At first it was difficult for me to grasp the concept of the text. I clearly understood the woman was succumbing to insanity, and the idea that she may have committed suicide danced in my head, but untill we discussed this in class I was unclear. I appreciated the subtlebness of her death. The reader has to find the evidence and think outside the box to grasp the thought that she committed suicide. I personally love horror movies and how sometimes what you see isn't reality. This was the case with The Yellow Wallpaper. Although death was the ultimate end, we are able to reach further and find underlined themes. Mandy pointed out the domestic struggle of women and the caged feeling of the marital institution.
Oure characters husband is her doctor. Clearly we can find conflict of interest with this situation, "John is a physician, and perhaps--(I would not say it to a living soul, of course, but this is dead paper and a great relief to my mind)--perhaps that is one reason I do not get well faster. You see he does not believe I am sick!" (355). John also does not like for her to write. Anyone could understand how frustrating this must be for her. People write to be creative. It serves as an outlet. She has to express herself in private; this is demoralizing and forces her to be submissive.
We also touched on the notion that she may suffer from postpartum depression. This illness is very real and very much a crippling disorder for mothers. The fact that no one empathized or realized what she was suffering from made her situation that much more miserable and that much more a negative affiliation of marriage. Her husband treated her symptoms for a condition she really did not suffer from. All she wanted was the comfort of family and friends and he alienated her which made her depression worse.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Tom Sawyer Prompt
I would like to discuss another attribute equated with boys, "showing off." It seems no matter how good or bad a boy is, he always has to show off in some way shape of form. We noted, in Ragged Dick, Dick, albeit, good natured, still felt the need to show others of his superiority. He needed to prove to others he was the alpha male. So far, in our readings, this is a continuous custome for boys. Tom Sawyer is no acception to the rule, "...then he pretended he did not know she was present, and began to "show off" in all sorts of absurd boyish ways..." (p.23).
The ironic thing about little boys showing off, is we expect it from them. Even if we have no clue of communication amoung boys/men, we still know they do this. It is their way of expression with each other, with women, with coworkers, or with any random person. When Tom meets the new kid and begins a confrontation with him, he is saying--Hey, this is my town. I'm the boss here and you're a threat to me, "If one moved, the other moved-but only sidewise, in a circle; they kept face to face and eye to eye all the time. Finally Tom said: I can lick you!" (p.7)
In fact, when boys become men, they still engage in this manner; it is sort of a special kind of masculine language. Mark Twain does this when he writes, "...namely, that in order to make a man or a boy covet a thing, it is only necessary to make the thing difficult to attain. If he had been a great and wise philosopher, like the writer of this book, he would now have comprehended...." (p.19). I mean, can you get anymore egotistical then that?!...actually, some can.
Still, though some may view this trait as one of a snob, or meathead, others view it a necessary. Boys, in a societal context, need to be cunning. They need to be one step in front of their competitor. It is they way they survive. Boys, men, are expected to be able to handle themselves out in the "real world." They learn how to do this by showing off when they are young, therefore understanding what they can and cannot get away with later as adults. Girls do this too...it's called flirting!
The ironic thing about little boys showing off, is we expect it from them. Even if we have no clue of communication amoung boys/men, we still know they do this. It is their way of expression with each other, with women, with coworkers, or with any random person. When Tom meets the new kid and begins a confrontation with him, he is saying--Hey, this is my town. I'm the boss here and you're a threat to me, "If one moved, the other moved-but only sidewise, in a circle; they kept face to face and eye to eye all the time. Finally Tom said: I can lick you!" (p.7)
In fact, when boys become men, they still engage in this manner; it is sort of a special kind of masculine language. Mark Twain does this when he writes, "...namely, that in order to make a man or a boy covet a thing, it is only necessary to make the thing difficult to attain. If he had been a great and wise philosopher, like the writer of this book, he would now have comprehended...." (p.19). I mean, can you get anymore egotistical then that?!...actually, some can.
Still, though some may view this trait as one of a snob, or meathead, others view it a necessary. Boys, in a societal context, need to be cunning. They need to be one step in front of their competitor. It is they way they survive. Boys, men, are expected to be able to handle themselves out in the "real world." They learn how to do this by showing off when they are young, therefore understanding what they can and cannot get away with later as adults. Girls do this too...it's called flirting!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
The Yares of Black Mountain Prompt
I would like to divulge on the idea that the widow and Charley visiting the South is a metaphor for the country as a whole. Ten years after such a tramatic event like the Civil War is not a long time. The country was in a state of reidentifying itself; are we still North vs. South or are a single nation. People had to subcomb to a new idea of the nation. They were beginning to identify themselves as citizens of one great nation instead of two seperate regions.
The widow and Charley represent the new hope for the nation. They represent the idea that American can come together. What was once hatred and termoil, is now opportunity and ambition. The widow sees the South as the chance to embrace something new, "She was tired of New York and New Yorkers, and of the daily grinding them up into newspaper correspondence wherewith to earn her bread. To become an explorer, to adventure into the lairs of bears and wolves, at so cheap a cost as an excursion ticket over the Air-line Railroad..." (p.246).
Davis is telling us whatever perceptions we were subjected to, were now to be thrown out the window. The idea Notherners had of the South would now change, and visa versa. She is telling her readers to open their eyes and explore the great nation we live in. It is yours, embrace it. This is the first reading which is richly discriptive of a country setting, "There were the dark, waving plumes of the American ivy, the red cornucopias of the trumpet-creeper, morning-glories with great white blossoms, the passion-flower trailing its mysterious purple emblems through the mud beneath the oxen's feet,-all creeping or turning in some way toward the river." (p.254).
In no way shape or form is Davis reminding people to embrace the memories of Uncle Tom's Cabin. American's loathed the South after reading this book. She is saying, now, after a great war, embrace the idea of a united America. Forget the stererotypes and explore. Remember your history and learn from it.
The widow and Charley represent the new hope for the nation. They represent the idea that American can come together. What was once hatred and termoil, is now opportunity and ambition. The widow sees the South as the chance to embrace something new, "She was tired of New York and New Yorkers, and of the daily grinding them up into newspaper correspondence wherewith to earn her bread. To become an explorer, to adventure into the lairs of bears and wolves, at so cheap a cost as an excursion ticket over the Air-line Railroad..." (p.246).
Davis is telling us whatever perceptions we were subjected to, were now to be thrown out the window. The idea Notherners had of the South would now change, and visa versa. She is telling her readers to open their eyes and explore the great nation we live in. It is yours, embrace it. This is the first reading which is richly discriptive of a country setting, "There were the dark, waving plumes of the American ivy, the red cornucopias of the trumpet-creeper, morning-glories with great white blossoms, the passion-flower trailing its mysterious purple emblems through the mud beneath the oxen's feet,-all creeping or turning in some way toward the river." (p.254).
In no way shape or form is Davis reminding people to embrace the memories of Uncle Tom's Cabin. American's loathed the South after reading this book. She is saying, now, after a great war, embrace the idea of a united America. Forget the stererotypes and explore. Remember your history and learn from it.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Ragged Dick Prompt
It isn't hard to distinguish characteristics that are opposite between boys and girls. Girls are sugar and spice and everything nice; boys are snakes and snails and puppy-dog tails! We are raised differently. Little girls play with dolls and practice the entrance to their wedding with their best friends; little boys play war and tackle each other. We have expectations from our parents that are different. I was expected to get good grades in school, while my brother was expected to excel in sports.
We can also see these gender seperations in 19th century literature. Ragged Dick is street smart and has a thourogh knowledge of historical landmarks and figures, "At Eight Street Dick turned to the right, and pointed out the Clinton Hall Building now occupied by the Mercantile Library, comprising at that time over fifty thousand volumes." (p. 56). Never before this text have we encountered a character who references important events, places, or people. Ragged Dick wears George Washington's coat and Napoleon's pants. Knowing who these people are tells the readers that boys are expected to be worldly and intelligent.
Excluding Capitola, our characters have been dependant on others for survival. Dick is independant in everyway. He is also hard working and honest which are qualities we want boys to have. These attributes will translate into well-rounded, able bodied men.
Dick- "Made it by shines, in course. My guardian don't allow me no money for theatres, sp I have to earn it."
Porter- "Some boys get it easier than that," said the porter significantly
Dick- " You don't catch me stealin', if that's what you mean," said Dick (p. 10)
These representations of boys have followed into the 21st century. Qualities little boys were required to have, seem to be about the same as today. On the other hand, girls have come a long way. We don't have to be housewives anymore. We can have jobs and earn our own money. Our ultimate goal is no longer marriage; but 21st century men seem to possess the same desires as 19th century men. Their pursuit in life is to be a good provider....but, more involved in family affairs.
We can also see these gender seperations in 19th century literature. Ragged Dick is street smart and has a thourogh knowledge of historical landmarks and figures, "At Eight Street Dick turned to the right, and pointed out the Clinton Hall Building now occupied by the Mercantile Library, comprising at that time over fifty thousand volumes." (p. 56). Never before this text have we encountered a character who references important events, places, or people. Ragged Dick wears George Washington's coat and Napoleon's pants. Knowing who these people are tells the readers that boys are expected to be worldly and intelligent.
Excluding Capitola, our characters have been dependant on others for survival. Dick is independant in everyway. He is also hard working and honest which are qualities we want boys to have. These attributes will translate into well-rounded, able bodied men.
Dick- "Made it by shines, in course. My guardian don't allow me no money for theatres, sp I have to earn it."
Porter- "Some boys get it easier than that," said the porter significantly
Dick- " You don't catch me stealin', if that's what you mean," said Dick (p. 10)
These representations of boys have followed into the 21st century. Qualities little boys were required to have, seem to be about the same as today. On the other hand, girls have come a long way. We don't have to be housewives anymore. We can have jobs and earn our own money. Our ultimate goal is no longer marriage; but 21st century men seem to possess the same desires as 19th century men. Their pursuit in life is to be a good provider....but, more involved in family affairs.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
A Whisper in the Dark Prompt
While reading the second half of the text, my feelings toward Sybil changed. I began to feel sorry for her where before I questioned her integrity. However, I do have to admit, during the first half I was kind of like, "Right on sista. Sock it to em like they do us." I sort of appreciated her feminine powers. I understand that during the 19th century women may have used sensuous games to get what they wanted...some of us still do it now; though at times she was a bit over the top, '"Won't you say yes now, Uncle?" And pleased with the daring of the thing, I put my arm about his neck, kissed him daintly, and perched myself upon his knee with most audacious ease.'" (p. 218).
Also, during the first half of the reading, Sybil comes across as spoiled. She usually gets what she wants, without hesitation from others, "Please tell me, for I've had my own way all my life, and can't bear to be crossed." (p.218).
I was confused as to what was appropriate between the characters, for they were "relatives" and what was not. Our conversation in class about applying aspects of marriage into relationships among relatives completely through me off; but, I knew right away the relationship between Uncle and Sybil was not right.
Upon entering the insane asylum, I was completely thrown off guard. To think you can acctually make someone become insane is scary, "...Dr. Karnac was an unscrupulous ally, for love of gain was as strong as love of science; both were amply gratified, and I, poor victim, was given up to be experimented upon, till by subtle means I was driven to the insanity which would give my uncle full control of my fortune and my fate." (p.246).
We learned in class that the message of this narrative was to scare women into not having sex until they were married. I would think Alcott accomplished her mission. A rich, beautiful, 17 yr old girl ,with no parents, in the hands of a greedy man who claims to be her uncle and flirts with him to get her way; only to wind up in love with her "first cousin" and end up in an insane asylum...I'd be scared into celibacy to...probably even after marriage! If anyone disliked her before this, they certainly felt sorry for her afterwards. She was put through a tremendous ordeal all in the name of greed and obsession, "With trembling hands I dressed, stopping suddenly with a cry; for lifting my hands to my head, I discovered that my hair, my beautiful, abundant hair, was gone!" (p.237).
We learned that mothers, during the 19th century, had a major role in the lives of their children. Mothers taught their little girls all the essentials for becoming a lady. They were the most influential person in the child's life. Sybil, was lacking in this department. Not having a mother may have caused her unruley behavior. Telling her that flirting with a 45 yr old man, who is her uncle, is inappropriate would have had a significant impact on her character. But, surprisingly, Sybil's mother does come into the picture. Come to find out, the person making the noise in the upper room is her mother; really didn't surprise me. Somehow, merachoulously, they always show up....they meaning the people who are suppose to be out of the picture...SURPRISE! Sybil's mother gave her the strength to escape, "...yet hope to breathe a word into your sleepless ear that shall send you back into the world the happy thing you should be. Child! Woman! Whatever you are, leave this accursed house while you have power to do it." (p.244).
Also, during the first half of the reading, Sybil comes across as spoiled. She usually gets what she wants, without hesitation from others, "Please tell me, for I've had my own way all my life, and can't bear to be crossed." (p.218).
I was confused as to what was appropriate between the characters, for they were "relatives" and what was not. Our conversation in class about applying aspects of marriage into relationships among relatives completely through me off; but, I knew right away the relationship between Uncle and Sybil was not right.
Upon entering the insane asylum, I was completely thrown off guard. To think you can acctually make someone become insane is scary, "...Dr. Karnac was an unscrupulous ally, for love of gain was as strong as love of science; both were amply gratified, and I, poor victim, was given up to be experimented upon, till by subtle means I was driven to the insanity which would give my uncle full control of my fortune and my fate." (p.246).
We learned in class that the message of this narrative was to scare women into not having sex until they were married. I would think Alcott accomplished her mission. A rich, beautiful, 17 yr old girl ,with no parents, in the hands of a greedy man who claims to be her uncle and flirts with him to get her way; only to wind up in love with her "first cousin" and end up in an insane asylum...I'd be scared into celibacy to...probably even after marriage! If anyone disliked her before this, they certainly felt sorry for her afterwards. She was put through a tremendous ordeal all in the name of greed and obsession, "With trembling hands I dressed, stopping suddenly with a cry; for lifting my hands to my head, I discovered that my hair, my beautiful, abundant hair, was gone!" (p.237).
We learned that mothers, during the 19th century, had a major role in the lives of their children. Mothers taught their little girls all the essentials for becoming a lady. They were the most influential person in the child's life. Sybil, was lacking in this department. Not having a mother may have caused her unruley behavior. Telling her that flirting with a 45 yr old man, who is her uncle, is inappropriate would have had a significant impact on her character. But, surprisingly, Sybil's mother does come into the picture. Come to find out, the person making the noise in the upper room is her mother; really didn't surprise me. Somehow, merachoulously, they always show up....they meaning the people who are suppose to be out of the picture...SURPRISE! Sybil's mother gave her the strength to escape, "...yet hope to breathe a word into your sleepless ear that shall send you back into the world the happy thing you should be. Child! Woman! Whatever you are, leave this accursed house while you have power to do it." (p.244).
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Hidden Hand Prompt
Okay....so am I the only one who thinks Capitola and Herbert are going to shag? "Herbert Greyson sprang to assist her' but before he reached the spot Cap had pocked herself up, straightened her disordered dress, and now she ran to meet and shake hands with him. There was such a sparkle of joy and glow of affection in the meeting between these two that Old Hurrican, who saw it, suddenly hushed his laugh and grunted to himself." (p.208). It seems so obvious; he taught her to read and right, she grew up so fast on the streets of New York and when she introduced him to Old Hurrican, she was flurting with him. I like the match, but only if they wait a few years...till she's of age!
Also, I want to address the ridiculous notion that Cap was arrested for wearing boys clothing. I understand the idea that gender roles are inherently important to people of the 19th century...but come on! Were they for real? Did people really get arrested for cross dressing? Now-a-days we call it entertainment...trannie shows are awesome!
"What is the matter here?"
"Nothing, your honor, 'cept a boy tuk up for wearing girl's clother, or a girl tuk up for wearing boy's, I dunno which," said the man touching his hat." (p.179)
Oh, then to top it off, Cap may be the rightfull owner of the estate. Remember when Mrs. Condiment...that crakcks me up...Mrs. Condiment...I mean, what, is she wearing a ketchup colored dress...anyhow--remember when she was telling Cap about the Indians and the man, old Henri Le Noir, who killed them. Sounds like that may be Cap's great-grandfather or something.
And on a more serious not...you know how we learned that fathers in these narratives were ment to be absent and provide the means for mothers to teach the children their ways in the world? Well, somehow I believe the authors of the last three novels have though differently. They give us fathers that are not involved and replace them with other men who take on their roles. In a way, they are telling us that a male role model is important and the absence of fathers is not really ok, just tolerated.
Also, I want to address the ridiculous notion that Cap was arrested for wearing boys clothing. I understand the idea that gender roles are inherently important to people of the 19th century...but come on! Were they for real? Did people really get arrested for cross dressing? Now-a-days we call it entertainment...trannie shows are awesome!
"What is the matter here?"
"Nothing, your honor, 'cept a boy tuk up for wearing girl's clother, or a girl tuk up for wearing boy's, I dunno which," said the man touching his hat." (p.179)
Oh, then to top it off, Cap may be the rightfull owner of the estate. Remember when Mrs. Condiment...that crakcks me up...Mrs. Condiment...I mean, what, is she wearing a ketchup colored dress...anyhow--remember when she was telling Cap about the Indians and the man, old Henri Le Noir, who killed them. Sounds like that may be Cap's great-grandfather or something.
And on a more serious not...you know how we learned that fathers in these narratives were ment to be absent and provide the means for mothers to teach the children their ways in the world? Well, somehow I believe the authors of the last three novels have though differently. They give us fathers that are not involved and replace them with other men who take on their roles. In a way, they are telling us that a male role model is important and the absence of fathers is not really ok, just tolerated.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Lamplighter Prompt
To be completely honest, the only connection that I could find among the three girls was the little girl in the video, Anna, seemed indecisive and eager to please like Ellen. Ellen was always trying to please her mother and in doing so, changing her mind constinetely when her opinion differed from her mothers...
" A most beautiful page, indeed; is this your choice Ellen?"
"well, mamma, I don't know; what do you think?"
"I think it is rather inconveniently large and heavy for everyday use. It is quite a weight upon my lap. I shouldn't like to carry it in my hands long. You would want a little table on purpose to hold it."
"Well, that wouldn't do at all," said Ellen, laughing. "I believe you are right, mamma..."
Now if it were Gerty on the show, I think the outcome may have been equal. Both girls aim to please. Neither seems clear about their choices. When asked if she likes the 3rd grade Anna says, "It's not really too hard, but it's not too easy." It's almost as if she wants to stay neutral because she may be afraid of what the adults may think of her answer.
Gerty is the same way. She instictively wants to please True as if it were wired into her little adolescent brain, "O, I wish I could do something for Uncle True!" (p. 31). Again, later in the text, Gerty tries to make True happy by preparing toast. But, in this instance, she forgets about the toast and it burns, "The tears came into Gerty's eyes;- she looked very much disappointed, but said nothing." She wanted so desperately to do something for nice for True--even something as simple as making toast.
I don't feel Gerty is so different from Anna. I think she would have been shy and reserved just as Anna. Most children that age are reserved; testing the waters if you will. Of course Gerty may have shown a bit of a temper if you mention Nan Grant or her kitten. But, other then that, I don't see her as much different from children now. In fact, I'm glad she's fisty. It makes her believable; not make up like Ellen. There are no children now-a-days like Ellen.
" A most beautiful page, indeed; is this your choice Ellen?"
"well, mamma, I don't know; what do you think?"
"I think it is rather inconveniently large and heavy for everyday use. It is quite a weight upon my lap. I shouldn't like to carry it in my hands long. You would want a little table on purpose to hold it."
"Well, that wouldn't do at all," said Ellen, laughing. "I believe you are right, mamma..."
Now if it were Gerty on the show, I think the outcome may have been equal. Both girls aim to please. Neither seems clear about their choices. When asked if she likes the 3rd grade Anna says, "It's not really too hard, but it's not too easy." It's almost as if she wants to stay neutral because she may be afraid of what the adults may think of her answer.
Gerty is the same way. She instictively wants to please True as if it were wired into her little adolescent brain, "O, I wish I could do something for Uncle True!" (p. 31). Again, later in the text, Gerty tries to make True happy by preparing toast. But, in this instance, she forgets about the toast and it burns, "The tears came into Gerty's eyes;- she looked very much disappointed, but said nothing." She wanted so desperately to do something for nice for True--even something as simple as making toast.
I don't feel Gerty is so different from Anna. I think she would have been shy and reserved just as Anna. Most children that age are reserved; testing the waters if you will. Of course Gerty may have shown a bit of a temper if you mention Nan Grant or her kitten. But, other then that, I don't see her as much different from children now. In fact, I'm glad she's fisty. It makes her believable; not make up like Ellen. There are no children now-a-days like Ellen.
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