Langston Hughes' Verisimilitude

In Langston Hughes literature one theme he continuously touches upon is heritage. Hughes illustrates how our ancestry has a connection to our character and experiences. This viewpoint is especially prevalent within “The Negro Speaks of Rivers”. Within this poem, Hughes depicts the connection African Americans have to rivers. This parallelism throughout the piece shows how heritage follows you. In a way he is stating that we can not run away from our ancestral past.  In “I, Too” Hughes shows a different side to heritage, and how even if someone is of different ethnicity or religion, they are still American. Receiving this name does not eliminate the past, but adds to our identity. Langston Hughes' poems depict the use  of verisimilitude. Past events within each generation depict the truth. No matter what, we can not hide from our origins; they define us in some way or another. I think that Langston Hughes does an noteworthy job of portraying pride in different aspects of our heritage, and finding new ways to add on for future generations.

Christmas vs Fitzgerald Writing

With the Christmas spirit arising these past few weeks, I have thought about how Christmas-or holidays in general- relate to the stories we have been discussing in class. A large majority of Fitzgerald literature is circled around the theme of materialism and our race towards the American Dream. We all want to believe that having "things" is the key to achieving happiness. With coming up holidays, we have lost the real meaning behind much of our celebrations. For example, during Christmas everything surrounds the excitement for receiving gifts, although after presents are collected everyone still carries a sense of emptiness. We all want more. With The Great Gatsby, all Gatsby ever wanted was to become extraordinarily wealthy, and once he obtains his riches he wants Daisy. After he reacquires Daisy’s love, he wants her to confess her sole love for him and that she never loved Tom. He continuously wants extra material. This also carries into "The Diamond as Big as the Ritz" and "Winter Dreams", with Johns similar obsession with riches and Dexter's chase after Judy Jones. I think Fitzgerald does an exceptional job in portraying human-natures lack of appreciation, and how unnecessary it is for us to stay significantly selfish. 

Gatsby's Roaring 20s

An aspect that really stood out to me within The Great Gatsby was the unusual pace. I felt like Fitzgerald did an outstanding job in capturing the fast paced hustle and bustle of the 1920s. With the parties and care free atmosphere, it was easy to be consumed by the aroma of the era and truly feel as if you were a bystander. Also, I felt like the shorter length of the book may have had a contribution to the pace and aspect of the story. In some ways I feel like the consequence-concerning his lose of Daisy- and materialistic aspect of Gatsby was an example of a common aspect. Fitzgerald made it seem like all people were consumed, and Gatsby's story served as a slightly unusual example, paired with a romantic love affair. But, overall i genuinely felt the Roaring Twenties were truly illuminated throughout many aspects of the novel.

A Material World

After reading the Great Gatsby I am forced to make a conclusive comparison with the recently released movie (with Leonardo DiCaprio). To start off, i did notice a bit more of a flamboyant and modern twist to the movie, especially with the music selection taken into consideration. Also, there were a few scenes from the end of the book that were eliminated. Although, I do feel there was an overall impressive accuracy to the book, but I may have that outlook because I watched the movie beforehand. The largest aspect that was enormously present throughout the book and film, was the materialistic value with in the 1920s. Although Jay Gatsby had an intense love for Daisy, the largest way he planned to gain back her love was through his wealth and societal power. For example, the only way he would propose tea with Daisy was if she would be in close proximity to his enormous mansion, so he could-in a way- bribe her into falling in love all over again. With the background information concerning their original break up, I feel like all of Gatsby's efforts really emphasis the flaky consumer side of Daisy. But, overall I think Fitzgerald does an impressive job on highlighting the human connection and consequences with concrete materials.

We Need a Standard

Having a fixed standard for punctuation is crucial in order to sustain comprehensive writing in an altering society. Consistent punctuation also provides communication through different generations. Some have said that “’tradition’ of long-established rules for grammar and punctuation is largely imagined, as these things have always been in flux” (Hitchings). That is one sole reason that a standard should be set in place, “because it [punctuation] clarifies meaning” (Hitchings). To continue, customary punctuation is an example of speech. Even if it goes unnoticed, we exemplify punctuation through pauses and altered tones.  For example, the usage of a semicolon portrays “catching your breath” (Thomas), so in a way changing typical punctuation goes against natural human nature. Usage of punctuation also creates an essence of sophistication. “It’s [punctuations] neglect appears to reflect wider social decline” (Hitchings). With a set of created rules, people in general will be able to lean away from becoming a deteriorating society. Writers can then add a sense of superiority and elegance to their literature, which creates a larger amount of respect and positive review.  Overall, “Punctuation is powerful” (Grammarly Cards), as well as essential to language.

Hawthorne Supports the Ladies

Many people have declared The Scarlet Letter to be a hidden feminist book due to the intense characteristics of Hester Prynn. From the beginning of the novel it is evident that Hester is a strong willed women with the capabilities of individually raising a child, which is a task that she has to endure. Also, the main male character, Dimmesdale, is illustrated as a weak, cowardice man. Although he is the most relate-able to human nature, I personally found his characteristics to be very unlikable. To begin with, he finds no capability to properly confess his sin to the public, so instead he watches his "love" interest become a secluded and unwanted figure in society. To continue, when he finally does confess about the adultery, he is on his death bed, which serves as a scape-goat to any public shame or tarnished reputation. These aspects of the novel clearly portray that femininity can overpower males and their lack of strength. This is even further emphasized when the aspect of Puritan society is put in place. The reason being, Puritans viewed males as strong and reliable, so they were given an exceptional amount of power. Although, Hawthorne creates a protagonist who depict "masculine power" in as a female figure. This ultimately shows Hawthorne's hidden support for the feminist movement, even if it was unintentional.

Are We All That Different?

Considering the intense amount of exposure we have had to the Puritan society, through evaluation of Puritan literature, I have begun to make a few comparisons with modern day. One aspect that has been continuously readdressed is the "evilness" of the Puritan beliefs. Specifically relating to "The Scarlet Letter", I have realized that with adultery not much has necessarily changed. For example, in the novel Hester Prynn is completely shunned from society, and labeled as a women who not only cheated on her husband but also had a child out of wedlock. The towns people negatively display her on a scaffold in the beginning of the novel, and create her as the center of hate and judgment. Although current consequences for adultery may not be as dire, they do contain a large relation. For instance, if a woman were to have cheated on her husband and become pregnant, like Hester, than many of her friends and family would be extraordinarily disappointed. Many friends would begin to ignore or just completely shut out this women from their lives. Also, this child would be negatively looked upon in a similar manner as Pearl. To continue, the husband of this women would most likely have a similar mindset as Chillingsworth, except for less unpleasant and creepy. The husband would probably file for a divorce, but he may also want to seek revenge on his wife's new "love" interest. So, I suppose the Puritans are not so "evil" with their reaction towards Hester considering they are almost the same in current day.

1800s Hipsters

A hipster is considered someone who breaks the "social norm" of society, whether that is clothing or literature; and when we began looking at transcendentalist literature this week, I realized that they largely relate to modern day hipsters. For example, David Foster Wallace takes on the persona of a quirky man, with a bandana tied around his forehead keeping back his long hair. He defiantly fits the outward standards, considering we commonly associate hipsters with fashion choices. But, in this case the definition is more applied to literature, which Wallace also achieves. To begin with, transcendentalists tend to utilize nature references within there literary pieces, and during the era when this group arose, that was considered less common. Also, looking at Henry David Thoreau's writings, you see his emphasis on stepping away from what everyone else is participating in; He encourages humanity to stand up for what they believe in, even if that includes breaking government regulations. Thoreau's message eventually inspired some of the greatest activists such as Mahatma Gandi and Martin Luther King Jr. His purpose, once again, illustrates how transcendentalist could be considered hipsters.

America Is Not So Perfect

In class we had a discussion about the current state of America, and whether we lived up to the standard set in the Declaration of Independence. Also, the Declaration of Sentiments and women's rights came into topic. These topics got me thinking that our country is defiantly not perfect. Just looking back in recent events, the government was literally been shut down for the past few weeks due to a lack of congressional agreement. But, pertaining to the Declaration of Sentiments, although women's rights have massively expanded since the construction of the document, we still have a little ways to go. In general, the United States has a bit of work to do concerning equality. It is evident that racism will most likely always be present, but I feel like there should be a method to restrain any further growth. Also, in the professional field, equality should never be a question but only a common method. But in the overall outlook, America has greatly improved. We have eliminated slavery and created equal voting rights, as well as becoming much more excepting towards homosexuals and much more. Although we are not perfect and have a lot of work to do, we have made so much progress and that is something to be remotely proud of.

Reputation

When reading The Crucible through out the past couple of weeks I notice that the reputation within Salem's theocratic society is an important and reoccurring theme. For example, the protagonist of the story, John Proctor, sacrifices his existence to ultimately permit his reputation to exist. In Salem the concept of privacy and publicity remain as one. Due to this, the fear of accusation due to association begins to run wild within the town. Focused on maintaining a clean status, the citizens do just about anything to assure safety. This aspect has a good relation to the status of race during early America up until the mid to late 20th century. Many white people did not want to be associated with African Americans due to the very negative perspective people held against them. African Americans were seen as lesser human beings, and many believed that they would gain similar reputations due to association. That is one reason to why integration was so difficult to achieve. From this example you see a direct correlation with Abigail and Mary Warren. Mary Warren falls back under the influence of Abigail due to fear of association with a man who is breaking the social normality. She fears her fate with an accusation and could not stand breaking a clean reputation. On the other hand, John Proctor takes a different approach concerning his social status. By refusing to relinquish his name, John manages to die with integrity.

"Witches" Still Exist

In the portion of The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, that we read this week, we discovered the mass hysteria prevalent during the Massachusetts Salem witch trials. Much of the fear was fabricated from false accusations and mob mentality. The whole occurrence was created by Abigail, and she did everything in her power to continue the ciaos. She caused everyone in the town to re-evaluate their neighbors. This craziness has a direct correlation to the nine eleven terrorist attack and the public's reaction to the Muslim community. After this attack people formed a misunderstood dislike for this community. American airports and other areas created intense security and also formed a large focus toward middle eastern cultures. Much like in Salem, many people began to accuse the whole Islam religion as a terrorist group. This accusation is ridiculous considering Islam is one of the most peaceful religions. This related back to the witch trials and Mary Warren being accused as a witch. This is just as ridiculous, because Mary Warren is one of the most timid and kind characters with in the play. These events are just examples of how closed minded humanity is.We want things to be picture perfect and in many cases we can not seem to accept diversity or difference. Also, mankind uses this to their advantage, much like Putnam's accusation in order to gain land. This is still common within modern day, because humanity has always been selfish and close minded.

Good Luck in Hell!

We read the intensely aggressive "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God", by Jonathan Edwards, in class this week. This piece depicts the cruel wrath of God and the life waiting ahead if you do not give your soul to God. Although his message is supposed to be ultimately encouraging, a large majority of it still sets an extremely negative and fearful tone. I feel as if Edwards continuously states that if you do one thing wrong or un-approvable by the standards of god, than you are damned to hell. That narrows it down to a very small portion of people who are "acceptable". This relates to the modern religion of the Westboro Baptist Church, which we also discussed in class. Their religion is largely circled around their disapproval, even hate, of homosexuality. This church basically states that people attracted to the same sex are a disgrace and are damned. So, by the combined standards of  Edwards and the Westboro Baptsit Church, we are all going to hell! I personally disagree with that. It is practiced by many different religions that God forgives, in fact that is what many religions are partially based upon. So, if Edwards is considered to be a "self devoted" Christian, than why is he illustrating the wrong message? I understand that during this century the amount of religious behavior was beginning to decay, but I personally believe there could have been a much better method to approach the promotion of God.  In the end, at least his underlying message, if you follow god than you will live in eternal happiness, is understandable. Although, with the Westboro Baptist Church, that is not the case. Take a look at their twitter page: https://twitter.com/WBCSays . I almost find their beliefs humorous because they are so ridiculous and horrifically hateful. They may hold similar qualities with Edwards passage, such as the urgent and threatening tone, but there is literally no redeeming quality with that church.

Stereotypes

During class this week we discussed the topic of stereotypes, and used a section from the writings of Sherman Alexie's Lone Ranger and Tonto Fist Fight in Heaven. He talked heavily about how Native Americans are constantly given the image of alcoholics, and how it is rather disappointing considering the stereotype is true. But, this is not relevant for all nationalities and social rankings. For example, in the memoir The Glass Castle Jeanette Walls illustrates her clever and educated, homeless family. The Walls family manages to defeat the stereotype of  homelessness by depicting her families extravagant encouragement for education. Walls also breaks the stereotype of "never being able to escape homelessness". Another example more prevalent to Alexie's topic of race includes the current president Barack Obama. He is an African American man leading the United States of America. Commonly African American's are labeled as uneducated, lower class people who live in the cluttered area's of the city. They are also seen as criminals. Obama is an example of many people who in no way possible fit that image. This is one message Alexie is trying to illustrate in his writing. But, he also declares his pride in being Native American, which is something every nationality should carry.

You Can't Hide From Heritage

I personally believe that heritage does have a large impact on the individual person we become. Family members, especially parents, manage to ingrain certain beliefs and opinions into their children's minds. Also, we grow up in certain environments which become familiar and end up stimulating different viewpoints. This concept is especially shown within the memoir The Glass Castle. Although Jeanette Walls escapes the homeless life her parents live, she still carries many common values that her parents portrayed during her childhood. For example, her parents- Rose Mary and Rex Walls- both carry the strong belief that their children should not be coddled. So, Jeannette learned at a young age to become very independent, and she carries that with her as she progresses in age. Also, her parents encouraged hard work, which is demonstrated through Jeannette's overall achievements from education to her overall career. Another example of heritage influence is shown through the historical figure Martin Luther King Jr.. Like his father he grew up to become a Pastor for a baptist church. This depicts the strong emphasis his family had toward religion, and how it influenced him through his choice of career. Also like his father, Martin Luther King Jr. was inspired by reformers. His father named both him self and his son- King Jr.- after the reformer Martin Luther, who was a large figure in the 16th century Protestant  Reformation. While Martin Luther King Jr. was greatly inspired by the works of Mahatma Ghandi. This example also illustrates influence from heritage, and shows that "fighting for what you believe in" was encouraged within the King family. This most likely has a connection to Martin Luther King Jr.'s later achievement. Overall, Individuals may have the ability to stray away from family normality, but in the large picture heritage leaves some form of mark on every individual.