I believe that I addressed my problems with identifying different time periods of literature by my responses to the poems in 4.
"The poem describes a man who seems to be the epitome of what everyone wants to be; rich, well dressed, well mannered, and well off. However, at the end of the poem he shoots himself in the head. This shows the feeling of disillusionment that the author was feeling at the time. The poem was in essence saying that being this ideal of a successful human being does not guarantee you happiness. The story of the poem flies in the face of traditional American thinking about success."
Monday, May 17, 2010
4.
Richard Corey
The poem describes a man who seems to be the epitome of what everyone wants to be; rich, well dressed, well mannered, and well off. However, at the end of the poem he shoots himself in the head. This shows the feeling of disillusionment that the author was feeling at the time. The poem was in essence saying that being this ideal of a successful human being does not guarantee you happiness. The story of the poem flies in the face of traditional American thinking about success.
Mending Wall
The poem tells a story about two men who are building walls between each other, seemingly thinking that this is what they should do. The poem has a moment in the middle where the man who is like "an apple orchard" wonders to himself why "good fences make good neighbors". He ponders this for the rest of the poem, but ultimately continues on his path of building the wall of stone between himself and the pine man. The Modernistic qualities of the story are evidenced by the questioning of the norms that the orchard man seems to accept at the beginning of the poem. He wonders to himself what it would be like if he were to not have a fence up separating him from the world.
A Dream Deferred
A Dream Deferred asks the question what does injustice look like in a society? The poem is very modernistic in that it questions the American dream by suggesting that it is like rotting meat that is being waved in front the African Americans of the country.
The Negro Speaks of Rivers
The poem shows a mans feelings about his African heritage. It describes his pride of being of African descent and is modernistic in that it shows the world from a very different perspective than the traditional white one.
Incident
Incident describes a boy riding on the subway in Baltimore who is called a nigger by a white man for no reason whatsoever. This moment sticks with him for the rest of his life as his major memory of Baltimore. The story is Modern in that, like A Dream Deferred, it shows the inequality between blacks and whites and shows things from a perspective that does not think everything is well and fine.
The poem describes a man who seems to be the epitome of what everyone wants to be; rich, well dressed, well mannered, and well off. However, at the end of the poem he shoots himself in the head. This shows the feeling of disillusionment that the author was feeling at the time. The poem was in essence saying that being this ideal of a successful human being does not guarantee you happiness. The story of the poem flies in the face of traditional American thinking about success.
Mending Wall
The poem tells a story about two men who are building walls between each other, seemingly thinking that this is what they should do. The poem has a moment in the middle where the man who is like "an apple orchard" wonders to himself why "good fences make good neighbors". He ponders this for the rest of the poem, but ultimately continues on his path of building the wall of stone between himself and the pine man. The Modernistic qualities of the story are evidenced by the questioning of the norms that the orchard man seems to accept at the beginning of the poem. He wonders to himself what it would be like if he were to not have a fence up separating him from the world.
A Dream Deferred
A Dream Deferred asks the question what does injustice look like in a society? The poem is very modernistic in that it questions the American dream by suggesting that it is like rotting meat that is being waved in front the African Americans of the country.
The Negro Speaks of Rivers
The poem shows a mans feelings about his African heritage. It describes his pride of being of African descent and is modernistic in that it shows the world from a very different perspective than the traditional white one.
Incident
Incident describes a boy riding on the subway in Baltimore who is called a nigger by a white man for no reason whatsoever. This moment sticks with him for the rest of his life as his major memory of Baltimore. The story is Modern in that, like A Dream Deferred, it shows the inequality between blacks and whites and shows things from a perspective that does not think everything is well and fine.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
3.
I read "Soldier's Home" by Earnest Hemingway and I found it to brilliant. The writing style easily captures the readers attention, while also not being underdeveloped. Hemingway describes very gracefully the sense that this young man, Harold, is more or less dead inside. He returns home from WWI years after the fact, and years after most of his fellow soldiers had come home. He receives no parade and no fanfare upon his return, and is instead expected to enter back into regular society. Harold seems to be deeply disturbed and disillusioned by the horrors he has witnessed in the war. Upon his return, he seems to have zero ambition and zero sex drive. His nature seems to have been corrupted by the atrocities that he has seen or maybe even committed.
His utter lack of interest in the All American activities of taking girls out in a nice car, loving his mother, and working in a good job suggests that his emotional troubles may go even deeper than just disillusionment, and may even be something of the nature of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He no longer sees the world as something to be excited about, and certainly not something that he wishes to be a part of. He sees the world through a lens of truth that interferes with the perfect image of American life that the people in his home town are trying to hoist upon him.
His utter lack of interest in the All American activities of taking girls out in a nice car, loving his mother, and working in a good job suggests that his emotional troubles may go even deeper than just disillusionment, and may even be something of the nature of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He no longer sees the world as something to be excited about, and certainly not something that he wishes to be a part of. He sees the world through a lens of truth that interferes with the perfect image of American life that the people in his home town are trying to hoist upon him.
2. Disillusionment
I chose disillusionment as my theme of modernism because I feel that there is still much illusion in every day life around the world and especially in America.
I expect to see this theme portrayed in a very broad manner in the literature from the Modern era. During the first half of the 20th century, it seemed like people finally were not blinded by the lies of government and society. I expect to see examples of disillusionment from all around the world and focusing on a variety of issues.
I expect to see this theme portrayed in a very broad manner in the literature from the Modern era. During the first half of the 20th century, it seemed like people finally were not blinded by the lies of government and society. I expect to see examples of disillusionment from all around the world and focusing on a variety of issues.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Unit 4 intro
ELAALRL2 The student identifies, analyzes, and applies knowledge of theme in a work of American literature and provides evidence from the work to support understanding.
Sometimes I have trouble differentiating between two different themes. Such as Naturalism and Romanticism.
Sometimes I have trouble differentiating between two different themes. Such as Naturalism and Romanticism.
Friday, April 30, 2010
12.
ELAALRL1 The student demonstrates comprehension by identifying evidence (i.e., examples of diction, imagery, point of view, figurative language, symbolism, plot events and main ideas) in a variety of texts representative of different genres (i.e., poetry, prose [short story, novel, essay, editorial, biography], and drama) and using this evidence as the basis for interpretation.
I showed my ability to identify evidence in my response to The Battle With Mr. Covey:
"This vivid description shows how horrible life as a slave was. It also shows the very realistic traits that the author is using in his writing. He is not leaving anything up to your imagination. He wants you to see how horrible life as a slave really is."
ELAALRL2 The student identifies, analyzes, and applies knowledge of theme in a work of American literature and provides evidence from the work to support understanding.
"Through these intense descriptions of the atrocities that took place under slavery the reader is made aware of the social issue that Douglass wants to address; which is slavery itself. The story shows a reader who is not aware of the crime that is slavery how bad it really is. The story, in my opinion, is also a warning to slave owners in the south that the slaves can and will rise up from their appaling treatment eventually. The story effectively raises awarness of the social issue to those who are not in the know and threatens those who know what is happening, but are willingly taking part in it."
ELAALRL3 The student deepens understanding of literary works by relating them to their contemporary context or historical background, as well as to works from other time periods.
I showed my understanding of works of art with my analysis of Eastern Promises:
"My example of a piece of realistic art is the film Eastern Promises by David Cronenberg. The film depicts the brtual life of the underworld of Russia. The film has one exceedingly disturbing scene in which an undercover police officer who is trying to deeply infiltrate the mafia organization is told to rape a prostitute as his initiation. The scene bluntly shows you how terrible things really are for those who have fallen into such a life in Russia. This is an excellent example of realism because it jars you into remembering that there are horrific circumstances around the globe that we are not aware of simply because we are not there."
ELAALRL4 The student employs a variety of writing genres to demonstrate a comprehensive grasp of significant ideas in selected literary works. The student composes essays, narratives, poems, or technical documents.
I displayed this skill with my short story:
"He knew not where he was, or for how long he had been there. The rope that tightly bound his hands behind the chair was digging into his already raw wrists with every tug and tussle that he made in effort to break free from his bondage.
“I know you know where the rest of the explosives are” the soldier said to him.
“You can keep playing coy with us as long as you want, but we’re going to find out where the bombs are sooner or later, one way or another.”
He knew that the soldier was more than just a grunt, his insignias told him that much. Upon deducing this piece of information he hoped that he could reason with man, but just as he went to open his mouth to plead for his freedom the shock coursed through his body again.
Khadim remembered it all. He was standing on the sidewalk waiting on the 4 o’ clock bus when the ground shook beneath him. He awoke about a minute later with intense ringing in his ears, as he raised he saw the destruction of the checkpoint about 20 yards from him. A lone rifle lay on the ground; bent wildly out of shape from the force of the blast. Chaos ensued for about 20 minutes. Khadim waited for another blast to occur, as they usually come in pairs, but one never came.
Instead, four Humvees emerged on the scene. Twelve American soldiers came out and one of them who knew Arabic announced to the crowd of the injured and confused that they were securing the area until Iraqi Security Forces and the medics arrived. One of the soldiers immediately saw me, Khadim waived the solider to come over, and he did. But instead of helping the woman who was bleeding profusely from her arm the soldier rifle butted him right in the nose and once more Khadim fell out of consciousness.
The jolt of electricity to his back had triggered the flashback. He remembered now that this was the third time he had been tased during the interrogation. As Khadim raised his head slowly, in agonizing pain, he saw that the solider that was of higher rank than the others in the room was speaking with yet a higher ranked army official. This one was Iraqi. He seemed to be yelling at the American, but Khadim couldn’t make out any of their words. Finally, the Iraqi left the room and a man from behind Khadim untied him from the chair. The officer said get him out of my sight. And with that Khadim was dumped outside of the compound a free, but badly battered innocent man."
I showed my ability to identify evidence in my response to The Battle With Mr. Covey:
"This vivid description shows how horrible life as a slave was. It also shows the very realistic traits that the author is using in his writing. He is not leaving anything up to your imagination. He wants you to see how horrible life as a slave really is."
ELAALRL2 The student identifies, analyzes, and applies knowledge of theme in a work of American literature and provides evidence from the work to support understanding.
"Through these intense descriptions of the atrocities that took place under slavery the reader is made aware of the social issue that Douglass wants to address; which is slavery itself. The story shows a reader who is not aware of the crime that is slavery how bad it really is. The story, in my opinion, is also a warning to slave owners in the south that the slaves can and will rise up from their appaling treatment eventually. The story effectively raises awarness of the social issue to those who are not in the know and threatens those who know what is happening, but are willingly taking part in it."
ELAALRL3 The student deepens understanding of literary works by relating them to their contemporary context or historical background, as well as to works from other time periods.
I showed my understanding of works of art with my analysis of Eastern Promises:
"My example of a piece of realistic art is the film Eastern Promises by David Cronenberg. The film depicts the brtual life of the underworld of Russia. The film has one exceedingly disturbing scene in which an undercover police officer who is trying to deeply infiltrate the mafia organization is told to rape a prostitute as his initiation. The scene bluntly shows you how terrible things really are for those who have fallen into such a life in Russia. This is an excellent example of realism because it jars you into remembering that there are horrific circumstances around the globe that we are not aware of simply because we are not there."
ELAALRL4 The student employs a variety of writing genres to demonstrate a comprehensive grasp of significant ideas in selected literary works. The student composes essays, narratives, poems, or technical documents.
I displayed this skill with my short story:
"He knew not where he was, or for how long he had been there. The rope that tightly bound his hands behind the chair was digging into his already raw wrists with every tug and tussle that he made in effort to break free from his bondage.
“I know you know where the rest of the explosives are” the soldier said to him.
“You can keep playing coy with us as long as you want, but we’re going to find out where the bombs are sooner or later, one way or another.”
He knew that the soldier was more than just a grunt, his insignias told him that much. Upon deducing this piece of information he hoped that he could reason with man, but just as he went to open his mouth to plead for his freedom the shock coursed through his body again.
Khadim remembered it all. He was standing on the sidewalk waiting on the 4 o’ clock bus when the ground shook beneath him. He awoke about a minute later with intense ringing in his ears, as he raised he saw the destruction of the checkpoint about 20 yards from him. A lone rifle lay on the ground; bent wildly out of shape from the force of the blast. Chaos ensued for about 20 minutes. Khadim waited for another blast to occur, as they usually come in pairs, but one never came.
Instead, four Humvees emerged on the scene. Twelve American soldiers came out and one of them who knew Arabic announced to the crowd of the injured and confused that they were securing the area until Iraqi Security Forces and the medics arrived. One of the soldiers immediately saw me, Khadim waived the solider to come over, and he did. But instead of helping the woman who was bleeding profusely from her arm the soldier rifle butted him right in the nose and once more Khadim fell out of consciousness.
The jolt of electricity to his back had triggered the flashback. He remembered now that this was the third time he had been tased during the interrogation. As Khadim raised his head slowly, in agonizing pain, he saw that the solider that was of higher rank than the others in the room was speaking with yet a higher ranked army official. This one was Iraqi. He seemed to be yelling at the American, but Khadim couldn’t make out any of their words. Finally, the Iraqi left the room and a man from behind Khadim untied him from the chair. The officer said get him out of my sight. And with that Khadim was dumped outside of the compound a free, but badly battered innocent man."
11. Realism
He knew not where he was, or for how long he had been there. The rope that tightly bound his hands behind the chair was digging into his already raw wrists with every tug and tussle that he made in effort to break free from his bondage.
“I know you know where the rest of the explosives are” the soldier said to him.
“You can keep playing coy with us as long as you want, but we’re going to find out where the bombs are sooner or later, one way or another.”
He knew that the soldier was more than just a grunt, his insignias told him that much. Upon deducing this piece of information he hoped that he could reason with man, but just as he went to open his mouth to plead for his freedom the shock coursed through his body again.
Khadim remembered it all. He was standing on the sidewalk waiting on the 4 o’ clock bus when the ground shook beneath him. He awoke about a minute later with intense ringing in his ears, as he raised he saw the destruction of the checkpoint about 20 yards from him. A lone rifle lay on the ground; bent wildly out of shape from the force of the blast. Chaos ensued for about 20 minutes. Khadim waited for another blast to occur, as they usually come in pairs, but one never came.
Instead, four Humvees emerged on the scene. Twelve American soldiers came out and one of them who knew Arabic announced to the crowd of the injured and confused that they were securing the area until Iraqi Security Forces and the medics arrived. One of the soldiers immediately saw me, Khadim waived the solider to come over, and he did. But instead of helping the woman who was bleeding profusely from her arm the soldier rifle butted him right in the nose and once more Khadim fell out of consciousness.
The jolt of electricity to his back had triggered the flashback. He remembered now that this was the third time he had been tased during the interrogation. As Khadim raised his head slowly, in agonizing pain, he saw that the solider that was of higher rank than the others in the room was speaking with yet a higher ranked army official. This one was Iraqi. He seemed to be yelling at the American, but Khadim couldn’t make out any of their words. Finally, the Iraqi left the room and a man from behind Khadim untied him from the chair. The officer said get him out of my sight. And with that Khadim was dumped outside of the compound a free, but badly battered innocent man.
I believe that my writing is an accurate representation of realism due to its highly descriptive nature:
"Khadim remembered it all. He was standing on the sidewalk waiting on the 4 o’ clock bus when the ground shook beneath him. He awoke about a minute later with intense ringing in his ears, as he raised he saw the destruction of the checkpoint about 20 yards from him. A lone rifle lay on the ground; bent wildly out of shape from the force of the blast. Chaos ensued for about 20 minutes. Khadim waited for another blast to occur, as they usually come in pairs, but one never came."
And its addressing of the problem of American forces torturing innocent Iraqis in the war on terror:
"The jolt of electricity to his back had triggered the flashback. He remembered now that this was the third time he had been tased during the interrogation. As Khadim raised his head slowly, in agonizing pain, he saw that the solider that was of higher rank than the others in the room was speaking with yet a higher ranked army official. This one was Iraqi. He seemed to be yelling at the American, but Khadim couldn’t make out any of their words. Finally, the Iraqi left the room and a man from behind Khadim untied him from the chair. The officer said get him out of my sight. And with that Khadim was dumped outside of the compound a free, but badly battered innocent man."
“I know you know where the rest of the explosives are” the soldier said to him.
“You can keep playing coy with us as long as you want, but we’re going to find out where the bombs are sooner or later, one way or another.”
He knew that the soldier was more than just a grunt, his insignias told him that much. Upon deducing this piece of information he hoped that he could reason with man, but just as he went to open his mouth to plead for his freedom the shock coursed through his body again.
Khadim remembered it all. He was standing on the sidewalk waiting on the 4 o’ clock bus when the ground shook beneath him. He awoke about a minute later with intense ringing in his ears, as he raised he saw the destruction of the checkpoint about 20 yards from him. A lone rifle lay on the ground; bent wildly out of shape from the force of the blast. Chaos ensued for about 20 minutes. Khadim waited for another blast to occur, as they usually come in pairs, but one never came.
Instead, four Humvees emerged on the scene. Twelve American soldiers came out and one of them who knew Arabic announced to the crowd of the injured and confused that they were securing the area until Iraqi Security Forces and the medics arrived. One of the soldiers immediately saw me, Khadim waived the solider to come over, and he did. But instead of helping the woman who was bleeding profusely from her arm the soldier rifle butted him right in the nose and once more Khadim fell out of consciousness.
The jolt of electricity to his back had triggered the flashback. He remembered now that this was the third time he had been tased during the interrogation. As Khadim raised his head slowly, in agonizing pain, he saw that the solider that was of higher rank than the others in the room was speaking with yet a higher ranked army official. This one was Iraqi. He seemed to be yelling at the American, but Khadim couldn’t make out any of their words. Finally, the Iraqi left the room and a man from behind Khadim untied him from the chair. The officer said get him out of my sight. And with that Khadim was dumped outside of the compound a free, but badly battered innocent man.
I believe that my writing is an accurate representation of realism due to its highly descriptive nature:
"Khadim remembered it all. He was standing on the sidewalk waiting on the 4 o’ clock bus when the ground shook beneath him. He awoke about a minute later with intense ringing in his ears, as he raised he saw the destruction of the checkpoint about 20 yards from him. A lone rifle lay on the ground; bent wildly out of shape from the force of the blast. Chaos ensued for about 20 minutes. Khadim waited for another blast to occur, as they usually come in pairs, but one never came."
And its addressing of the problem of American forces torturing innocent Iraqis in the war on terror:
"The jolt of electricity to his back had triggered the flashback. He remembered now that this was the third time he had been tased during the interrogation. As Khadim raised his head slowly, in agonizing pain, he saw that the solider that was of higher rank than the others in the room was speaking with yet a higher ranked army official. This one was Iraqi. He seemed to be yelling at the American, but Khadim couldn’t make out any of their words. Finally, the Iraqi left the room and a man from behind Khadim untied him from the chair. The officer said get him out of my sight. And with that Khadim was dumped outside of the compound a free, but badly battered innocent man."
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
10.
My example of a piece of realistic art is the film Eastern Promises by David Cronenberg. The film depicts the brtual life of the underworld of Russia. The film has one exceedingly disturbing scene in which an undercover police officer who is trying to deeply infiltrate the mafia organization is told to rape a prostitute as his initiation. The scene bluntly shows you how terrible things really are for those who have fallen into such a life in Russia. This is an excellent example of realism because it jars you into remembering that there are horrific circumstances around the globe that we are not aware of simply because we are not there.
9.
The Battle with Mr. Covey is an excellent example of realism in multiple ways. It shows incredible detail describing slavery and the brutailty that kept it up and running. It also shows explicitly the feelings that Douglass has during his ordeal of a slave.
The story uses intense descriptions of slave life to illustrate the tale it is telling:
"He came to the spot, and, after looking at me awhile, asked me what was the matter. I told him as well as I could, for I scarce had strength to speak. He then gave me a savage kick in the side, and told me to get up. I tried to do so, but fell back in the attempt. He gave me another kick, and again told me to rise. I again tried, and succeeded in gaining my feet; but, stooping to get the tub with which I was feeding the fan, I again staggered and fell. While down in this situation, Mr. Covey took up the hickory slat with which Hughes had been striking off the half-bushel measure, and with it gave me a heavy blow upon the head, making a large wound, and the blood ran freely; and with this again told me to get up."
This vivid description shows how horrible life as a slave was. It also shows the very realistic traits that the author is using in his writing. He is not leaving anything up to your imagination. He wants you to see how horrible life as a slave really is.
Through these intense descriptions of the atrocities that took place under slavery the reader is made aware of the social issue that Douglass wants to address; which is slavery itself. The story shows a reader who is not aware of the crime that is slavery how bad it really is. The story, in my opinion, is also a warning to slave owners in the south that the slaves can and will rise up from their appaling treatment eventually. The story effectively raises awarness of the social issue to those who are not in the know and threatens those who know what is happening, but are willingly taking part in it.
The story uses intense descriptions of slave life to illustrate the tale it is telling:
"He came to the spot, and, after looking at me awhile, asked me what was the matter. I told him as well as I could, for I scarce had strength to speak. He then gave me a savage kick in the side, and told me to get up. I tried to do so, but fell back in the attempt. He gave me another kick, and again told me to rise. I again tried, and succeeded in gaining my feet; but, stooping to get the tub with which I was feeding the fan, I again staggered and fell. While down in this situation, Mr. Covey took up the hickory slat with which Hughes had been striking off the half-bushel measure, and with it gave me a heavy blow upon the head, making a large wound, and the blood ran freely; and with this again told me to get up."
This vivid description shows how horrible life as a slave was. It also shows the very realistic traits that the author is using in his writing. He is not leaving anything up to your imagination. He wants you to see how horrible life as a slave really is.
Through these intense descriptions of the atrocities that took place under slavery the reader is made aware of the social issue that Douglass wants to address; which is slavery itself. The story shows a reader who is not aware of the crime that is slavery how bad it really is. The story, in my opinion, is also a warning to slave owners in the south that the slaves can and will rise up from their appaling treatment eventually. The story effectively raises awarness of the social issue to those who are not in the know and threatens those who know what is happening, but are willingly taking part in it.
8. The Story of an Hour
"She was young, with a fair, calm face, whose lines bespoke repression and even a certain strength. But now there was a dull stare in her eyes, whose gaze was fixed away off yonder on one of those patches of blue sky. It was not a glance of reflection, but rather indicated a suspension of intelligent thought."
This quote shows the realistic nature of how she looks and what she is feeling at the time. Instead of leaving this information up to the reader to imagine, the author goes ahead and describes it all to you.
"There would be no one to live for during those coming years; she would live for herself. There would be no powerful will bending hers in that blind persistence with which men and women believe they have a right to impose a private will upon a fellow-creature. A kind intention or a cruel intention made the act seem no less a crime as she looked upon it in that brief moment of illumination."
This quote shows the social issue which Chopin is addressing: womens rights. The quote shows the pure exhaltation that Mrs. Mallard feels upon hearing the news that her husband has been killed because she is no longer going to have to obey his will. This speaks to the social issues of the late 1800's concerning the rights of women such as the right to vote and equality in the workplace and at home.
This quote shows the realistic nature of how she looks and what she is feeling at the time. Instead of leaving this information up to the reader to imagine, the author goes ahead and describes it all to you.
"There would be no one to live for during those coming years; she would live for herself. There would be no powerful will bending hers in that blind persistence with which men and women believe they have a right to impose a private will upon a fellow-creature. A kind intention or a cruel intention made the act seem no less a crime as she looked upon it in that brief moment of illumination."
This quote shows the social issue which Chopin is addressing: womens rights. The quote shows the pure exhaltation that Mrs. Mallard feels upon hearing the news that her husband has been killed because she is no longer going to have to obey his will. This speaks to the social issues of the late 1800's concerning the rights of women such as the right to vote and equality in the workplace and at home.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
7.
ELAALRL1 The student demonstrates comprehension by identifying evidence (i.e., examples of diction, imagery, point of view, figurative language, symbolism, plot events and main ideas) in a variety of texts representative of different genres (i.e., poetry, prose [short story, novel, essay, editorial, biography], and drama) and using this evidence as the basis for interpretation.
ELAALRL2 The student identifies, analyzes, and applies knowledge of theme in a work of American literature and provides evidence from the work to support understanding.
"The raven in the poem is an obvious symbol of death. The raven is a creature that is very much a part of the imagination of essentially all people from the English speaking world and throughout Europe."
ELAALRL3 The student deepens understanding of literary works by relating them to their contemporary context or historical background, as well as to works from other time periods.
"The novel exemplifies the differences between the Transcendentalists and the Dark Romantics vividly.
"This hideous murder accomplished, I set myself forthwith, and with entire deliberation, to the task of concealing the body. I knew that I could not remove it from the house, either by day or by night, without the risk of being observed by the neighbors. Many projects entered my mind. At one period I thought of cutting the corpse into minute fragments, and destroying them by fire. At another, I resolved to dig a grave for it in the floor of the cellar. Again, I deliberated about casting it in the well in the yard -- about packing it in a box, as if merchandize, with the usual arrangements, and so getting a porter to take it from the house. Finally I hit upon what I considered a far better expedient than either of these. I determined to wall it up in the cellar -- as the monks of the middle ages are recorded to have walled up their victims."
This quote shows the character cooly contemplating how best to dispose of the body of his wife, but moments after he slew her in a fit of rage. A Transcendentalist would not have described such a horrible act. But that is the great failing of their school of thought; the act described in the Poe story is a grimly realistic and cruel act of humanity. The Transcendtalists seemed to give only lip service to the fact that human beings can be truly cruel and evil things; Dark Romantics like Poe showed all perspectives of the human spirit and the human soul."
ELAALRL2 The student identifies, analyzes, and applies knowledge of theme in a work of American literature and provides evidence from the work to support understanding.
"The raven in the poem is an obvious symbol of death. The raven is a creature that is very much a part of the imagination of essentially all people from the English speaking world and throughout Europe."
ELAALRL3 The student deepens understanding of literary works by relating them to their contemporary context or historical background, as well as to works from other time periods.
"The novel exemplifies the differences between the Transcendentalists and the Dark Romantics vividly.
"This hideous murder accomplished, I set myself forthwith, and with entire deliberation, to the task of concealing the body. I knew that I could not remove it from the house, either by day or by night, without the risk of being observed by the neighbors. Many projects entered my mind. At one period I thought of cutting the corpse into minute fragments, and destroying them by fire. At another, I resolved to dig a grave for it in the floor of the cellar. Again, I deliberated about casting it in the well in the yard -- about packing it in a box, as if merchandize, with the usual arrangements, and so getting a porter to take it from the house. Finally I hit upon what I considered a far better expedient than either of these. I determined to wall it up in the cellar -- as the monks of the middle ages are recorded to have walled up their victims."
This quote shows the character cooly contemplating how best to dispose of the body of his wife, but moments after he slew her in a fit of rage. A Transcendentalist would not have described such a horrible act. But that is the great failing of their school of thought; the act described in the Poe story is a grimly realistic and cruel act of humanity. The Transcendtalists seemed to give only lip service to the fact that human beings can be truly cruel and evil things; Dark Romantics like Poe showed all perspectives of the human spirit and the human soul."
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
The Raven
5.
I was very surprised that I didn't particularly care for The Raven. After reading The Black Cat, I thought that I had a solid feel for Poe and his writing, but his most famous work left me mostly flat.
It had a nice, mildly unconventional tempo which was well maintained throughout the writing. I found the language to be rather pleasant to read, such as "Open here I flung the shutter, when, with many a flirt and flutter,
In there stepped a stately Raven of the saintly days of yore.
Not the least obeisance made he; not a minute stopped or stayed he,
But, with mien of lord or lady, perched above my chamber door--
Perched upon a bust of Pallas just above my chamber door--
Perched, and sat, and nothing more."
But that's about where I stop liking it. I thought that the raven as a metaphor for death is a great idea, but I think it's overused in the story. It makes itself (to me at least) a part of the story seemingly removed from actual meaning. It seemed to go into trite flowery language about this bird instead of something really transcendent and/or beautiful.
6.
The raven in the poem is an obvious symbol of death. The raven is a creature that is very much a part of the imagination of essentially all people from the English speaking world and throughout Europe. The way in which Poe describes the raven is even kind of "deathly":
"Then the ebony bird beguiling my sad fancy into smiling,
By the grave and stern decorum of the countenance it wore,
"Though thy crest be shorn and shaven, thou," I said, "art sure no craven,
Ghastly grim and ancient Raven wandering from the Nightly shore"
I was very surprised that I didn't particularly care for The Raven. After reading The Black Cat, I thought that I had a solid feel for Poe and his writing, but his most famous work left me mostly flat.
It had a nice, mildly unconventional tempo which was well maintained throughout the writing. I found the language to be rather pleasant to read, such as "Open here I flung the shutter, when, with many a flirt and flutter,
In there stepped a stately Raven of the saintly days of yore.
Not the least obeisance made he; not a minute stopped or stayed he,
But, with mien of lord or lady, perched above my chamber door--
Perched upon a bust of Pallas just above my chamber door--
Perched, and sat, and nothing more."
But that's about where I stop liking it. I thought that the raven as a metaphor for death is a great idea, but I think it's overused in the story. It makes itself (to me at least) a part of the story seemingly removed from actual meaning. It seemed to go into trite flowery language about this bird instead of something really transcendent and/or beautiful.
6.
The raven in the poem is an obvious symbol of death. The raven is a creature that is very much a part of the imagination of essentially all people from the English speaking world and throughout Europe. The way in which Poe describes the raven is even kind of "deathly":
"Then the ebony bird beguiling my sad fancy into smiling,
By the grave and stern decorum of the countenance it wore,
"Though thy crest be shorn and shaven, thou," I said, "art sure no craven,
Ghastly grim and ancient Raven wandering from the Nightly shore"
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
The Black Cat
I enjoyed The Black Cat upon my first reading of it due in large part to it's brilliant descriptions of madness and the dark side of human nature. The story holds no punches when describing the "perversion" as the tale calls it of the main character. It examines how hatred can easily overcome a normally good individual. Poe seemed to have an immense perception of the human mind, and not one that was clouded by silly idealism like his contemporaries the Transcendentalists.
The novel exemplifies the differences between the Transcendentalists and the Dark Romantics vividly.
"This hideous murder accomplished, I set myself forthwith, and with entire deliberation, to the task of concealing the body. I knew that I could not remove it from the house, either by day or by night, without the risk of being observed by the neighbors. Many projects entered my mind. At one period I thought of cutting the corpse into minute fragments, and destroying them by fire. At another, I resolved to dig a grave for it in the floor of the cellar. Again, I deliberated about casting it in the well in the yard -- about packing it in a box, as if merchandize, with the usual arrangements, and so getting a porter to take it from the house. Finally I hit upon what I considered a far better expedient than either of these. I determined to wall it up in the cellar -- as the monks of the middle ages are recorded to have walled up their victims."
This quote shows the character cooly contemplating how best to dispose of the body of his wife, but moments after he slew her in a fit of rage. A Transcendentalist would not have described such a horrible act. But that is the great failing of their school of thought; the act described in the Poe story is a grimly realistic and cruel act of humanity. The Transcendtalists seemed to give only lip service to the fact that human beings can be truly cruel and evil things; Dark Romantics like Poe showed all perspectives of the human spirit and the human soul.
The novel exemplifies the differences between the Transcendentalists and the Dark Romantics vividly.
"This hideous murder accomplished, I set myself forthwith, and with entire deliberation, to the task of concealing the body. I knew that I could not remove it from the house, either by day or by night, without the risk of being observed by the neighbors. Many projects entered my mind. At one period I thought of cutting the corpse into minute fragments, and destroying them by fire. At another, I resolved to dig a grave for it in the floor of the cellar. Again, I deliberated about casting it in the well in the yard -- about packing it in a box, as if merchandize, with the usual arrangements, and so getting a porter to take it from the house. Finally I hit upon what I considered a far better expedient than either of these. I determined to wall it up in the cellar -- as the monks of the middle ages are recorded to have walled up their victims."
This quote shows the character cooly contemplating how best to dispose of the body of his wife, but moments after he slew her in a fit of rage. A Transcendentalist would not have described such a horrible act. But that is the great failing of their school of thought; the act described in the Poe story is a grimly realistic and cruel act of humanity. The Transcendtalists seemed to give only lip service to the fact that human beings can be truly cruel and evil things; Dark Romantics like Poe showed all perspectives of the human spirit and the human soul.
Monday, April 5, 2010
I am more of a Dark Romantic
I am much more of a Dark Romantic than a Transcendentalist because I believe that human beings are not 100% percent good in any way shape or form. My biggest problem with the Transcendentalists was that they seemed to be somewhat removed from reality. The Dark Romantics seemed to be at least a little more in the real world. The Dark Romantics also had a way of expressing things which greatly appeals to me. The work of Edgar Allen Poe for example speaks to me a lot more than something like Emerson did. I identify with the dark imagery and the examination of all parts of the human condition and of human nature.
Unit Three
ELAALRL4 The student employs a variety of writing genres to demonstrate a comprehensive grasp of significant ideas in selected literary works. The student composes essays, narratives, poems, or technical documents.
I think that this standard says that you should be able to understand major ideas and themes from literature from many different time periods. It also says that the student should be able to compose works of writing in a variety of literary styles.
I think that this standard says that you should be able to understand major ideas and themes from literature from many different time periods. It also says that the student should be able to compose works of writing in a variety of literary styles.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
7. Wilderness
The man in the video had a very transcendentalist mentality. He clearly felt that in order to be closer to himself he needed to be in complete solitude and around nature. The man in the film builds everything that he has in the wilderness by hand. He goes through about a month constructing his own cabin. He clearly takes great pride in his ability to accomplish everything that he needs to do entirely by himself. This is highly reminiscent of Emerson when he says in Self-Reliance:
"There is a time in every man's education when he arrives at the conviction that envy is ignorance; that imitation is suicide; that he must take himself for better, for worse, as his portion; that though the wide universe is full of good, no kernal of nourishing corn can come to him but through his toil bestowed on that plot of ground which is given to him to till."
The man in the video clearly believes that imitation is suicide because of his belief that he needs to do everything by himself in order for it to be authentic. He is almost a blueprint for a true transcendentalist.
"There is a time in every man's education when he arrives at the conviction that envy is ignorance; that imitation is suicide; that he must take himself for better, for worse, as his portion; that though the wide universe is full of good, no kernal of nourishing corn can come to him but through his toil bestowed on that plot of ground which is given to him to till."
The man in the video clearly believes that imitation is suicide because of his belief that he needs to do everything by himself in order for it to be authentic. He is almost a blueprint for a true transcendentalist.
Self-Reliance
5.
I strongly agree with the thesis presented in Self-Reliance. It describes the need for every human being to be in touch with their own true self. It tells the reader of the importance of accepting who you are instead of trying to be someone else. i.e. "...Imitation is suicide..." The thought that imitation is suicide is something that resonates very strongly in the world today where most of the world strives to gain some sort of acceptance from society and their peers.
6.
Self-Reliance is a fantastic example of transcendentalism because of it's focus of becoming closer to God through knowing thyself.
"We but half express ourselves, and are ashamed of that divine idea which each of represents. It may be safely trusted as proportionate and of good issues, so it be faithfully imparted, but God will not have his work made manifest by cowards."
This quote identifies that Emerson believes that God has endowed every human being with a transcendent spirit that is to be used in it's own unique way by each of us to greater glorify God.
I strongly agree with the thesis presented in Self-Reliance. It describes the need for every human being to be in touch with their own true self. It tells the reader of the importance of accepting who you are instead of trying to be someone else. i.e. "...Imitation is suicide..." The thought that imitation is suicide is something that resonates very strongly in the world today where most of the world strives to gain some sort of acceptance from society and their peers.
6.
Self-Reliance is a fantastic example of transcendentalism because of it's focus of becoming closer to God through knowing thyself.
"We but half express ourselves, and are ashamed of that divine idea which each of represents. It may be safely trusted as proportionate and of good issues, so it be faithfully imparted, but God will not have his work made manifest by cowards."
This quote identifies that Emerson believes that God has endowed every human being with a transcendent spirit that is to be used in it's own unique way by each of us to greater glorify God.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Nature
5.
I felt that the piece of writing was very beautiful. Both in prose and in meaning. It describes the oneness that has been felt by man with nature since the dawn of time.
"I became a transparent eyeball. I am nothing. I see all. The currents of the Universal Being circulate through me..."
This quote stood out to me because of it's vivid description of the almost Nirvana like feeling of pleasure that one derives from being one with nature.
I do however still feel that the philosophies of the rationalists are equally acceptable.
6.
I feel that this reading is a near perfect example of Transcendentalism because of it's focus on nature and the ability of the human spirit, when in contact with nature, to transcend the world that is percieved by the human eye.
"I became a transparent eyeball. I am nothing. I see all. The currents of the Universal Being circulate through me..."
This quote exemplifies the feeling of bliss that one enters when in touch with God, or nature as it seems to be in the story.
I felt that the piece of writing was very beautiful. Both in prose and in meaning. It describes the oneness that has been felt by man with nature since the dawn of time.
"I became a transparent eyeball. I am nothing. I see all. The currents of the Universal Being circulate through me..."
This quote stood out to me because of it's vivid description of the almost Nirvana like feeling of pleasure that one derives from being one with nature.
I do however still feel that the philosophies of the rationalists are equally acceptable.
6.
I feel that this reading is a near perfect example of Transcendentalism because of it's focus on nature and the ability of the human spirit, when in contact with nature, to transcend the world that is percieved by the human eye.
"I became a transparent eyeball. I am nothing. I see all. The currents of the Universal Being circulate through me..."
This quote exemplifies the feeling of bliss that one enters when in touch with God, or nature as it seems to be in the story.
Unit 2 Standards
"ELAALRL1 The student demonstrates comprehension by identifying evidence (i.e., examples of diction, imagery, point of view, figurative language, symbolism, plot events and main ideas) in a variety of texts representative of different genres (i.e., poetry, prose [short story, novel, essay, editorial, biography], and drama) and using this evidence as the basis for interpretation."
"ELAALRL2 The student identifies, analyzes, and applies knowledge of theme in a work of American literature and provides evidence from the work to support understanding."
I have addressed this by my analysis of Rip Van Winkle.
Example: "The story glorifies the life of a simple man (Van Winkle himself) and makes him into something of a folk hero. Instead of the protagonist in the tale being someone like a knight or a great man, Rip is an idle minded simpleton. This displays the romantic ideal of making normal people into heroes instead of writing about people that must of us will be."
"ELAALRL3 The student deepens understanding of literary works by relating them to their contemporary context or historical background, as well as to works from other time periods."
I identified the historical context of Rip Van Winkle here:
Chiefly; the story glorifies the life of a simple man (Van Winkle himself) and makes him into something of a folk hero. Instead of the protagonist in the tale being someone like a knight or a great man, Rip is an idle minded simpleton. This displays the romantic ideal of making normal people into heroes instead of writing about people that must of us will be. This glorification was very popular at the time because of the oppression of the colonists by the seemingly rich and powerful English.
"ELAALRL2 The student identifies, analyzes, and applies knowledge of theme in a work of American literature and provides evidence from the work to support understanding."
I have addressed this by my analysis of Rip Van Winkle.
Example: "The story glorifies the life of a simple man (Van Winkle himself) and makes him into something of a folk hero. Instead of the protagonist in the tale being someone like a knight or a great man, Rip is an idle minded simpleton. This displays the romantic ideal of making normal people into heroes instead of writing about people that must of us will be."
"ELAALRL3 The student deepens understanding of literary works by relating them to their contemporary context or historical background, as well as to works from other time periods."
I identified the historical context of Rip Van Winkle here:
Chiefly; the story glorifies the life of a simple man (Van Winkle himself) and makes him into something of a folk hero. Instead of the protagonist in the tale being someone like a knight or a great man, Rip is an idle minded simpleton. This displays the romantic ideal of making normal people into heroes instead of writing about people that must of us will be. This glorification was very popular at the time because of the oppression of the colonists by the seemingly rich and powerful English.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Bryant poem- Romanticism
Imagination:
"Of the last bitter hour come like a blight
Over thy spirit, and sad images
Of the stern agony, and shroud, and pall,
And breathless darkness, and the narrow house,
Make thee to shudder and grow sick at heart;--
Go forth, under the open sky, and list
To Nature's teachings, while from all around--
Earth and her waters, and the depths of air--
Comes a still voice"
This passage encourages the reader to use their imagination when alone with their thoughts to envision death in a different way. This is very romantic because because of the emphasis of feeling over cold science.
Nature:
"Yet a few days, and thee
The all-beholding sun shall see no more
In all his course; nor yet in the cold ground,
Where thy pale form was laid with many tears,
Nor in the embrace of ocean, shall exist
Thy image. Earth, that nourish'd thee, shall claim
Thy growth, to be resolved to earth again,
And, lost each human trace, surrendering up
Thine individual being, shalt thou go
To mix for ever with the elements,
To be a brother to the insensible rock,
And to the sluggish clod, which the rude swain
Turns with his share, and treads upon. The oak
Shall send his roots abroad, and pierce thy mould."
This exemplifies the romantic ideals of nature by stating that when you die you become an intimate part of nature. You become the roots of the trees and the very ground that you once walked upon.
Celebration of the common man:
"
Thou shalt lie down
With patriarchs of the infant world--with kings,
The powerful of the earth--the wise, the good,
Fair forms, and hoary seers of ages past,
All in one mighty sepulchre."
This passage shows the romantic ideal of holding the average person in equal esteem as a king or a lord. It is saying, as in the country song "Country Trash", we'll all be equal under the grass.
"Of the last bitter hour come like a blight
Over thy spirit, and sad images
Of the stern agony, and shroud, and pall,
And breathless darkness, and the narrow house,
Make thee to shudder and grow sick at heart;--
Go forth, under the open sky, and list
To Nature's teachings, while from all around--
Earth and her waters, and the depths of air--
Comes a still voice"
This passage encourages the reader to use their imagination when alone with their thoughts to envision death in a different way. This is very romantic because because of the emphasis of feeling over cold science.
Nature:
"Yet a few days, and thee
The all-beholding sun shall see no more
In all his course; nor yet in the cold ground,
Where thy pale form was laid with many tears,
Nor in the embrace of ocean, shall exist
Thy image. Earth, that nourish'd thee, shall claim
Thy growth, to be resolved to earth again,
And, lost each human trace, surrendering up
Thine individual being, shalt thou go
To mix for ever with the elements,
To be a brother to the insensible rock,
And to the sluggish clod, which the rude swain
Turns with his share, and treads upon. The oak
Shall send his roots abroad, and pierce thy mould."
This exemplifies the romantic ideals of nature by stating that when you die you become an intimate part of nature. You become the roots of the trees and the very ground that you once walked upon.
Celebration of the common man:
"
Thou shalt lie down
With patriarchs of the infant world--with kings,
The powerful of the earth--the wise, the good,
Fair forms, and hoary seers of ages past,
All in one mighty sepulchre."
This passage shows the romantic ideal of holding the average person in equal esteem as a king or a lord. It is saying, as in the country song "Country Trash", we'll all be equal under the grass.
Romanticism-Rip Van Winkle
Rip Van Winkle is an excellent example of romanticism because of a few things.
Chiefly; the story glorifies the life of a simple man (Van Winkle himself) and makes him into something of a folk hero. Instead of the protagonist in the tale being someone like a knight or a great man, Rip is an idle minded simpleton. This displays the romantic ideal of making normal people into heroes instead of writing about people that must of us will be. This glorification was very popular at the time because of the oppression of the colonists by the seemingly rich and powerful English.
"The great error in Rip’s composition was an insuperable aversion to all
kinds of profitable labor. It could not be from the want of assiduity or
perseverance; for he would sit on a wet rock, with a rod as long and heavy
as a Tartar’s lance, and fish all day without a murmur, even though he
should not be encouraged by a single nibble. He would carry a fowlingpiece
on his shoulder for hours together, trudging through woods and
swamps, and up hill and down dale, to shoot a few squirrels or wild
pigeons. He would never refuse to assist a neighbor even in the roughest
toil, and was a foremost man at all country frolics for husking Indian corn,
or building stone-fences; the women of the village, too, used to employ him to run their errands, and to do such little odd jobs as their less obliging
husbands would not do for them. In a word, Rip was ready to attend to
anybody’s business but his own; but as to doing family duty, and keeping
his farm in order, he found it impossible."
The tale also has a good deal of nature related imagery. The people who seem to bewitch Rip are described to be something akin to trolls who play nine pins and drink magical alcohol. They exemplify something of the natural state of the forest area.
"On entering the amphitheatre, new objects of wonder presented
themselves. On a level spot in the centre was a company of odd-looking
personages playing at nine-pins. They were dressed in quaint outlandish
fashion; some wore short doublets, others jerkins, with long knives in their
belts, and most of them had enormous breeches, of similar style with that
of the guide’s. Their visages, too, were peculiar; one had a large head,
broad face, and small piggish eyes; the face of another seemed to consist
entirely of nose, and was surmounted by a white sugar-loaf hat, set off
with a little red cock’s tail. They all had beards, of various shapes and
colors. There was one who seemed to be the commander. He was a stout
old gentleman, with a weather-beaten countenance; he wore a laced
doublet, broad belt and hanger, high-crowned hat and feather, red
stockings, and high-heeled shoes, with roses in them. The whole group
reminded Rip of the figures in an old Flemish painting, in the parlor of
Dominie Van Schaick, the village parson, and which had been brought
over from Holland at the time of the settlement."
Chiefly; the story glorifies the life of a simple man (Van Winkle himself) and makes him into something of a folk hero. Instead of the protagonist in the tale being someone like a knight or a great man, Rip is an idle minded simpleton. This displays the romantic ideal of making normal people into heroes instead of writing about people that must of us will be. This glorification was very popular at the time because of the oppression of the colonists by the seemingly rich and powerful English.
"The great error in Rip’s composition was an insuperable aversion to all
kinds of profitable labor. It could not be from the want of assiduity or
perseverance; for he would sit on a wet rock, with a rod as long and heavy
as a Tartar’s lance, and fish all day without a murmur, even though he
should not be encouraged by a single nibble. He would carry a fowlingpiece
on his shoulder for hours together, trudging through woods and
swamps, and up hill and down dale, to shoot a few squirrels or wild
pigeons. He would never refuse to assist a neighbor even in the roughest
toil, and was a foremost man at all country frolics for husking Indian corn,
or building stone-fences; the women of the village, too, used to employ him to run their errands, and to do such little odd jobs as their less obliging
husbands would not do for them. In a word, Rip was ready to attend to
anybody’s business but his own; but as to doing family duty, and keeping
his farm in order, he found it impossible."
The tale also has a good deal of nature related imagery. The people who seem to bewitch Rip are described to be something akin to trolls who play nine pins and drink magical alcohol. They exemplify something of the natural state of the forest area.
"On entering the amphitheatre, new objects of wonder presented
themselves. On a level spot in the centre was a company of odd-looking
personages playing at nine-pins. They were dressed in quaint outlandish
fashion; some wore short doublets, others jerkins, with long knives in their
belts, and most of them had enormous breeches, of similar style with that
of the guide’s. Their visages, too, were peculiar; one had a large head,
broad face, and small piggish eyes; the face of another seemed to consist
entirely of nose, and was surmounted by a white sugar-loaf hat, set off
with a little red cock’s tail. They all had beards, of various shapes and
colors. There was one who seemed to be the commander. He was a stout
old gentleman, with a weather-beaten countenance; he wore a laced
doublet, broad belt and hanger, high-crowned hat and feather, red
stockings, and high-heeled shoes, with roses in them. The whole group
reminded Rip of the figures in an old Flemish painting, in the parlor of
Dominie Van Schaick, the village parson, and which had been brought
over from Holland at the time of the settlement."
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
McKinley's 13 virtues
1. Be Aggressive in achieving all goals that I have for myself.
2. Always be on time for everything that I am involved in.
3. Always give my best in everything I do.
4. Be aware of my surroundings.
5. Follow my own moral code always.
6. Be kind and generous to all.
7. Be intelligent at all times.
8. Be curious about the world and how it works.
9. Remind myself of what my ultimate goals are when I waiver in my dedication.
10. Treat my friends and family with love, honor, dedication, respect, and loyalty.
11. Help those who are in need of my assistance.
12. Fight injustice wherever it may be.
13. Believe in myself at all times.
While I feel that if I firmly followed these guidelines I would be a much better, and more efficient McKinley, I do not think that it would allow me to attain "moral perfection".
Moral perfection is a bogus term. It cannot be achieved by a human being; as we are all endowed with flaws (or original sin as Christendom calls it), we are almost always in some way shape or form going to be at odds with something that is just and be supporting something that is ultimately not helping with the moral state of our world.
I strive every day to live by my own code of ethics that are based in an imperfect reality and also in ideals of goodness which do have to be compromised to some extent (no matter how small) in order to function in the world. I believe that as a result of this, the closest you can get to moral perfection is to recognize that you are a morally flawed person (as is everyone) and always try to improve your life and the lives of others.
Despite the fact that, as I said, we live in an imperfect world. We cannot let it get us down and cause us to slip into immorality. Life is full of tests, and the world itself is a test of the resolve of the human mind, body, and spirit to stay true through the all the struggles the world faces you with. Nihilism is the root of all decadence and evil. One must never slip into nihilism.
Simultaneously, one must never slip into a world of pure idealism. If you have your head in the clouds all the time then you are not helping your fellow human being, yourself, or your world.
These two dangers are on opposite extremes in some respects, and are very closely related in others. They should both be fought at all times.
2. Always be on time for everything that I am involved in.
3. Always give my best in everything I do.
4. Be aware of my surroundings.
5. Follow my own moral code always.
6. Be kind and generous to all.
7. Be intelligent at all times.
8. Be curious about the world and how it works.
9. Remind myself of what my ultimate goals are when I waiver in my dedication.
10. Treat my friends and family with love, honor, dedication, respect, and loyalty.
11. Help those who are in need of my assistance.
12. Fight injustice wherever it may be.
13. Believe in myself at all times.
While I feel that if I firmly followed these guidelines I would be a much better, and more efficient McKinley, I do not think that it would allow me to attain "moral perfection".
Moral perfection is a bogus term. It cannot be achieved by a human being; as we are all endowed with flaws (or original sin as Christendom calls it), we are almost always in some way shape or form going to be at odds with something that is just and be supporting something that is ultimately not helping with the moral state of our world.
I strive every day to live by my own code of ethics that are based in an imperfect reality and also in ideals of goodness which do have to be compromised to some extent (no matter how small) in order to function in the world. I believe that as a result of this, the closest you can get to moral perfection is to recognize that you are a morally flawed person (as is everyone) and always try to improve your life and the lives of others.
Despite the fact that, as I said, we live in an imperfect world. We cannot let it get us down and cause us to slip into immorality. Life is full of tests, and the world itself is a test of the resolve of the human mind, body, and spirit to stay true through the all the struggles the world faces you with. Nihilism is the root of all decadence and evil. One must never slip into nihilism.
Simultaneously, one must never slip into a world of pure idealism. If you have your head in the clouds all the time then you are not helping your fellow human being, yourself, or your world.
These two dangers are on opposite extremes in some respects, and are very closely related in others. They should both be fought at all times.
Ben Franklin Autobiography
Franklin's list of 13 virtues is a very good example of how he was a Rationalist. His list includes in decent detail a basis for one to obtain moral strength. This is very Rationalistic in that it provides Earthly means to perfect oneself, instead of employing prayer and blind faith like the Puritans.
A good example of this philosophy is this:
"I concluded, at length, that the mere speculative conviction that it was our interest to be completely virtuous, was not sufficient to prevent our slipping; and that the contrary habits must be broken, and good ones acquired and established, before we can have any dependence on a steady, uniform rectitude of conduct."
A good example of this philosophy is this:
"I concluded, at length, that the mere speculative conviction that it was our interest to be completely virtuous, was not sufficient to prevent our slipping; and that the contrary habits must be broken, and good ones acquired and established, before we can have any dependence on a steady, uniform rectitude of conduct."
Rationalists VS. Puritans
The Rationalists and Puritans differed in about every way due to their core philosophies about how the world works. It's very much similar in nature to the debate in the United States right now between conservatives(Puritans) and liberals(Rationalists). The Rationalists believed that the improvment of Mankind was rooted in the ability of humanity to better understand the world around them. And through this process, humans can become closer to God. The Puritans believed that blind faith in a terrifying God was the only way to achieve salvation and to be a good person. The Rationalists and Puritans differed in essentially this way: The Rationalists believed in science, and the Puritans believed in faith.
Vocabulary for Unit 1
Total Depravity: Another name for Original Sin
Unconditional Election: God chooses who he thinks are worthy of salvation.
Deism- Belief that while God created the Universe, He largely has no stake in what we as humans do in it.
Limited Atonement: Jesus died for the sins of those He believed are worthy, not for humanity as a whole.
Perseverance of the "saints": Those ordained by God have the right to interprete the Word of God in whatever way they see fit.
Unconditional Election: God chooses who he thinks are worthy of salvation.
Deism- Belief that while God created the Universe, He largely has no stake in what we as humans do in it.
Limited Atonement: Jesus died for the sins of those He believed are worthy, not for humanity as a whole.
Perseverance of the "saints": Those ordained by God have the right to interprete the Word of God in whatever way they see fit.
Native Americans VS. Puritans
There are stark differences between how the Native Americans worshipped and how the Puritans worshipped. The Native Americans had a sense of being at peace with the world:
"Sweet memories come back to me
Bringing fresh remembrances
Of the past
Dearest one, yes, you are mine own
From you, true love shall never depart"
This quote signifies that the Native Hawaiin's felt much more at peace about the prospect of human mortality than did the bitter and ruthless rhetoric of John Edwards:
“You have nothing to stand upon, nor take hold of. You have nothing between you and hell but the air. It is only the power and mere pleasure of God that holds you up.”
This statement by Edwards proves, I believe, better than any other the belief amongst the Puritans that God is a vengeaful God, and that you should live your life in total fear of his will and power. While by and large the Native American of God was one much more built around the nature of things and was not one overly occupied with notions of casting the evil people of the world into eternal damnation.
I think that it is very easy to see how these cultures could clash. The Puritans had a feverish belief that those who live in what they percieved as sin should be dealt with in the harshest of ways. And since the Native Americans were significantly more relaxed socially than the Puritans, it is easy to see how the Puritans came to despise the Natives in the new world.
"Sweet memories come back to me
Bringing fresh remembrances
Of the past
Dearest one, yes, you are mine own
From you, true love shall never depart"
This quote signifies that the Native Hawaiin's felt much more at peace about the prospect of human mortality than did the bitter and ruthless rhetoric of John Edwards:
“You have nothing to stand upon, nor take hold of. You have nothing between you and hell but the air. It is only the power and mere pleasure of God that holds you up.”
This statement by Edwards proves, I believe, better than any other the belief amongst the Puritans that God is a vengeaful God, and that you should live your life in total fear of his will and power. While by and large the Native American of God was one much more built around the nature of things and was not one overly occupied with notions of casting the evil people of the world into eternal damnation.
I think that it is very easy to see how these cultures could clash. The Puritans had a feverish belief that those who live in what they percieved as sin should be dealt with in the harshest of ways. And since the Native Americans were significantly more relaxed socially than the Puritans, it is easy to see how the Puritans came to despise the Natives in the new world.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Unit 1 GPS
"ELAALRL3 The student deepens understanding of literary works by relating them to their contemporary context or historical background, as well as to works from other time periods."
1.
I think the standard addresses the need of a learned person to be able to comprehend the full scope of a literary work and internalize the information therein. It also addresses the need to be able to connect the events from a work of art from one time period to a work of art in another.
I think that it is important to master this skill because it goes beyond just the arts. Everyone needs to be able to connect one event to another. And in literature it is very much the same. In order to fully understand a work of art or a real life situation, you have to know how the context of the events effect the situation.
2.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aloha_Oe
3.
I really love this example for a couple of reasons. To me, the song speaks to the death of the Hawaiin civilization and to the feeling of pure sadness that the leader of a people must feel at the dusk of their culture. Despite this heavy subject matter, the song does not bludgeon it's point across. It delivers it's message with deliberate, subtle, beauty and honesty.
1.
I think the standard addresses the need of a learned person to be able to comprehend the full scope of a literary work and internalize the information therein. It also addresses the need to be able to connect the events from a work of art from one time period to a work of art in another.
I think that it is important to master this skill because it goes beyond just the arts. Everyone needs to be able to connect one event to another. And in literature it is very much the same. In order to fully understand a work of art or a real life situation, you have to know how the context of the events effect the situation.
2.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aloha_Oe
3.
I really love this example for a couple of reasons. To me, the song speaks to the death of the Hawaiin civilization and to the feeling of pure sadness that the leader of a people must feel at the dusk of their culture. Despite this heavy subject matter, the song does not bludgeon it's point across. It delivers it's message with deliberate, subtle, beauty and honesty.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
