Allister Lo
English48b
Journal 13 Mark Twain
Quote: “Jealously. Do not forget it, keep it in mind. It is the key. With it you will come to partly understand God as we go along; without it nobody can understand him. As I have said, he has openly held up this treasonous key himself, for all to see. He says, naively, outspokenly, and without suggestion of embarrassment: ‘I the Lord thy God am a jealous God’” (Letters from the Earth).
Summary: In this passage, Twain, as Satan, points out that God possesses the vice of jealously and He, himself, admits it.
Response: In Letters to the Earth, Twain takes on the perspective of Satan, the fallen angel and ruler of Hell. Using this persona, Twain makes many pointed remarks about religion and God.
Even though he is using the persona of Satan to express these views, one has to think that Twain did in fact believe in the skepticisms he expresses, even if only partly.
In this quote, he references a Bible passage in which the Lord announces that he is a jealous God and therefore no other gods should be worshipped before him. He boldly writes that jealously is the key to understanding God, and he even uses the word naively to describe God. This was an extreme view to take on religion, even in today’s era. Many people would not dare speak out against someone they think so highly of, much less if he is considered to be the all-mighty and all-powerful spirit that created everything. Yet Twain, hiding behind his persona, expresses his doubts about the religion, and even goes on the offensive to attack it.
Just as he had done in his other works such as the “War Prayer” and “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” he challenges readers to recognize their own opinions and even challenge those beliefs by playing the devil’s advocate. Although I do not think that Twain was being totally malicious in his writing, the reason I think he uses such pointed language is he wants people to take notice and address these “faults” and defend them. He does not want people simply to formulate their beliefs on merely what they have been taught and what they have learned, but rather he challenges them to form their own beliefs.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Journal 12 Mark Twain - Rather Go To Hell
Allister Lo
English 48B
Journal 12 Mark Twain
Quote: “All right, then, I’ll go to hell” (Adventures of Huckleberry Finn)
Summary: Huck has a moral dilemma where he believes that he has committed a grave sin helping the runaway slave Jim run away, so he writes a note to his owner. However, he hesitates and rips up the note, vowing to rather to go to hell than to give up Jim.
Response: As discussed in class, this could arguably be the most profound line in the entire book Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
Not only is it a moral awakening for Huck, but it is also a maturation of Huck. Huck has been brought up that to help a slave run away will result in him going to hell and eternal damnation. However, even though he is only a boy, it is at this point where he goes against what he has been taught to do what he thinks is right. He realizes that Jim is a person just like him, a person who has been very good to him and has been pretty much his best friend on their journey down the river.
Present day, it is a no brainer to agree with Huck’s decision to help Jim. However, in the context of when this book was written, Huck’s decision went totally against what was accepted at the time. To denounce religion and face damnation in order to free a slave was unheard of. Furthermore, it was merely a boy making this decision.
This moral extends to readers past the book, which is probably what Twain intended when he wrote the book, although he tried to deny it with his first statement of the book. If a child could figure this out on himself, then why couldn’t grown adults who read the book challenge themselves and come to the same conclusion? Huck’s challenge becomes the readers’ challenge as back in Twain’s day, this was still a very pertinent issue, especially with the failed Reconstruction project and emergence of the Ku Klux Klan. Granted, it might not have been a question of hell or helping a slave, but it most certainly could have been a question of someone’s life because someone could easily have been killed for helping a former slave.
English 48B
Journal 12 Mark Twain
Quote: “All right, then, I’ll go to hell” (Adventures of Huckleberry Finn)
Summary: Huck has a moral dilemma where he believes that he has committed a grave sin helping the runaway slave Jim run away, so he writes a note to his owner. However, he hesitates and rips up the note, vowing to rather to go to hell than to give up Jim.
Response: As discussed in class, this could arguably be the most profound line in the entire book Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
Not only is it a moral awakening for Huck, but it is also a maturation of Huck. Huck has been brought up that to help a slave run away will result in him going to hell and eternal damnation. However, even though he is only a boy, it is at this point where he goes against what he has been taught to do what he thinks is right. He realizes that Jim is a person just like him, a person who has been very good to him and has been pretty much his best friend on their journey down the river.
Present day, it is a no brainer to agree with Huck’s decision to help Jim. However, in the context of when this book was written, Huck’s decision went totally against what was accepted at the time. To denounce religion and face damnation in order to free a slave was unheard of. Furthermore, it was merely a boy making this decision.
This moral extends to readers past the book, which is probably what Twain intended when he wrote the book, although he tried to deny it with his first statement of the book. If a child could figure this out on himself, then why couldn’t grown adults who read the book challenge themselves and come to the same conclusion? Huck’s challenge becomes the readers’ challenge as back in Twain’s day, this was still a very pertinent issue, especially with the failed Reconstruction project and emergence of the Ku Klux Klan. Granted, it might not have been a question of hell or helping a slave, but it most certainly could have been a question of someone’s life because someone could easily have been killed for helping a former slave.
Journal 11 Mark Twain - The Deeper Meaning
Allister Lo
English 48B
Journal 11 Mark Twain
Quote: “NOTICE: Persons attempting to find a motive in this narrative will be prosecuted; persons attempting to find a moral in it will be banished; persons attempting to find a plot in it will be shot” (Adventures of Huckleberry Finn)
Summary: Twain opens his book Adventures of Huckleberry Finn with this notice, informing people that the impending story is merely a story, and no one should look deeper than the literal meaning of the text.
Response: In writing the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, it has been noted that the book shows two different sides of Twain. Twain’s works range from humor to works that have the capability to challenge our belief systems. The Adventures of Hucklebery Finn covers that broad spectrum, incorporating both in one work.
The quote is extremely ironic because the book is considered by many to be the greatest piece of American literature because of its profound challenging of the institution of slavery and the morality of such an institution, although it claims to be just a story, to be taken at its face value.
It is interesting to point out that during the writing of this book, Twain took some time off from writing the novel and the book reflects that. At its beginning, it seems to be a sort of sequel to one of his previous works The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. The novel also seems to reflect Twain’s humoristic writing, as evidenced by the quote above, which opens up the whole story. Perhaps Twain intended for this book to be just a story, as he opens up with this humorous note, yet after his time off from the story when he traveled the Mississippi River, the book completely changes its tone and style. Many people attribute this to Twain seeing all of the racism along the river.
However, since Twain himself grew up in a border state, it must have been tough to make this transition as a writer and a person, so instead of proudly parading this new moral idea, he did it under the cover that the story is not to be taken seriously. He may have done this because he was still struggling with his own moral values at the time or he was worried about how people would react to it. In this way, Twain had something to fall back upon in case his book came under heat, which it did.
English 48B
Journal 11 Mark Twain
Quote: “NOTICE: Persons attempting to find a motive in this narrative will be prosecuted; persons attempting to find a moral in it will be banished; persons attempting to find a plot in it will be shot” (Adventures of Huckleberry Finn)
Summary: Twain opens his book Adventures of Huckleberry Finn with this notice, informing people that the impending story is merely a story, and no one should look deeper than the literal meaning of the text.
Response: In writing the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, it has been noted that the book shows two different sides of Twain. Twain’s works range from humor to works that have the capability to challenge our belief systems. The Adventures of Hucklebery Finn covers that broad spectrum, incorporating both in one work.
The quote is extremely ironic because the book is considered by many to be the greatest piece of American literature because of its profound challenging of the institution of slavery and the morality of such an institution, although it claims to be just a story, to be taken at its face value.
It is interesting to point out that during the writing of this book, Twain took some time off from writing the novel and the book reflects that. At its beginning, it seems to be a sort of sequel to one of his previous works The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. The novel also seems to reflect Twain’s humoristic writing, as evidenced by the quote above, which opens up the whole story. Perhaps Twain intended for this book to be just a story, as he opens up with this humorous note, yet after his time off from the story when he traveled the Mississippi River, the book completely changes its tone and style. Many people attribute this to Twain seeing all of the racism along the river.
However, since Twain himself grew up in a border state, it must have been tough to make this transition as a writer and a person, so instead of proudly parading this new moral idea, he did it under the cover that the story is not to be taken seriously. He may have done this because he was still struggling with his own moral values at the time or he was worried about how people would react to it. In this way, Twain had something to fall back upon in case his book came under heat, which it did.
Journal 10 Mark Twain Disillusioned Soldier
Allister Lo
English 48B
Journal 10 Mark Twain
Quote: “O Lord our God, help us to tear their soldiers to bloody shreds with our shells; help us to cover their smiling fields with the pale forms of their patriot dead; help us to drown the thunder of the guns with the shrieks of their wounded, writhing in pain “ (323).
Summary: In this passage, an old man prays what he terms the “unspoken” prayers for the success of the army in the upcoming battle with a violent prayer.
Response: As was mentioned in Twain's author introduction and discussed in class, Mark Twain was previously a soldier in an extremely unorganized Confederate militia. However, he was either disillusioned or scared with the fighting to the point that he ran away from the army to accompany his brother to Nevada.
It is possible that, as a result of this forgettable stint with the army that he developed a sense of anti-nationalism and anti-war sentiment that his poem "The War Prayer" conjured up.
The city happily celebrates the impending glory of the soldiers and pray for their success. However, in these lines, Twain reveals the ugly side of war through the words of the old man, conjuring up visual images that still leave a lasting impact on readers today. When it comes down to it, the celebration of those going to war is a celebration for the murder of others, people you might not even know. These lines reveal this disheartening image.
Twain also seems to poke fun at religion and those who call on God to deliver them victory in time of war are hypocritical in a way. In essence, those praying to God to bring them victory in war are praying for the destruction of their enemy. The mysterious old man claims to be praying on the behalf of the congregation, yet his language is extremely violent and grotesque. He claims to be speaking the words unspoken, and again victory for the soldiers can only come at the expense of the opposing side, so in essence, what the old man is saying has some a ring of truth about it. However, these people who called on religion, upon hearing these words, immediately claim that this is not what they intend and cast the old man as crazy.
English 48B
Journal 10 Mark Twain
Quote: “O Lord our God, help us to tear their soldiers to bloody shreds with our shells; help us to cover their smiling fields with the pale forms of their patriot dead; help us to drown the thunder of the guns with the shrieks of their wounded, writhing in pain “ (323).
Summary: In this passage, an old man prays what he terms the “unspoken” prayers for the success of the army in the upcoming battle with a violent prayer.
Response: As was mentioned in Twain's author introduction and discussed in class, Mark Twain was previously a soldier in an extremely unorganized Confederate militia. However, he was either disillusioned or scared with the fighting to the point that he ran away from the army to accompany his brother to Nevada.
It is possible that, as a result of this forgettable stint with the army that he developed a sense of anti-nationalism and anti-war sentiment that his poem "The War Prayer" conjured up.
The city happily celebrates the impending glory of the soldiers and pray for their success. However, in these lines, Twain reveals the ugly side of war through the words of the old man, conjuring up visual images that still leave a lasting impact on readers today. When it comes down to it, the celebration of those going to war is a celebration for the murder of others, people you might not even know. These lines reveal this disheartening image.
Twain also seems to poke fun at religion and those who call on God to deliver them victory in time of war are hypocritical in a way. In essence, those praying to God to bring them victory in war are praying for the destruction of their enemy. The mysterious old man claims to be praying on the behalf of the congregation, yet his language is extremely violent and grotesque. He claims to be speaking the words unspoken, and again victory for the soldiers can only come at the expense of the opposing side, so in essence, what the old man is saying has some a ring of truth about it. However, these people who called on religion, upon hearing these words, immediately claim that this is not what they intend and cast the old man as crazy.
Journal 9 Mark Twain - Stand Up
Allister Lo
English 48B
Journal 9 Mark Twain
Quote: "It was indeed a glad and gracious time, and the half dozen rash spirits that ventured to disapprove of the war and cast a doubt upon its righteousness straightway got such a stern and angry warning that for their personal safety's sake they quickly shrank out of sight and offended no more in that way" (322).
Summary: As the soldiers prepare for war, the majority of the city is in celebration, glorifying the soldier's impending battle ahead. Those who went against the majority sentiment of the city and spoke against the war were chastized to the point where their personal safety was in question.
Response: In this quote, specifically, it shows Twain’s opposition to the mob mentality, in where the voice of the minority often goes unheard because people are scared to stand up for them for fear of repercussions from the majority. The majority could go to great lengths to protect their own interest, including resorting to physical violence to the point where the minority would feel their personal safety to be threatened.
In this poem, Twain undertakes a huge moral vision and commentary on the voice of minority and how often it fails to stand up to the majority.
As was discussed in class, Twain struggled with his own racism and may have used this poem to provide some social commentary on situations he may have been through. For example, Twain was known to have defended the Chinese miners at a time where the majority sentiment was to cast them aside as inferiors.
Twain could be making the point that while there are many people who feel that the discrimination against minorities is wrong, yet there are few people who are willing to stand up for their beliefs in fear of their personal safety. However, it is interesting to note that even though he makes this point in his poem, Twain never sent out “The War Prayer”, and it was never published during his time. Knowing this, he could be capturing his own point of view and his fear that his personal beliefs may have gotten him in trouble, as they had before where his life was threatened in Nevada for racist comments he had made in his newspaper columns. These lines seem to serve as a challenge to stand up for what you believe in, yet Twain seemed to be in a state of struggle within himself, and the challenge he presents to us was a challenge to him as well.
English 48B
Journal 9 Mark Twain
Quote: "It was indeed a glad and gracious time, and the half dozen rash spirits that ventured to disapprove of the war and cast a doubt upon its righteousness straightway got such a stern and angry warning that for their personal safety's sake they quickly shrank out of sight and offended no more in that way" (322).
Summary: As the soldiers prepare for war, the majority of the city is in celebration, glorifying the soldier's impending battle ahead. Those who went against the majority sentiment of the city and spoke against the war were chastized to the point where their personal safety was in question.
Response: In this quote, specifically, it shows Twain’s opposition to the mob mentality, in where the voice of the minority often goes unheard because people are scared to stand up for them for fear of repercussions from the majority. The majority could go to great lengths to protect their own interest, including resorting to physical violence to the point where the minority would feel their personal safety to be threatened.
In this poem, Twain undertakes a huge moral vision and commentary on the voice of minority and how often it fails to stand up to the majority.
As was discussed in class, Twain struggled with his own racism and may have used this poem to provide some social commentary on situations he may have been through. For example, Twain was known to have defended the Chinese miners at a time where the majority sentiment was to cast them aside as inferiors.
Twain could be making the point that while there are many people who feel that the discrimination against minorities is wrong, yet there are few people who are willing to stand up for their beliefs in fear of their personal safety. However, it is interesting to note that even though he makes this point in his poem, Twain never sent out “The War Prayer”, and it was never published during his time. Knowing this, he could be capturing his own point of view and his fear that his personal beliefs may have gotten him in trouble, as they had before where his life was threatened in Nevada for racist comments he had made in his newspaper columns. These lines seem to serve as a challenge to stand up for what you believe in, yet Twain seemed to be in a state of struggle within himself, and the challenge he presents to us was a challenge to him as well.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Journal 8 Ambrose Bierce - Can't Escape Death
Quote: "Peyton Farquhar was dead; his body, with a broken neck, swung gently from side to side beneath the timbers of the Owl Creek bridge" (366).
Summary: After a vivid dream sequence where we think that Peyton has survived his hanging, the story ends with this depressing quote that Peyton Farquhar has been hanged and that it was only a dream.
Response: As I have stated in my previous blogs, Ambrose Bierce was extremely pessimistic and had a very sarcastic sense of humor that was reflected in his writings.
In this passage, it seems that the joke, although it is not of the knee-slapper variety, comes full circle. Rather, it is the completion of a grave joke that leaves the reader feeling depressed and unsatisfied. We have already been introduced to us as someone who could be like anyone of us, merely a citizen trying to serve his country as best he can. However, he has been betrayed by a Federal Scout, who came into his own house and lied to his face.
We then go through a whole sequence where Peyton seems to have made an escape from his seemingly inescapable fate. It was not just any escape, but rather it was a heroic escape, an escape that we see in movies. Typically in movies, we want to see the hero win, or see him come full circle. It is within our culture for us to root for the under dog to win. Furthermore, with the detail and description that Bierce writes with, we feel the suspense and thrill that Peyton is experiencing as he tries to make his escape. In a way, we identify with this character and we assume his role. So, his escape becomes our escape.
It all seems to be according to plan, as the long journey home is near its completion as Peyton stumbles into his yard and is about to embrace his wife, but Bierce slaps us in the face, with this ending line. It is as if he is telling us we cannot escape death, and the thought of that escape is incredulous and naïve, as he states matter of factly that “Peyton Farquhar was dead.” We were tricked into believing that an escape was possible, and Bierce delivers us a punchline that brings us back to his harsh reality.
Summary: After a vivid dream sequence where we think that Peyton has survived his hanging, the story ends with this depressing quote that Peyton Farquhar has been hanged and that it was only a dream.
Response: As I have stated in my previous blogs, Ambrose Bierce was extremely pessimistic and had a very sarcastic sense of humor that was reflected in his writings.
In this passage, it seems that the joke, although it is not of the knee-slapper variety, comes full circle. Rather, it is the completion of a grave joke that leaves the reader feeling depressed and unsatisfied. We have already been introduced to us as someone who could be like anyone of us, merely a citizen trying to serve his country as best he can. However, he has been betrayed by a Federal Scout, who came into his own house and lied to his face.
We then go through a whole sequence where Peyton seems to have made an escape from his seemingly inescapable fate. It was not just any escape, but rather it was a heroic escape, an escape that we see in movies. Typically in movies, we want to see the hero win, or see him come full circle. It is within our culture for us to root for the under dog to win. Furthermore, with the detail and description that Bierce writes with, we feel the suspense and thrill that Peyton is experiencing as he tries to make his escape. In a way, we identify with this character and we assume his role. So, his escape becomes our escape.
It all seems to be according to plan, as the long journey home is near its completion as Peyton stumbles into his yard and is about to embrace his wife, but Bierce slaps us in the face, with this ending line. It is as if he is telling us we cannot escape death, and the thought of that escape is incredulous and naïve, as he states matter of factly that “Peyton Farquhar was dead.” We were tricked into believing that an escape was possible, and Bierce delivers us a punchline that brings us back to his harsh reality.
Journal 7 Ambrose Bierce - Don't Trust Anyone
Allister Lo
English 48B
January 18, 2008
Journal 7 Ambrose Bierce
Quote: “An hour later, after nightfall, he repassed the plantation, going northward in the direction from which he had come. He was a Federal Scout” (362).
Summary: In this passage, a Federal Scout, disguised in a Confederate uniform, tells Peyton that about Owl Creek Bridge and the situation there. With Peyton hearing this information, he gets the idea to sabotage the bridge, which leads to his eventual death.
Response: This line is very subtle, however it is a huge development in the story in that it changes its whole complexion. Initially, you are reading about the history of Peyton Farquhar, and he seems like an innocent civilian, someone who just wants to do what he can to help out his country. However, he is betrayed by someone who he thinks is a friend.
This line really struck me as powerful, because as I was reading through the story, I was wondering to myself how Peyton had gotten himself into this situation. The reason lies in one line, and it is said simply, and it is easy to just skip over it as insignificant. In this line, I think Bierce, whose writing has a reputation for being pessimistic and cynical, is trying to get across two points.
The first point is a jab at nationalism. Peyton is only trying to serve his country in going out to Owl Creek Bridge. Since he could not join the army, he is trying to do what he can and for what? For duty to his country, which he feels will define him as a good citizen. Instead he is deceived by someone and ends up paying the ultimate sacrifice for its loyalty: death.
The second point that Bierce is trying to get across is that you cannot trust anyone. It might seem like a stretch, but the gravity with which this quote was stated and its delivery at the end of a section seems to support this. Right after hearing that he was a Federal scout, the next scene is of Peyton Farquhar again hanging from a bridge, his life literally hanging in the balance.
English 48B
January 18, 2008
Journal 7 Ambrose Bierce
Quote: “An hour later, after nightfall, he repassed the plantation, going northward in the direction from which he had come. He was a Federal Scout” (362).
Summary: In this passage, a Federal Scout, disguised in a Confederate uniform, tells Peyton that about Owl Creek Bridge and the situation there. With Peyton hearing this information, he gets the idea to sabotage the bridge, which leads to his eventual death.
Response: This line is very subtle, however it is a huge development in the story in that it changes its whole complexion. Initially, you are reading about the history of Peyton Farquhar, and he seems like an innocent civilian, someone who just wants to do what he can to help out his country. However, he is betrayed by someone who he thinks is a friend.
This line really struck me as powerful, because as I was reading through the story, I was wondering to myself how Peyton had gotten himself into this situation. The reason lies in one line, and it is said simply, and it is easy to just skip over it as insignificant. In this line, I think Bierce, whose writing has a reputation for being pessimistic and cynical, is trying to get across two points.
The first point is a jab at nationalism. Peyton is only trying to serve his country in going out to Owl Creek Bridge. Since he could not join the army, he is trying to do what he can and for what? For duty to his country, which he feels will define him as a good citizen. Instead he is deceived by someone and ends up paying the ultimate sacrifice for its loyalty: death.
The second point that Bierce is trying to get across is that you cannot trust anyone. It might seem like a stretch, but the gravity with which this quote was stated and its delivery at the end of a section seems to support this. Right after hearing that he was a Federal scout, the next scene is of Peyton Farquhar again hanging from a bridge, his life literally hanging in the balance.
Journal 6 Brett Harte - The Luck
Allister Lo
English 48B
January 18, 2008
Journal 6 Brett Harte
Quote: “It needed but a glance to show them Kentuck lying there, cruelly crushed and bruised, but still holding The Luck of Roaring Camp in his arms…A smile lit the eyes of the expiring Kentuck. “Dying!” he repeated; “he’s a-taking me with him. Tell the boys I’ve got The Luck with me now;” and the strong man, clinging to the frail babe as a drowning man is said to cling to a straw, drifted away into the shadowy river that flows forever to the unknown sea” (332-333).
Summary: After the flood that wipes out Roaring Camp, the people of Roaring Camp find Kentuck, trying to protect Tommy Luck, the Luck of Roaring Camp. However, in the process of trying to save the baby, not only is the baby killed, but Kentuck is on the verge of death too. However, instead of being dismayed, Kentuck is thrilled by the thought that he is accompanying the Luck into the afterlife.
Response: Throughout this story, I thought that Tommy Luck, the Luck of Roaring Camp would contribute something directly to the camp. Some may argue that he did indeed bring luck to the camp, as the camp underwent a huge transformation. The men began showering, and began planting flowers, and watching their language. In a town where the men had previously not batted an eye when a murder occurred, these were big changes. In addition to these changes, the gold claims were doing better than ever.
However, it can also be argued that all these changes were due to a shift in mindset of the locals. Tommy did not do or say anything to inspire these locals, but rather just his presence drew so much awe and the actions of some spread throughout the whole camp. The camp itself straightened itself out and it always had that capability to do so. All it needed was a direction, and Tommy Luck gave them this direction.
In a way Tommy Luck represented a Messiah figure, in that he helped change the town. Harte was known to produce parodies on Bible stories, and the Luck of Roaring Camp shared many parallels with the Nativity story. However, as seen in this quote, I think Harte wrote this story to challenge religious beliefs and the length to which people will go to and change because of them. In other words, I believe Harte is arguing that it is not religion that causes specific things to happen, but rather we, as people control our fates, in that we control our actions, and our actions can lead to us creating our own luck. It seems that Harte believes that religion is merely a crutch for us to lean on when in fact, we are perfectly capable of walking with our own two feet.
English 48B
January 18, 2008
Journal 6 Brett Harte
Quote: “It needed but a glance to show them Kentuck lying there, cruelly crushed and bruised, but still holding The Luck of Roaring Camp in his arms…A smile lit the eyes of the expiring Kentuck. “Dying!” he repeated; “he’s a-taking me with him. Tell the boys I’ve got The Luck with me now;” and the strong man, clinging to the frail babe as a drowning man is said to cling to a straw, drifted away into the shadowy river that flows forever to the unknown sea” (332-333).
Summary: After the flood that wipes out Roaring Camp, the people of Roaring Camp find Kentuck, trying to protect Tommy Luck, the Luck of Roaring Camp. However, in the process of trying to save the baby, not only is the baby killed, but Kentuck is on the verge of death too. However, instead of being dismayed, Kentuck is thrilled by the thought that he is accompanying the Luck into the afterlife.
Response: Throughout this story, I thought that Tommy Luck, the Luck of Roaring Camp would contribute something directly to the camp. Some may argue that he did indeed bring luck to the camp, as the camp underwent a huge transformation. The men began showering, and began planting flowers, and watching their language. In a town where the men had previously not batted an eye when a murder occurred, these were big changes. In addition to these changes, the gold claims were doing better than ever.
However, it can also be argued that all these changes were due to a shift in mindset of the locals. Tommy did not do or say anything to inspire these locals, but rather just his presence drew so much awe and the actions of some spread throughout the whole camp. The camp itself straightened itself out and it always had that capability to do so. All it needed was a direction, and Tommy Luck gave them this direction.
In a way Tommy Luck represented a Messiah figure, in that he helped change the town. Harte was known to produce parodies on Bible stories, and the Luck of Roaring Camp shared many parallels with the Nativity story. However, as seen in this quote, I think Harte wrote this story to challenge religious beliefs and the length to which people will go to and change because of them. In other words, I believe Harte is arguing that it is not religion that causes specific things to happen, but rather we, as people control our fates, in that we control our actions, and our actions can lead to us creating our own luck. It seems that Harte believes that religion is merely a crutch for us to lean on when in fact, we are perfectly capable of walking with our own two feet.
Journal 5 Ambrose Bierce - What did he share in common with Emily Dickinson?
Allister Lo
English 48B
January 18, 2008
Journal #5 Ambrose Bierce
Quote: "Mad (adj)- Affected with a high degree of intellectual independence; not conforming to standards of thought, speech and action derived by the conformants from study of themselves; at odds with the majority; in short, unusual. It is noteworthy that persons are pronounced mad by officials destitute of evidence that themselves are sane" (The Devil's Dictionary)
Summary: Bierce's definition of mad goes against what was the prevalent definition of the time, which was someone unusual. However, Bierce agrees that mad does entail being unusual, but that it is due to a higher degree of independence and the refusal to simply go along with the majority opinion. Besides, who knows if the normal people themselves are "sane"?
Response: As I was looking through Bierce’s Devil’s Dictionary, I thought that his definition of mad was really interesting.
In Bierce’s day, mad meant something along the same lines as someone who was insane, or someone who was not considered “normal.” However, what does “normal” really mean? In this quote, Bierce addresses that question by saying that someone mad is someone that has their own way of thinking and does not simply conform to the opinions of the masses.
Another thing that made this quote particularly interesting was its relation to Emily Dickinson, an author who we previously read, who was also described as “mad.” People thought Dickinson was unusual because she locked herself in her room and wrote poetry. However, as we discussed in class, there may have been many reasons for her locking herself up, including that she thought her work was artistic in ways, and wanted to focus on it, thus isolating herself from society.
In essence, many writers back in Bierce and Dickinson’s time may have come under heat for their writing abilities because it may not have represented what people thought was “normal” at the time.
Another thing that was interesting was that many literary critics have viewed both Bierce’s and Dickinson’s writings as being depressing and generally pessimistic. Was this because they were disillusioned with society casting them off and labeling them as “mad”? To answer the question, I would think it would have an effect being called mad to some degree. I think it affected Bierce to the point where he defined the word “mad” in his dictionary just as a seemingly retort to people who used the word degradingly. To the same extent, Dickinson might have isolated herself from society because she did not appreciate being called mad and thus kept to herself, away from the masses of “normal” people.
English 48B
January 18, 2008
Journal #5 Ambrose Bierce
Quote: "Mad (adj)- Affected with a high degree of intellectual independence; not conforming to standards of thought, speech and action derived by the conformants from study of themselves; at odds with the majority; in short, unusual. It is noteworthy that persons are pronounced mad by officials destitute of evidence that themselves are sane" (The Devil's Dictionary)
Summary: Bierce's definition of mad goes against what was the prevalent definition of the time, which was someone unusual. However, Bierce agrees that mad does entail being unusual, but that it is due to a higher degree of independence and the refusal to simply go along with the majority opinion. Besides, who knows if the normal people themselves are "sane"?
Response: As I was looking through Bierce’s Devil’s Dictionary, I thought that his definition of mad was really interesting.
In Bierce’s day, mad meant something along the same lines as someone who was insane, or someone who was not considered “normal.” However, what does “normal” really mean? In this quote, Bierce addresses that question by saying that someone mad is someone that has their own way of thinking and does not simply conform to the opinions of the masses.
Another thing that made this quote particularly interesting was its relation to Emily Dickinson, an author who we previously read, who was also described as “mad.” People thought Dickinson was unusual because she locked herself in her room and wrote poetry. However, as we discussed in class, there may have been many reasons for her locking herself up, including that she thought her work was artistic in ways, and wanted to focus on it, thus isolating herself from society.
In essence, many writers back in Bierce and Dickinson’s time may have come under heat for their writing abilities because it may not have represented what people thought was “normal” at the time.
Another thing that was interesting was that many literary critics have viewed both Bierce’s and Dickinson’s writings as being depressing and generally pessimistic. Was this because they were disillusioned with society casting them off and labeling them as “mad”? To answer the question, I would think it would have an effect being called mad to some degree. I think it affected Bierce to the point where he defined the word “mad” in his dictionary just as a seemingly retort to people who used the word degradingly. To the same extent, Dickinson might have isolated herself from society because she did not appreciate being called mad and thus kept to herself, away from the masses of “normal” people.
Journal 4 Ambrose Bierce - Ignorance is Bliss?
Allister Lo
English 48B
January 18, 2008
Journal #4 Ambrose Bierce
Quote: "Religion - A daughter of Hope and Fear, explaining to Ignorance the nature of the Unknowable" (The Devil's Dictionary)
Summary: Bierce writes off religion as a creation of people's hopes and fears and as a way to explain the unknowable to the ignorant.
Response: After reading through Bierce's author introduction and our class discussions on him, it was not surprising to see that Bierce's writing reflected his pessimism and generally bleak outlook on life. In the Devil's Dictionary, Bierce imposes his views on life through definitions of common words. Instead of the classical definitions we normally associate with these words, Bierce has his own take on them.
I chose this quote because usually religion and someone's thought of religion can help explain his outlook on life. Not surprisingly, Bierce's view on religion is less than flattering. He writes that religion was born out of the combination of people's hopes and fears. He also writes that it is a way to explain the unknown to the ignorant, in essence calling all believers of religion as nothing more than ignorant. This view of religion was quite harsh, and particularly interesting considering that Bierce was born of two deeply religious parents.
Furthermore, Bierce wrote of the supernatural in his fictional writings because it was said that he detested humanity. I found this to be a little contradictory, because in a way, religion is in a way an extension or at least comparable of the supernatural.
For most people, religion represented something to relieve them of their suffering, and it was their motivating force to get them through their days. They believed that there was some sort of force that dictated the way that the world ran. In some cases, this force could be considered supernatural, outside of the realm of human knowledge.
In essence, if Bierce was to denounce believers of religion as “ignorant”, then it would seem that he, too would fall under this distinction.
English 48B
January 18, 2008
Journal #4 Ambrose Bierce
Quote: "Religion - A daughter of Hope and Fear, explaining to Ignorance the nature of the Unknowable" (The Devil's Dictionary)
Summary: Bierce writes off religion as a creation of people's hopes and fears and as a way to explain the unknowable to the ignorant.
Response: After reading through Bierce's author introduction and our class discussions on him, it was not surprising to see that Bierce's writing reflected his pessimism and generally bleak outlook on life. In the Devil's Dictionary, Bierce imposes his views on life through definitions of common words. Instead of the classical definitions we normally associate with these words, Bierce has his own take on them.
I chose this quote because usually religion and someone's thought of religion can help explain his outlook on life. Not surprisingly, Bierce's view on religion is less than flattering. He writes that religion was born out of the combination of people's hopes and fears. He also writes that it is a way to explain the unknown to the ignorant, in essence calling all believers of religion as nothing more than ignorant. This view of religion was quite harsh, and particularly interesting considering that Bierce was born of two deeply religious parents.
Furthermore, Bierce wrote of the supernatural in his fictional writings because it was said that he detested humanity. I found this to be a little contradictory, because in a way, religion is in a way an extension or at least comparable of the supernatural.
For most people, religion represented something to relieve them of their suffering, and it was their motivating force to get them through their days. They believed that there was some sort of force that dictated the way that the world ran. In some cases, this force could be considered supernatural, outside of the realm of human knowledge.
In essence, if Bierce was to denounce believers of religion as “ignorant”, then it would seem that he, too would fall under this distinction.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Journal 3: Walt Whitman-Living with the Animals
Quote: "I think I could turn and live with animals, they are so placid and self-contain'd,/I stand and look at them long and long./They do not sweat and whine about their condition,/They do not lie awake in the dark and weep for their sins,/They do not make me sick discussing their duty to God,/Not one is dissatisfied, not one is demented with the mania of owning things" (52).
Summary: Whitman seems to be tired of living with other humans, writing that he could live with animals, and not have to put up with the constant annoyances of people, such as their strict religion codes and materialism.
Response: In this passage, Whitman gives reasons why he would be more content living with animals than with humans.
I disagree with Whitman on this point. While at times the world we live in, especially in today’s present day, may be overwhelming, no human interaction would drive someone insane.
In Whitman’s time, it sounded like his primary annoyance was people’s constant submission to God and fulfilling their duty to him. Another point he brings up is the materialism of people in his day. Even more so today, people are caught up with materials and wealth, especially with America being one of the most, if not the most, capitalistic countries in the world. Even the wealthiest of people though, still do not find spiritual happiness. For these reasons, someone can easily grow skeptical and tired of the system, which at times can feel like a rat race. In some cases, the people who work the hardest end up with the least, especially with the increase of globalization across the world.
There are many times that people have felt trapped in their situation and there are probably many people who wish they could revert to the simple days and become one with nature. At some points, people may wish that they could live the care free lives of animals and just live off of nature, rather than constantly having to worry about bills, rent, and other stresses of daily life. Sometimes people might wish that they were the only human on earth because they are so sick of the system and sick of other human beings.
However, a life without any other humans would be a difficult one to live. Although humans have their faults, they also offer what animals cannot, which is reason. And with reason, humans can effectively communicate and have the potential to form deep bonds, bonds that could never be formed with an animal. For this reason, I do not believe that living with animals has the potential to make someone as happy as connecting with another person.
Summary: Whitman seems to be tired of living with other humans, writing that he could live with animals, and not have to put up with the constant annoyances of people, such as their strict religion codes and materialism.
Response: In this passage, Whitman gives reasons why he would be more content living with animals than with humans.
I disagree with Whitman on this point. While at times the world we live in, especially in today’s present day, may be overwhelming, no human interaction would drive someone insane.
In Whitman’s time, it sounded like his primary annoyance was people’s constant submission to God and fulfilling their duty to him. Another point he brings up is the materialism of people in his day. Even more so today, people are caught up with materials and wealth, especially with America being one of the most, if not the most, capitalistic countries in the world. Even the wealthiest of people though, still do not find spiritual happiness. For these reasons, someone can easily grow skeptical and tired of the system, which at times can feel like a rat race. In some cases, the people who work the hardest end up with the least, especially with the increase of globalization across the world.
There are many times that people have felt trapped in their situation and there are probably many people who wish they could revert to the simple days and become one with nature. At some points, people may wish that they could live the care free lives of animals and just live off of nature, rather than constantly having to worry about bills, rent, and other stresses of daily life. Sometimes people might wish that they were the only human on earth because they are so sick of the system and sick of other human beings.
However, a life without any other humans would be a difficult one to live. Although humans have their faults, they also offer what animals cannot, which is reason. And with reason, humans can effectively communicate and have the potential to form deep bonds, bonds that could never be formed with an animal. For this reason, I do not believe that living with animals has the potential to make someone as happy as connecting with another person.
Journal 2: Walt Whitman-Living for Today
Allister Lo
English 48B
January 11, 2008
Journal #2 Walt Whitman
Quote: "I have heard what the talkers were talking, the talk of the beginning and/the end,/But I do not talk of the beginning or the end./There was never any more inception than there is now/Nor any more youth or age than there is now,/And will never be any more perfection than there is now" (31)
Summary: In this quote, Whitman writes of the people who talk about the past and those who talk about the future. However, Whitman objects to this kind of talk, arguing there is no better time than the present, the now.
Response: In class discussions, there was talk that Walt Whitman was one of the greatest, if not the greatest, American poet of all time. So when I read this quote, it immediately struck me, since the quote is a motto that so many people, especially Americans seem to live by. So I thought this quote was interesting since it was written way back when the United States was still a young and developing country.
Ever since I was little, I have been urged to seize the moment and to live for the present because we cannot change the past and we cannot predict the future. The present is the only thing we can control. The quote seems like Whitman is actually talking to you, like many of his other lines throughout Song of Myself. The lines sound almost like commands, where the you is understood.
To me, Whitman speaks these lines as if you came to him and told him about a dream you wanted to pursue. I can imagine Whitman simply responding and saying to simply go for it, because there is no better time than now. It is as if he is saying there is no better beginning than starting right now, nor any better age to start. The time is perfect, so one should simply chase his dream with no regards to the past or future.
It is pretty amazing to see that a poem written in the 1800s can still offer hope and inspiration to those willing to read it even today. Whitman offers readers his life motto and almost urges us to live for the moment.
English 48B
January 11, 2008
Journal #2 Walt Whitman
Quote: "I have heard what the talkers were talking, the talk of the beginning and/the end,/But I do not talk of the beginning or the end./There was never any more inception than there is now/Nor any more youth or age than there is now,/And will never be any more perfection than there is now" (31)
Summary: In this quote, Whitman writes of the people who talk about the past and those who talk about the future. However, Whitman objects to this kind of talk, arguing there is no better time than the present, the now.
Response: In class discussions, there was talk that Walt Whitman was one of the greatest, if not the greatest, American poet of all time. So when I read this quote, it immediately struck me, since the quote is a motto that so many people, especially Americans seem to live by. So I thought this quote was interesting since it was written way back when the United States was still a young and developing country.
Ever since I was little, I have been urged to seize the moment and to live for the present because we cannot change the past and we cannot predict the future. The present is the only thing we can control. The quote seems like Whitman is actually talking to you, like many of his other lines throughout Song of Myself. The lines sound almost like commands, where the you is understood.
To me, Whitman speaks these lines as if you came to him and told him about a dream you wanted to pursue. I can imagine Whitman simply responding and saying to simply go for it, because there is no better time than now. It is as if he is saying there is no better beginning than starting right now, nor any better age to start. The time is perfect, so one should simply chase his dream with no regards to the past or future.
It is pretty amazing to see that a poem written in the 1800s can still offer hope and inspiration to those willing to read it even today. Whitman offers readers his life motto and almost urges us to live for the moment.
Journal 1: Walt Whitman-He or She?
Allister Lo
English 48B
January 11, 2008
Journal #1 Walt Whitman
Quote: "She hides handsome and richly drest aft the blinds of the of the window/Which of the young men does she like the best?/Ah the homeliest of them is beautiful to her./Where are you off to, lady? for I see you./You splash in the water there, yet stay stock still in your room" (37).
Summary: Taken at face value, these lines would seem to indicate a woman looking outside her house, "checking out" some men who are bathing outside her women. She seems to eye one specifically. It seems as if someone is watching the young lady as he or she sees the young lady, and her longing to go outside and play in the water with the young men.
Response: We discussed this passage in class, and it received a lot of different interpretations, so I wanted to add my own interpretation on this passage. At first, I took this passage at its literal value, and just assumed that it was indeed a lady simply being a "peeping tom" and checking out some guys bathing. However, as the class discussion on this topic increased, I looked closer at the language that Whitman used in this passage. After taking a 2nd look, I came to the conclusion that Whitman used the "lady" as a persona of himself.
Looking at the passage I chose, I thought it was interesting that Whitman would describe the lady as hiding “handsome” as handsome is generally a term that is used to describe men. Furthermore, when he states “I see you,” in my opinion, it does not seem likely that he would be watching a lady look out the window, who in turn is watching men play in the water outside. Rather, he is able to see “her” because he is her. I believe Whitman used his poetry as a means to express his desires, as he writes that the lady would love to go and play with the men, yet stays in her room. Whitman could mean this literally or he could be wanting to let other people know about his sexual orientation, yet he does not tell anyone and stays within his safety bounds.
Furthermore, as discussed in class, during this time period, it was uncommon and looked down upon for people to be of a homosexual nature. Since Walt Whitman highly aspired to be one of the greatest poets of his time, it is not out of the question that he would choose to hide his true identity. Even today, some people have a hard time announcing to people that they are gay, but think of the uproar it would have caused back in Whitman’s time.
English 48B
January 11, 2008
Journal #1 Walt Whitman
Quote: "She hides handsome and richly drest aft the blinds of the of the window/Which of the young men does she like the best?/Ah the homeliest of them is beautiful to her./Where are you off to, lady? for I see you./You splash in the water there, yet stay stock still in your room" (37).
Summary: Taken at face value, these lines would seem to indicate a woman looking outside her house, "checking out" some men who are bathing outside her women. She seems to eye one specifically. It seems as if someone is watching the young lady as he or she sees the young lady, and her longing to go outside and play in the water with the young men.
Response: We discussed this passage in class, and it received a lot of different interpretations, so I wanted to add my own interpretation on this passage. At first, I took this passage at its literal value, and just assumed that it was indeed a lady simply being a "peeping tom" and checking out some guys bathing. However, as the class discussion on this topic increased, I looked closer at the language that Whitman used in this passage. After taking a 2nd look, I came to the conclusion that Whitman used the "lady" as a persona of himself.
Looking at the passage I chose, I thought it was interesting that Whitman would describe the lady as hiding “handsome” as handsome is generally a term that is used to describe men. Furthermore, when he states “I see you,” in my opinion, it does not seem likely that he would be watching a lady look out the window, who in turn is watching men play in the water outside. Rather, he is able to see “her” because he is her. I believe Whitman used his poetry as a means to express his desires, as he writes that the lady would love to go and play with the men, yet stays in her room. Whitman could mean this literally or he could be wanting to let other people know about his sexual orientation, yet he does not tell anyone and stays within his safety bounds.
Furthermore, as discussed in class, during this time period, it was uncommon and looked down upon for people to be of a homosexual nature. Since Walt Whitman highly aspired to be one of the greatest poets of his time, it is not out of the question that he would choose to hide his true identity. Even today, some people have a hard time announcing to people that they are gay, but think of the uproar it would have caused back in Whitman’s time.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)