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.

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.

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).