, Coketown, which was now covered in coal residue. He writes, "It was a town of red brick, or of brick that would have been red if the smoke and ashes had allowed it; but as matters stood it was a town of unnatural red and black like the painted face of a savage," (497). He describes the appearance as like a "savage," where clearly shows his feelings. Dickens saw this new change as a step, or a leap, backwards. He did not see it as an advancement, but destroying how far society had gotten thus far.
He goes on to further show the chaos that the railroad brought to Coketown. He wrote, "It was very strange to walk through the streets on a a Sunday morning, and note how few of them the barbarous jangling of the bells that was driving the sick and nervous mad, called away from their own quarter, from their own close rooms, from the corners of their own streets, where they lounged listlessly, gazing at all the church and chapel going, as at a thing with which they had no manner of concern," (498). It was sad to read this and made me understand what his point of view more clearly.
He thought they represented a loss of self identity. I look at his writings, and overall I am impressed at the manor in which he wrote about them. I thought he did an excellent job simply portraying his thoughts in a way that left it up to the reader to decide whether the trains were a good thing or not. He wrote about his encounters in a dim light, but I felt as though he did not force the reader to think the way he did. He simply wrote down his thoughts, which I appreciated.
Dickens did not see the excitement like Fanny Kemble. He saw the destruction of the land, of the home, and of the world as he knew it. He did not want to see change. He was not ready for what this new technology would bring. Dickens took his feelings and wrote them down. In his work "Hard Times," he depicts a town, Coketown, which was now covered in coal residue. He writes, "It was a town of red brick, or of brick that would have been red if the smoke and ashes had allowed it; but as matters stood it was a town of unnatural red and black like the painted face of a savage," (497). He describes the appearance as like a "savage," where clearly shows his feelings. Dickens saw this new change as a step, or a leap, backwards. He did not see it as an advancement, but destroying how far society had gotten thus far.
He goes on to further show the chaos that the railroad brought to Coketown. He wrote, "It was very strange to walk through the streets on a a Sunday morning, and note how few of them the barbarous jangling of the bells that was driving the sick and nervous mad, called away from their own quarter, from their own close rooms, from the corners of their own streets, where they lounged listlessly, gazing at all the church and chapel going, as at a thing with which they had no manner of concern," (498). It was sad to read this and made me understand what his point of view more clearly.
He thought they represented a loss of self identity. I look at his writings, and overall I am impressed at the manor in which he wrote about them. I thought he did an excellent job simply portraying his thoughts in a way that left it up to the reader to decide whether the trains were a good thing or not. He wrote about his encounters in a dim light, but I felt as though he did not force the reader to think the way he did. He simply wrote down his thoughts, which I appreciated.
Fanny Kemble and Industrialism
Fanny Kemble's vivid account of her first ride on a steam engine was interesting to read. It was easy to tell she was excited! Kemble didn't feel as though her words would really be able to describe the experience. I loved how she kept referring to the train as a "horse." She gave it horse like features; this choice of wording made me believe she could think of nothing else to describe it but what they had been using to traveling on until this point. She called the trains "curious little fire-horses," (490). She then discussed the controls and compared them to: "the reins, bit, and bridle," (491). Kemble even goes as far as to compare the coals to the "oats" of a horse.
I foud her personal account of the story to be quite phenomenal. It was interesting to be able to read an actress's opinion, as well. Her writing style was fresh, and I could tell her words were genuinely how she felt on her first ride. The excitement and passion with which she wrote with made me think of my first ride on a horse, at age 3. I remember being full of joy and nearly speachless. She was far from speachless, but she did write in the beginning how she did not know if she could do the ride justice with her wording. Fanny wrote, "A common sheet of paper is enough for love, but a foolscape extra can alone contain a railroad and my ecstacies," (490).
My favorite line was, "When I closed my eyes this sensation of flying was quite delightful, and strange beyond description; yet, strange as it was, I had a perfect sense of security, and not the slightest fear... as this brave little she-dragon of ours flew on," (491). This last line really summed up her emotions and made me be able to grasps her account as if I was there watching. I laughed when she called it a "she-dragon," (491). It also made me think about my first experience riding a train. I remember being quite young, and standing where my face could feel the wind. I have seen a picture of me with my arms spread out as if I was flying.
I foud her personal account of the story to be quite phenomenal. It was interesting to be able to read an actress's opinion, as well. Her writing style was fresh, and I could tell her words were genuinely how she felt on her first ride. The excitement and passion with which she wrote with made me think of my first ride on a horse, at age 3. I remember being full of joy and nearly speachless. She was far from speachless, but she did write in the beginning how she did not know if she could do the ride justice with her wording. Fanny wrote, "A common sheet of paper is enough for love, but a foolscape extra can alone contain a railroad and my ecstacies," (490).
My favorite line was, "When I closed my eyes this sensation of flying was quite delightful, and strange beyond description; yet, strange as it was, I had a perfect sense of security, and not the slightest fear... as this brave little she-dragon of ours flew on," (491). This last line really summed up her emotions and made me be able to grasps her account as if I was there watching. I laughed when she called it a "she-dragon," (491). It also made me think about my first experience riding a train. I remember being quite young, and standing where my face could feel the wind. I have seen a picture of me with my arms spread out as if I was flying.
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