Melissa McMahon

March 19 2009

Journal on Dickinson- late

English 48 B

"I died for beauty- but was scarce

Adjusted in the tomb

When One who died for Truth was lain

In an adjoining Room-" (86)

It's amazing to me the way Dickinson captures her ideas, fears, and thoughts on mortality in her poetry- she makes something that is usually seen as morbid into art- she captures the subtle beauty behind a life lived and lost- and the images she conveys with this particular poem, "Until the moss had reached our lips- And covered up-Our names-" (86) We not only see but feel what Dickinson is trying to say- and it makes us quietly respect our own lives while pondering our mortality. Dickinson knew that life was a gift, but a fleeting one. Her obsessions with existence and its eventual ceasing prompted many of her best poems. It was a domain not many women had passed through, and Dickinson did so with grace, truthfulness, and honesty.

An online biography has a quote saying: "David Porter argues that her central theme is the striving for an end: That theme is not the abstraction death or immortality or love or fame, but rather the act of the mind in quest of all of these. For emotional longing, the ideal is love. For the poetic fancy, the ideal is literary achievement. For the spirit's aspiration, the ideal is immortality" This supports Dickinson's many poems about an "ending" of sorts- in love, in nature, but most importantly- in life. Dickinson may be using life as a metaphor- as a symbol that all things end, and she goes on to explore that with her writing. No doubt Dickinson was fascinated with the "ending" or "finality" of things...she had endings swirl all around her...lives, loves, homes, etc. Dickinson was almost protecting herself in a way- and by shutting herself up in her room, she was free to fully examine the beginning, and ending, of things.

I don't think Dickinson was very good with change, and I think, (as a good writer) she explored her weaknesses and fears, thus bringing life to some of the best literature out there. She was not afraid to pass over the areas she was frightened of. Most people would look the other way or fool themselves with happy little poems...Dickinson did exactly the opposite. Knowing that she feared death, loss, and change- she looked deeper in to it- and she knew she had done something remarkable by doing so. Her poetry was left for us to find, almost like a treasure map or a guide to help us all along. She knew the answers- she had explored them ahead of us, and was leaving her knowledge out there for our later use.

I think she knew that she would leave behind a legacy that will never fade. Her poetry was just courageous, just brilliant, just shocking enough that there was no way her words would stand to be silenced. It's almost as if she passed to the other side, and smiling down upon us discreetly, waited to see what we would do with her gift- her life.

The (mad woman?) In the Attic

Melissa McMahon

English 48 B

March 18 2009

"I'm "wife"-I've finished that-

That other state-

I'm Czar-I'm "Woman" now-

It's safer so." (81)

A woman, a myth, a legacy, a writer, a lover, an artist. Who was Emily Dickinson? Was she crazy and self confined-shutting herself out from a world she already felt absent from? Was grief the reason for the shroud placed around her? How could she give the world so much in the form of literature- but passed through her lifetime as a mystery? No matter the amount of questions that surround Dickinson, one cannot deny the pain, life, and spirit that she poured into her words. Even if she was not well known in life, she is well loved much after.

Early on in her life after witnessing the deaths of many of her friends, "she revealed to her friend Abiah Root the extent of her depression: "... some of my friends are gone, and some of my friends are sleeping – sleeping the churchyard sleep – the hour of evening is sad –" (Wikipedia) There is no doubt that these many losses shaped Dickinson's intrigue with the issue of mortality. As she sat at her window and watched countless funerals, something was growing inside of Dickinson, and she used it to write some of her many astounding poems. In that time, writing was considered a weakness, especially for women. It was not a women's place to write- it was a women's place to sew, have children, cook, and be pretty. Emily wanted none of these things, as so, shutting herself away she began to create a world for herself in the solace of her four walls- a world where no one could judge her and she was left to express herself freely.

I think it is safe to say that she was depressed- the power behind her poems speaks to her frustration with her position in life and all the loss she had seen. "I', "Wife"! Stop there!" (81) Emily wanted to be so much more that just a "wife", and when she implores her readers to "stop there!" she is showing how limiting and final a "wife" title was. No doubt her opinions were backed up as she watched the 'happy' marriage of her brother, Austin, to Susan Gilbert fade away as he pursued his affairs...Emily knew that a role of a wife was not enough and not as safe as she was taught to believe. Establishing her identity as a writer, Emily lived a daring lifestyle- even if it was only between her 4 personal walls.

I Am...

Melissa McMahon

March 12 2009

English 48 B

Journal on late Whitman

"I am the poet of the Body and I am the poet of the Soul, The pleasures of heaven are with me and the pains of hell are with me,...I am he that walks the tender and growling night. I call to the earth and sea half-held by night." (44-45)

While Whitman's poems were indeed stepped in sexuality, one influence of his that cannot be ignored is the very strong biblical presence in much of his material. When he capitalizes certain words, "the Body,...the poet of Soul," it brings to mind the 'mind, body, and soul' description of the 'father, son, and holy ghost.' By calling attention to these key words, Whitman is using symbolism from the bible to describe the love he is feeling when he is writing this poem. God is love, essentially, and Whitman embraces the idea of God in a very modern way- as an entity who loves and adores his "children," not one who is carrying a big stick and looking to punish us for our sins. The overwhelmingly fluid and lovely prose Whitman uses shows that above all else, he was a man of acceptance and joy- a man who delights in all aspects of the senses- and who finds all things, (sexual and non sexual) to be gifts to be savored and enjoyed.

With the section on the "29th bather," Whitman seems to be writing this from a sexual point of view. However, if you look closer, you see that it could be interpreted as a love song from God to his children- the ones he watches over with love and admiration. Sparknotes comments on this section, saying: "The lavish eroticism of this section reinforces this idea: sexual contact allows two people to become one yet not one--it offers a moment of transcendence." Transcendence is a very spiritual thing- and Whitman shows that sometimes the line between spirituality and sexuality can sometimes be blurred. Whitman was incredibly adept at showing many different interpretations on subjects that, during his time, were never questioned. One would never speak about sexuality being compared to anything in the spiritual sense...it simply was not done. Whitman broke down barriers with his poetic, free, language, and because of him, we see things we might not have seen for ourselves.

As a sort of tour guide through the sense, Whitman has us feel, taste, smell, and hear his poetry with a renewed appreciation. Going beyond the normal walls of literature, his work is ultimately an..experience. One that cannot be forgotten, and one that is renewed each and every time we join in on his "Song Of Myself."

Simply Whitman

Melissa McMahon

March 10 2009

Journal on Early Whitman

English 48 B

"My great thoughts as I supposed them, were they not in reality meagre? Nor is it you alone who know what it is to be evil, I am he who know what it is to be evil, I too knitted the old knot of contrariety." (23)

Whitman's hauntingly lyrical "Crossing Brooklyn Ferry" offers a humbling view on mortality and leaves us with the realization that we are not as unique as we sometimes believe. With simple words Whitman reminds us that he walked the same streets, he thought the same things, he dealt with 'anger,' 'lust', 'meanness', and 'laziness.' These downfalls of our flesh are not unique to our own walk through life. Whitman makes us understand that whatever fight we are fighting, whatever moments of darkness we pass through or bouts of joy we experience- we are not alone. Someone before us, (and after us) will experience those very same things.

Sparknotes.com calls "Crossing Brooklyn Ferry" a way for Whitman to reach through time and explore the common relationship man share that goes beyond time and space. They also say that: "Whitman wonders what he means (not as a poet but as another anonymous individual) to the crowds of strangers he sees every day. He assumes that they see the same things he does, and that they react in the same way, and that this brings them together in a very real sense." While I believe this is true, I also think Whitman wrote this as a way to shake us and declare that our lives are short and petty trials and tribulations are insignificant when viewed with a broader lens. Whitman was always looking through that lens- he slowed time with his words, he embraced eternity with his thoughts, and he never thought of himself as immortal- he recognized the beauty and frailty of life and educated those around him about it.

One thing about Whitman that makes him stand out from the rest of the authors we have read in this class is the very real and tangible passion he exudes with every written word. Reading his prose is indeed like listening to an opera...you feast upon his descriptions the way you take in the beauty of the stage- and when his words reach that swelling crescendo, you're filled with so many emotions that your body seems to take over and your heart is left throbbing in your chest.

There were two times I felt out of breath from the force behind Whitman's words...and as I read the sections over and over again- they seemed to take on an incredible significance that was if it was written for me alone. This was the beauty of Whitman- his ability to reach you where you stand-stretch his fingers out- and touch you in a place you yourself have forgotten.

Her Final Awakening

Melissa McMahon

English 48 B

Journal on late Chopin

"She remembered the night she swam far out, and recalled the terror that seized her at the fear of being unable to regain the shore. She did not look back now, but went on and on, thinking of the bluegrass meadow that she had traversed when a little child, believing that it had no beginning and no end." (625)

Chopin's Edna lets go in the end of "The Awakening," and as she sheds her clothes, she sheds her life as well, swimming towards the ocean, never looking behind, until it becomes too late, and she is gone. Was it suicide? Was this intentional? One wonders as they watch Edna give herself willingly to the waves, weighted down with her emotions and her many disappointments with life. I'd like to argue that Edna did this quite unthinkingly. When she shed her clothes and stepped into the water, she wasn't thinking that these were her last few moments alive. Instead, as she realizes that her strength is gone and she has no hope of turning back, she lets go- stops the every day fight, stops the thinking, the actions- and just...is.

Of course she realizes she is dying. Like in the "Owl Creek" story by Bierce, all of Edna's senses become quite acute as she exists in her final moments. She smells "musty pinks," and hears the sound of an old dog's chain on shore, clanking away. Her thoughts drift to her children, to Robert, to her life....and with her last final breaths she experiences her true "Awakening." In this moment, she chooses her path, her destiny, and she abandons all ideas and expectations of what is "right." Edna embraces herself, she claims herself, and then, just as beautifully, gives herself away.

Wikipedia examines these last moments with this quote: "Unable to resist the lure of the water, she strips nude and swims out as far as she can and, having exhausted herself, it seems, drowns. Most readers interpret this final passage as suicide - the final shedding of constraints foisted upon her by society." While I may not agree, I can see why one would think this way. This is why Chopin was a genius- she paints a story and urges us to be its interpreters. She never spells anything out for us, or holds our hand as we muddle our way through- instead, she allows us to hold up the microscope and pull what we can from her words. It makes her work an experience to be remembered...and enjoyed over and over again.

Awaken

Melissa McMahon

March 4 2009

Journal on Early Chopin

"I would give up the unessential; I would give up my money, I would give my life for my children; but I wouldn't give myself. I can't make it more clear; it's only something which I am beginning to comprehend, which is revealing itself to me." (571)

With these words from Edna Pontellier to her friend, Adele Ratignolle, we see the beginning transformation of Edna and her subtle realization that she is beginning to think, feel, and cherish herself. (Which was quite shocking for her time.) Shirking away from the "Ratignolle" way of life, Edna bucks the system- stands up to her husband, and does as she pleases. As she falls in love with Robert, her trusted companion, it is almost as if Robert represents freedom- and that is the very thing Edna craves and seeks ravenously.

As I did research on Chopin, I found her to be very much like the character of Edna- strong, opinionated, and yearning to break from her mold. With Chopin's short story, "The Storm," she writes in passionate detail about the affair between Calixta and Alcee, never mincing her words. She describes the act beautifully, but shockingly, (for the time) in depth. That level of description is absent from "The Awakening," even though Edna succumbs to an affair much like Calixta. The reason was because Chopin never tried to have "The Storm" published, only after her death did it see the light of day. Chopin felt limited like Edna- she wrote what was on her mind, but she did have to censor herself to make sure it was published and she could support her family. In truth, I find "The Storm," to be one of her better pieces- and for the very reason it was shunned- because it was unbridled. It was gorgeously free.

Chopin leads us on a path to discovery on the heels of her character Edna. We feel the very things that Edna struggles over, and we encourage her to find herself in the midst of her stifling circumstances. Madame Ratignolle was right when she told Robert that Edna was not "one of them," she wasn't- and that was what made her beautifully flawed and real. Many more woman nowadays can relate to the character of Edna- striving to find an identity outside of their families, housework, and roles. It amazes me how modern Chopin's ideas were- her work can be read and compared to our life now, just as much as it could back then. The issues never change- and I think she knew that. I think Chopin realized that as long as there were humans walking the earth, there would be humans looking for inner freedom, hoping to be awakened.

A biography on Kate Chopin states that: "Artists like Kate Chopin see the truth and help others to see it. Once people are able to recognize the truth, then they can create social reform movements and set out to correct wrongs and injustices." Her message is legendary, and her words transcend time. She was truly a gifted writer, woman, and fighter...one's whose voice wakes us up- and makes us see.

Who Was He?

Melissa McMahon

February 26 2009

Journal on Late Twain

"It was believed afterward that the man was a lunatic, because there was no sense in what he said." (324)

This ending line taken from Twain's "The War Prayer," seems like a line that Twain himself must have heard from time to time. Lunatic. Radical. Atheist. All true? Or was he merely an artist misunderstood and dedicated to speaking the truth? He was controversial, for sure, but some of his best works were banned by the very people who probably read them under the covers at night, in awe over Twain's frank manner. No matter what title was put upon his head, no one can come close to understanding and labeling the man who gave us so much to chew over in his lifetime. His characters are richer than most give them credit for- and they all challenge they way we think about things- the way we see the world. Twain was never afraid to put that in our face, and I think he must have liked making people squirm just a bit...it catered to his playful side.

Was Twain an atheist? I think not. In fact, Twain was one of the most "christian" authors there ever was. He lived his life under his own brand of religion- not the half assed-Sunday christian that seems so popular in any house of organized religion. Twain actually emulated Christ in his search for equality- and in his courage to stand up for what he believed in without backing down. Stones were thrown for sure, but Twain rarely wavered. He continued to submit material that was shunned, balked at, turned away...but he kept on writing. When it was the most un-popular thing to do, Twain did it. And it usually was the right thing to do. The stance he took on slavery was incredible- and so ahead of his time. Twain never let people tell him what to think or what to believe in. He believed in himself, and it carried him far.

A biography online about Mark Twain said this: "Twain was born and died in years in which Halley's Comet passed by Earth: 1835 and 1910."-Isn't that amazing?...and so symbolic of the man he was. Mysterious, full of light and wonder, and the streak across our grand universe...his colors still lighting up the sky long after he has passed.

No matter who we think Mark Twain was, we can be assured that he was a loving father, devoted husband, and gifted writer. The truest of artists there ever was...he lives on...and on...and on.

Right and Wrong.

Melissa McMahon

February 25 2009

Journal on Early Twain

"I was trembling because I'd got to decide, forever, betwixt two things, and I knowed it. I studied a minute, sort of holding my breath, and then says to myself: "All right, then. I'll go to hell." (246)

This particularly poignant scene in Twain's "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," is rich in meanings and symbolism. Twain is very much like his beloved character of Huck Finn, a sort of lovable scoundrel that isn't afraid to do things in a different way that most. Twain took so many chances throughout his life and with his career- and his very engaging sense of humor and his quiet inner turmoils reflect Huck completely. Huck's wrestling with 'right and wrong,' mirrors how Mark Twain had to wrestle with the choice of writing what he was told to write- and writing what he felt he needed to write. While the first path might have made an easier way for him, Twain stuck to his guns and, much like the beloved Huck Finn, never backed down. Twain's fiery spirit was the soul in his books- and his determined and playful personality came through in everything he wrote.

Wikipedia writes: "The main premise behind Huckleberry Finn is the young boy's belief in the right thing to do even though the majority of society believes that it was wrong." How often did Twain come against the very same obstacle? His writings were turned away, papers denied him, and his books were banned from schools and libraries. Although he suffered moments of darkness, he pressed on despite how 'society' urged him otherwise. His vision paid off- I remember reading Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn as a girl- and then wildly running through our back woods pretending to be them. Twain gives his readers that incredible sense of freedom- he supplies us with the knowledge that confines and rules don't need to apply to everyone. While I eventually put my clothes back on and returned to society- I still have my Huck Finn moments...and for that I'm proud. If for a mere instant I can emulate the strength and spirit Twain and his characters emulate- I'm living a life worth living. Twain leaves us with life lessons, but most importantly, he leaves us with his humor that remained no matter what he faced in his life. As he famously once said: "Humor is the great thing, the saving thing. The minute it crops up, all our irritations and resentments slip away and a sunny spirit takes their place. "
Mark Twain

The Other, Other, Man.

Melissa McMahon

February 19 2009

Journal on Wharton

"She dropped into her low chair by the tea table, and the two visitors, as if drawn by her smile, advanced to receive the cups she held out. She glanced around for Waythorn, and he took the third cup with a laugh."

Wharton ends her story, "The Other Two" with this poignant scene that leaves poor, befuddled Mr. Waythorn with the realization that not only is her the "other man," he is actually the "other, other man." His wife, married 3 times, seems to try to charm any and everyone she comes in contact with- and her flirtatious and overly friendly personality leave her new husband with a bad taste in his mouth- and it has nothing to do with the tea. In this scene, Waythorn is seeing his wife for who she really is- and he laughs out loud of the total absurdity of it all- and maybe because a slight feeling of insecurity.

Mrs. Waythorn reminds me of a Beverly Hills "housewife," a good looking- perfumed trophy who can charm anything around her at the drop of a hat. As long as she remains on the outside devoted to her husband, it doesn't matter her feelings on the inside- for others, for him, for herself. I suspect Mrs. Waythorn thrives on the thrill of attention from men- that excitement that comes from being needed, noticed, loved. She ours herself into her 'wifely duties,' by preparing their coffee, taking tea with them in the afternoons, and appearing to be a perfectly rose tinted vision for their evening meals. The problem, however, is that it is a role she has played many times, and sometimes she forgets who she is playing the role for. Mr. Waythorn at first felt awed and possessive of her, and of her beauty. When he realizes that she may not be the perfect trophy that he thought she was- his world becomes shaken, and he understands his 'position' in her life.

Wharton does so much with this piece without ever really plumping up the dialogue at all. All of the undercurrents of emotions are suggested, never spoken aloud. A hint of a blush suggests shame, a turned back represents his displeasure...and underneath all of these physical movements burns the very real core of the story. A story of facades and betrayal.

Wikipedia describes Wharton's writing style of her novels as:

"Many of Wharton's novels are characterized by a subtle use of dramatic irony. Having grown up in upper-class pre-World War I society, Wharton became one of its most astute critics. In such works as The House of Mirth and The Age of Innocence she employed both humor and profound empathy to describe the lives of New York's upper-class and the vanishing of their world in the early years of the 20th century"

Wharton's use of dramatic irony richly outlines her stories. It also supplies a needed kick of humor. With Wharton's characters, the readers are left wondering if they will ever 'do' anything about their love lives or affairs. It seems as though entire pages pass with a molten inside while dainty words pepper the outside. Wharton's use of this tactic makes her works incredibly enjoyable- and her timeless storytelling ability continues to be a much loved addition to American Literature.

Frail Daisy

Melissa McMahon

Journal on James

February 19 2009

"At last he said, "She was the most beautiful young lady I ever saw; and the most amiable." And then he added in a moment, "And she was the most innocent."

This comment made by Daisy's lover Giovanelli- sums up what is thought of Daisy in a hauntingly simple way. It ties the story together- and we realize that Daisy was perhaps the innocent child that she sometimes appeared to be- and not the seductress that was often thought of her. James' ability to paint the character of Daisy with so many shades lends a powerful tone to the story- we realize that what you see may not be what you get...and Daisy is no exception.

Wikipedia talks about a theme in "Daisy Miller," saying: "The names of the characters are also symbolic. Daisy is a flower in full bloom, without inhibitions and in the springtime of her life. Daisy contrasts sharply with Winterbourne, who is more ambivalent and unwilling to commit to any relationship. Flowers die in winter and this is precisely what happens to Daisy, after catching the Roman Fever or, to put it more bluntly, the attention of foreign men." It seems to prove that perhaps Daisy did indeed love Winterbourne- but his quiet reluctance to commit or see her beyond her exterior "chilled" the passion she felt for him. I never thought of the symbolism of the names before I read the wikipedia entry- but now it seems to make perfect sense- even in the description of the characters. Daisy is bright, youthful, beautiful and fragile. Winterbourne is calculated, sometimes cold, and brisk. I tended to side with Daisy throughout the story- never really seeing her as the "young American flirt" that Winterbourne would constantly label her as. She did seem very young, to be sure, but her flirtations seemed that of someone who desperately needed attention and discovered that her youth and vitality were the key ingredients needed to gather that. I felt as though Winterbourne was the "bad guy," the gardener wanting to clip the fair daisy much to early.

James' subtle themes and dialogue's don't take away from the story in the least. Instead, the reader is left searching and feeling all of the raw emotion that lays hidden under the surface. His ability to stay true to his characters, and leave you wondering with whom you should side is a remarkable talent. James reels you in, gives you Daisy, and then swiftly takes her away.

What Crane Could Sea

Melissa McMahon

Journal on Crane's "Open Boat"

February 12, 2009

"When it came night, the white waves paced to and fro in the moonlight, and the wind brought the sound of the great sea's voice to the men on the shore, and they felt they could then be interpreters." (1016)

This line, which concludes Crane's "The Open Boat," sums up perfectly the feelings that were no doubt coursing through the survivor's mind. Feelings of relief, loss, sadness, and a greater understanding of the frailty of human life and the vastness we simple little beings exist in. Crane's idea that the men could now interpret the ocean's voice is a stunning addition to the story. You almost feel the heaviness in the men's hearts as they gaze out over the sea they now know all too well. It was where they almost lost their lives, where Billie died, and where they came to terms with their mortality.

Crane has always been gifted with his words. In his Civil War short story, he wrote: "As he gazed around him the youth felt a flash of astonishment at the blue, pure sky and the sun gleamings on the trees and fields. It was surprising that Nature had gone tranquilly on with her golden process in the midst of so much devilment." --(from Ch. 5, The Red Badge of Courage) Crane seems to often use descriptions of the sky, or the heavens, as an almost metaphor for mortality. In both stories, men come face to face with their own deaths, and Crane illustrates the emotions that would follow that with keen skill. His use of color and of nature richly tie his stories together- and he leaves the reader with hefty themes and ideas to ponder over.

Although Crane did not live through the Civil war, he did experience a shipwreck much like the one he writes about in "Open Boat." It seems a bit odd that he makes himself a character in the story- one wonders why he wouldn't assume the role of a narrator himself. I think that Crane's experience was terrifyingly poignant for him- and in order for him to share the story with others, he felt it necessary to take a step back or two and tell it from a distance. While we will never know Crane's true intentions with this story, it remains one of his most talked about and studied pieces today. Whether its the Civil War, a prostitute on the streets, or a boat full of men just fighting for their lives- Crane is equally present in his very large way. His vision was legendary, and his soul lives on.

The Flower

Melissa McMahon

Journal on Crane's "Maggie"

February 11, 2009

"The babe, Tommie, died. He went away in a white, insignificant coffin, his small waxen hand clutching a flower that the girl, Maggie, had stolen from an Italian. She and Jimmie lived."

Crane captures his reader with these visuals: a waxen hand clutching a flower, the enormity of abuse finally claiming his young life- and the children left behind…Maggie and Jimmie- both of whom will succumb to the horror of their situation- and lose their lives much in the way their younger brother lost his.

There is so much in this scene. The flower- a symbol of purity and of life, clutched in the hands of a dead child. Then there is the sentence that informs the reader that “She and Jimmie lived.”-as if reminding us that they did not escape, and we are left to wonder if they are the lucky ones, or if the child, Jimmie, is the one who is lucky. Crane paints his tale in horrific colors- never shying away from the truth behind the immigrant’s lives during that time. The abuse of alcohol, the generational continuance of abuse and destruction, and the struggle for one “flower”, Maggie- to survive these circumstances. We soon come to understand that it’s impossible for Maggie to shed this life for a better one- her roots are so stained and soiled- she literally has no options. Her decision to prostitute was made out of necessity. Maggie literally had no where to go.

Crane provides a richly accurate portrayal of those times, and in doing so, he gives outsiders a glimpse into a situation so dire, it would be a miracle to escape. “In 1896, Crane endured a highly publicized scandal after acting as a witness for a suspected prostitute.”-(Wikipedia) It is thought that during this “scandal” Crane wrote his story, “Maggie,” as an ode of sorts- an explanation of the awfulness of postitution and how it’s not always the way of the ‘wicked.’ He recognized the fraility of humanity and of circumstance, and he took it upon himself to educate the others around him. While the story ends tragically for the characters, it haunts the reader long after it has been set down. The remarkable vividness of Crane’s work is unparalleled. He was truly talanted beyond his years.

No matter what has been thought about Crane, it cannot be denied that he was one of the most courages writers ever. He went against the grain and wrote of the things most don’t want to acknowledge…and doing so, provides us with a richly told tale of survival and the grittiness of life.

The Californios

Melissa McMahon

February 3 2009

Journal on Maria Amparo Ruiz De Burton

"The one great principle of American law is very much the same; our lawgivers keep giving us laws and then enacting others to explain them. The lawyers find plenty of occupation, but what becomes of the laity?"

Maria Amparo Ruiz De Burton was very political and influential during her time. She maintained very strong views about the displacement of the "Californios"- native born Californians of Spanish descent. Although she wrote about her passions through such stories like "The Squatter and the Don," her writing still reflects racial stereotypes that were common for her time.

Burton's "The Squatter and the Don," is the story about different racial groups under attack by a greedy, white capitalist society. Burton captures the vulnerability behind the groups in this story- and although it is a love story between Mercedes and Clarence,- it ends sadly for the families- with both losing their land to white men.

Very much like a Spanish "Romeo and Juliet," the romance's happy ending is overshadowed by the incredible loss both families share. Burton got her writing ideas from her constant travel, and her need to document what she was seeing happen politically during her time. Wikipedia quotes: "Her life took her from coast to coast in the United States, which provided her with opportunity for first-hand observation of the U.S., its westward expansion, the Civil War, and its aftermath. This vantage point and her status as a woman provided her with both an insider's and outsider's perspective on issues of ethnicity, power, gender, class, and race." Burton used this inside track to get her point of view across and did so in her two novels, "Squatter," and "Who Would Have Thought It?" (1872)

Since "The Squatter's" republication, Burton has become an influential figure in Mexican American Literature- and a voice that lends understanding to her people and what they went through. "Ruiz de Burton's work is considered to be a precursor to Chicano literature, giving the perspective of the conquered Mexican population that, despite being granted full rights of citizenship by the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, was a subordinated and marginalized national minority."-Wikipedia

She remains a gifted and powerful part of Mexican American history that is still studied and admired today.

Free Bird

Melissa McMahon

February 3, 2009

Journal on Jewett

"Sylvie's heart gave a wild beat; she knew that strange white bird, and had once stolen softly near where it stood in some bright green swamp grass, away over at the other side of the woods."

Sarah Orne Jewett had impeccable talent when it came to her writings and the visuals that she conjured with a simple stroke of the pen. Wikipedia remarks on her writing talents by quoting: Jewett possessed a keen descriptive gift that William Dean Howells called "an uncommon feeling for talk—I hear your people." In her short story, "A White Heron," Jewett takes us on an incredible journey of discovery, acceptance, and truth. The main character of Sylvie learns so much about herself when she is asked to hunt a rare and beautiful bird that she has seen on her frequent trips to the forest- the elusive White Heron. As Sylvie learns, she is very much like the White Heron- and her adaption to and acceptance of the nature around her transforms all that Sylvie had once understood. Her loyalty to the White Heron symbolizes Sylvie's own freedom- and the freedom she has now granted to that amazing creature.

Jewett was much like the White Heron she wrote about in her stories. She was a rare creature- educated, free, and loved by many around her. She wasn't afraid to live life in a way that was not considered "normal" for the time. Her father insisted on her education, and she had the luxury to make her life as a writer. Her later relationship with Annie Fields- with whom she was involved in a "Boston Marriage" with- (when two women live together, support each other much in the way a husband and wife would,)-really shaped and brought life into her stories. It seems as though Jewett put much of herself and her loved ones into her work- she did write "A Country Doctor" in honor and because of her father, and she seems to mirror Sylvie In "A White Heron." Her affection for the one's she held close obviously fueled her creative side. Jewett packed much into the short life she lived- and left behind a blueprint for later authors to follow. Her way with dialogue and her talents with charaterzation are an astounding example of how an author like Jewett can be embedded in history for all time.

The Immigrant's Voice

Melissa McMahon

January 29 2009

Journal on Sui Sin Far

"See, Little One- the hills in the morning sun. There is thy home for years to come. It is very beautiful and thou wilt be very happy there. The Little One looked up into his mother's face in perfect faith." (880)

In Sui Sin Far's story, "The Land of the Free," we begin with this scene- a huge amount of emphasis being placed on the 'faith' the young child has in his mother- and the entire exchange surrounded by the beautiful, picturesque images of a new land for the family. Far is immensely gifted in the way she tugs on your heartstrings during this piece, and we soon come to see that this "Land of the Free," is anything but. Mother and Child are soon separated, and when they are finally reunited in the final scene- her precious "Little One" has become a perfect stranger- with no faith in his mother sweeping across the features of his face.

Sadly, not much is known about Sui Sin Far, or, Edith Maud Eaton. We know that she was the product of a Chinese mother and english father- one of 16 siblings. Far's work gave a voice to the Chinese immigrants that were so often over looked, and she seemed to maintain an immense pride in this part of her heritage. Her stories were drenched in the raw emotion of immigration and put a spotlight on the awful treatment many of them were subjected to. This was the subject Far insisted on writing about, and "although her appearance and manners would have allowed her to easily pass as a dignified Englishwoman, she asserted her Chinese heritage and wrote articles that told what life was like for a Chinese woman in white America."-Wikipedia.

Far by health standards was a weak person most of her short life, but the power behind her written word is stunning. I found myself struck by the very real and raw emotions in her story, "In the Land of the Free." The idea of a separation of mother and child is horrific enough, but Far leads us down the path where the story takes on an even darker tone. Betrayal, manipulation from their "friend" James Clancey, and the eventual rejection of mother from son all make the story a painful piece of reality that is mostly ignored. Families really were separated like that, and many people took advantage of the immigrants in any way they could. Far's bravery echoes through her words, and she forces her reader to examine a part of history that was a very real part of her people's lives. Her ability to draw her readers in and make them feel the emotions of these immigrants is astounding.

She was truly a gifted woman- and a powerful voice to all of the forgotten.

In His Own Story....

Melissa McMahon

January 27 2009

Journal on Cahan

"Flora was going to protest and to threaten to leave without him, but she could neither speak nor stir from her seat. A nightmare of desolation and jealousy choked her- jealousy of the Scotchman's book, of the Little Russian shirt, of the empty tea glasses with the slices of lemon on their bottoms, of the whole excited crowd, and of Shaya's entire future, from which she seemed excluded." (806)

The end of Cahan's story, 'The Imported Bridegroom," leaves us with the image of Flora realizing that all that she thought she wanted for herself- a modern, respected way of life that had her surrounded with educated people- was not a way of life she expected it to be. After urging her new husband Shaya to abandon his Jewish identity in favor of her modern ideas- she is left with what Shaya has become- educated, yearning for the company of educated men, and burning with a desire to learn all he can about his new world. The contrast Cahan paints between the two lovebirds in this moment is striking- Shaya's over flowing passion and pride for his new life- and Flora's dejected disappointment over what it has turned out to be. It makes the reader rejoice somewhat that at least Shaya is happy- his character is one that can be easily sympathized with as he deals with leaving his birth home for a country that urges his religion out of him. Cahan's sensitivity to this issue leaves us over-whelmingly on Shaya's side.

The character of Shaya seems to be a portrait of Cahan himself. Shaya's later passion for socialist literature seems to be a reflection of what Cahan agreed with during his time. "Cahan transferred his commitment to socialism to his new country, and he devoted all the time he could spare from work and study radical ideas among the Jewish working men of New York." -Wikipedia. The most successful thing about Cahan's writing was the very raw and human emotions he used as the back drops to his story- his story telling ability is so effective because he seems to place himself in the stories which lends them a much more powerful voice- in this case- the voice of Shaya.

Cahan, like Booker T. Washington, Winnemucca, and Du Bois, gave a voice to the Jewish immigrants- one that had long been ignored. Cahan remains one of the most powerful and inspirational writers of all time- and one of the only to capture immigrant life and the immense story behind it.

A Spirit Broken.

Melissa McMahon

English 48 B

Journal on Zitkala Sa

January 22 2009

"I cried aloud, shaking my neck all the while until I felt the cold blades of the scissors against my neck, and heard them gnaw off one of my thick braids. Then I lost my spirit." (1116)

Zitkala Sa writes about this moment during her schooling where the teachers use physical means to "steal" the Indian out of her- giving her an American haircut and thoroughly conforming her into a more "proper" role. This is a significant part of Sa's short story, "The School Days of an Indian Girl," because it is the one scene where Sa has been "transformed" and must now submit to the way of the 'paleface.' Sa draws the reader in with her descriptions of this horrific experience- and shows them the conditions in which children's spirits were routinely broken in the name of Christian education.

"Young eight-year-old Gertrude was strongly lured by their promises of apple orchards. Having never been deceived, she trusted them despite her mother’s warnings. The young child’s innocence led her to desire the apple orchards and to choose to be educated by the missionaries. Taté Iyòhiwin finally gave in. She knew that it would be a hard transition for her child from innocence to experience, but she also believed that her child would need the education when there were more Euro-Americans than Native Americans."-Wikipedia

This was the reason young Zitkala Sa was sent to go to this Quaker school- her mother allowed it, and only because she feared that her child would not have the luxury of living in peace with her tribe the rest of her life. Knowing that it would ultimately silence her child's spirit, she pleaded with Sa to stay- when Sa decided she did want to go, her mother could not stop her- out of fear for what lay ahead.

It was a move that would ultimately change Zitkala Sa- for good, and for bad. From her extensive education, she gave to us a beautiful account of her life and of her thoughts, written in such a way it captures the reader from the very start. Unfortunately, her "spirit" remained broken for some time- she even went back to teach at the very school that had robbed her of her youth and of her heritage. However, Zitkala Sa soon left after not being able to handle the abuse she was witnessing on the students daily. Pouring herself into her writing, she left us with an incredible part of herself that remains embedded in history.

Sa was an amazing woman, full of spunk and spirit that ultimately could not be taken from her by anyone. Her legacy is one of strength and beauty, and she continues to live on in her written words.

A Woman To Look Up To.

Melissa McMahon

January 19 2009

Journal on Winnemucca

"I can imagine his feelings, for I have drank deeply from the same cup. When I think of my past life, and the bitter trials I have endured, I can scarcely believe I live, and yet I do; and, with the help of Him who notes the sparrows fall, I mean to fight for my down-trodden race while life lasts." (503)

Sarah Winnemucca was a controversial woman who actively fought for attention for the Paiute's suffering. Lecturing on the Paiute cause, and even speaking on their behalf to president Rutherford B. Hayes, Winnemucca proved that she was an eloquent representation, and earned her place of respect as the first Native American woman to become a published writer. She worked tirelessly for the cause, and until her final days continued to make her powerful voice heard.

Sarah Winnemucca is immensely inspiring to me, her spirit and her determination held me a captive audience as I read her excerpt from "Life Among the Piutes." Although the authenticity of this piece of work has been questioned- I feel like it is undoubtedly her voice that rings through- strong and courageous- and full of passion. She seems to me like she was one of the first feminists- and even her "punishment" for having several white husbands reflects the oppsosition she had to face, not only as a female, but as a Native American. Her book had to include testimonials to her "character," but it did not stop Winnemucca from letting her opinions be out there. Her work and efforts for the Piutes is inspiring considering the massive opposition she faced. Like Washington and Du Bois, Winnemucca had to fight against the prejudices and hatred that threatened to hold her down, and fighting against them valiantly- she won the ultimate fight.

At the end of her life, Winnemucca continued to serve by opening a school for Native American children, (another parallel to Du Bois and Washington's fights for education.) Sadly, the school fell through, and she died not too long after it's closing. Winnemucca's legacy continues to prevail and inspire- and her likeness, cast in a bronze statue in Nevada- bares this inscription:

"Sarah Winnemucca[facsimile of her signature, “Sarah Winnemucca Hopkins”]1844–1891 Nevada Defender of Human rights Educator Author of first book by a Native woman" (biography.com)

Her statue represents all of the things that she was- and all of the things she continues to inspire.

The Fighting Man.

Melissa McMahon

Journal on Du Bois

January 15 2009

"Herein lie buried many things which if read with patience may show the strange meaning of being black here in the dawning of the Twentieth Century. This meaning is not without interest to you, Gentle Reader; for the problem of the Twentieth Century is the problem of the color line."

In the forethought of W. E. B. Du Bois' 'The Souls of Black Folk', Du Bois brings us in with this stirring statement- a call to all who are reading to realize that 'the problem' is not with a certain person or race- the problem is with the color line. Du Bois' piece reflects his thoughts on racism and his struggle to rise above the prejudices against his skin color. Achieving much in his life, Du Bois became an amazing representation that changed many people's opinions on what could be 'expected' from a man of color.

Like Washington, Du Bois fought for his people, although their fights were taken out in different ways. A quote from wikepedia states: "In the course of his long, turbulent career, W. E. B. Du Bois attempted virtually every possible solution to the problem of twentieth-century racism— scholarship, propaganda, integration, national self-determination, human rights, cultural and economic separatism, politics, international communism, expatriation, third world solidarity."-(David Levering Lewis.) While they shared the same goal, they ultimately took different paths- Du Bois believed Washington thought their people could only survive through submission- and he heartily fights this in his 'The Souls of Black Folk.' However, no matter the argument, it cannot be denied that both men blazed trails for their people- they knocked down walls and showed the world that black men could be educated, respected, and eloquent.

Du Bois grew up in a time where the prejudices that Washington fought were still very much there. The fact that Du Bois worked extra hard to obtain his degree and shed light on the problems of the Twentieth Century is beyond inspiring. The controversial path he embarked on later in life with his involvement in the communist party pales in comparison to all he accomplished. The "fight" with Washington just proves his unrelenting passion for his people. The fact that he would have the courage to criticize a man as respected as Washington just shows how he knew the path to equality was a long and hard road- and was determined to make sure it was set upon in the right way.

In the face of controversy, Du Bois held tight to his ideals and his dreams for a united nation. Like Martin Luther King famously said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” I think it's safe to say that Du Bois was more than a man- he was a fighter.

Represent.

Melissa McMahon

Journal on Washington

January 14, 2009

"No race can prosper till it learns that there is as much dignity in tilling a field as in writing a poem. It is at the bottom of life we must begin, and not at the top. Nor should we permit our grievances to overshadow our opportunities." 681

This controversial part of Booker T Washington's Atlanta Exposition Address really sums up the message that Washington was trying to get across to his largely white audience. The backlash that followed declared that Washington was not representing his race with as much passion as his booming presence suggested. The question that remains is the hope that Washington's ideas of 'starting where you are' were posed in such a way to not frighten or anger the white people who went to listen to him that day. No matter the actual truth behind his speech, it cannot be denied that Washington was a gifted speaker, leader, and writer- still loved, admired, and respected today.

Washington's passion for education was the driving force behind everything he did. No matter what you thought of his ideas or motives, he was successful at building relationships that ultimately supported his cause.

Although his non-confrontational approach was criticized by some blacks (notably W.E.B. Du Bois who
labeled Washington "the Great Accommodator"), he was successful in building
relationships with major philanthropists such as Anna T. Jeanes, Henry Huddleston Rogers, Julius Rosenwald, and
the Rockefeller family
who contributed millions of dollars for education at Hampton, Tuskegee and
helped pay for hundreds of public schools for black children in the South, as
well as to donate to legal challenges to segregation and disfranchisement.
-Wikipedia

With the powerful allies he rallied, Washington made great strides for education in his lifetime. His idea to "work from the bottom," may be met with mixed opinions, but his life mirrored the hard-working mentality that was a huge part of his upbringing. A former slave, Washington represents his race, (in my opinion) amazingly well. Who can argue with what he made happen? His passion for a better life for all convinced many non believers that slaves were not only people, they had the same desire to work hard and achieve greatness during their life. I believe his speech was spun in such a way that it represented his ideas and hopes for his people without scaring the white man. He knew he was treading on dangerous grounds- he was up against every racial slur, prejudice, pre-conceived notion, and hatred there was. He had to take a solid stance- and I don't believe that was 'selling out' at all.

Like Martin Luther King, Washington's dreams for a better tomorrow have hopefully come true. As we welcome in a new president- a black, educated, capable man- we see in our hopes the desires and dreams all of these men held dear.

The Color of Insanity.

Melissa McMahon

Journal on Gilman

English 48 B

January 7 2009

"I beg of you, for my sake and our child's sake, as well as for your own, that you will never for one instant let that idea enter your mind! There is nothing so dangerous, so fascinating, to a temperament like yours. It is a false and foolish fancy. Can you trust me as a physician when I tell you so?"-814

....................................

In "The Yellow Wallpaper," by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, the narrator, a new mother and wife to John, seems to be in the clutches of some form of insanity- most likely a case of un-diagnosed post partum depression. In the quote above, John- a physician, pleads with his wife to not admit to herself that she is mentally unwell. It seems as though John is more afraid of the ever growing reality that his wife is unwell and the speaking of it aloud makes it more real in a way. The tension between the narrator and her husband grows through out the story, and concludes with her complete unraveling as she succumbs to her inner demons.

........................................

This story blazed trails for women by calling attention to the existence of depression after child bearing and the very real dangers to the human spirit that can be brought on by the popular "rest cure" that was used as treatment. Gilman herself suffered under that treatment, in which she was instructed to endure an "extended bed rest to be followed by a return to working as a wife and mother. She was to give up all dreams of a career, she was never to write or paint again, and she was never to read for more than two hours a day" (biography.com) No wonder Gilman later wrote of her mental instability that was the product of this ridiculous "cure." It only worsened her already present depression- and almost took her life. Gilman was not afraid to speak out against this practice, and ultimately encouraged the doctor who founded the cure to change his method of treatment.

......................................

While it seems obvious that the narrator suffers from a mental instability, my attention couldn't help but be drawn to her husband, John. His offerings of 'rest', 'relaxation' and his over bearing handling of her life raised a constant red flag with me. In the quote I started with, we see John pleading with his wife to not speak of her illness aloud. His frantic request seems so misplaced from his 'good husband' role. If indeed he cared so much for his wife, wouldn't he want her to really get the help she needs? By addressing her problem and coming to terms with it, (which she struggles to make him understand throughout the story,) she would be well on her way to recovery. Instead, John's own selfish desires and fear take center stage and prompt him to essentially put his wife 'away.' While I believe John was simply acting out of fear, I wonder if he was the reason for her quick tumble into insanity and the person in this story to blame.

...........................................

Gilman's timeless stories continue to be analyzed and picked apart world wide. The first time I read "Wallpaper," I spent the night staring at my own wallpaper, too afraid to move. It was so...modern. The themes and over all "creepiness" of her descriptions are just as vivid in 2009 as they were in 1892. The fact that Gilman's work continues to provide fresh ideas and arguments is a testament to her strength as a writer. A writer, a woman, who cannot be stopped by anything.

The Infinite Power of the Human Mind.

Melissa McMahon

Post Journal on Bierce

January 7 2009

"As he is about to clasp her he feels a stunning blow upon the back of the neck; a blinding white light blazes all about him with a sound like the shock of a cannon-then all is darkness and silence! Peyton Farquhar was dead; his body, with a broken neck, swung gently from side to side beneath the timbers of Owl Creek bridge." (366)

The ending lines from Ambrose Bierce's 'An Occurrence At Owl Creek Bridge" leave us with the realization that Peyton Farquhar did not escape his hanging with the aid of a broken rope- it seems as if the entire escape sequence painted out by Bierce was in our deceased narrator's mind- a total fantasy/imagination/hallucination/wild hope. Farquhar dies that day on Owl Creek bridge- and the story leaves you wondering if his 'spirit' was the only one to escape.

Ambrose Bierce did not always seem to be a happy man, and was certainly not afraid to write of the things that most would never dare. A wikipedia article quotes Bierce as having a " sardonic view of human nature that informed his work – along with his vehemence as a critic– earned him the nickname, "Bitter Bierce." The nickname seems appropriate, but if you really delved into the world of Ambrose Bierce, you would see that most of his darkly written stories are born directly from the horrific things he witnessed during his time fighting in the Civil War. With his short story, "And Occurrence At Owl Creek," we witness the questionable hanging of Peyton Farquhar, a planter whose thoughts furiously imagine his escape from doom as the rope tightens around his neck. Does Peyton actually escape? It seems so, at least for awhile. The way Bierce paints his miraculous rope breaking free-fall into the waters below gives the reader hope that Peyton will escape and return home to his family. The story takes us right up until he climbs out of the river, walks all day and night, and sees his wife standing outside of their home. It is only then Bierce snaps us back to reality and leaves us with the grisly image of Peyton's body swinging lazily side to side, his neck broken.

It's amazing, really, the way Bierce fills his readers with blind hope and a swelling passion for this man, Peyton Farquhar. I found myself thrilled beyond words when he escaped his captors to return home to his family- it certainly appealed to the romantic side of me. However, the brisk two sentenced way Bierce leaves my beloved character felt-jarring. I couldn't believe it was real- Farquhar's dream of escape was so vivid and encompassing that it flooded into my own imagination and lead me to believe in the one thing he was wishing for above all else. Isn't it amazing what our minds can do? A simple smell or floating memory can transport us through time and make our senses so aware we relive that memory again. When you want something so badly you can actually feel it, it immediately becomes real to you, whether it is or not. Was this the case for Farquhar? That the longing for his family and for his life transported him to their door? Did he imagine the entire journey it took to get there? From the snapping of the rope to the bruises upon his skin? I believe so. I believe that the mind is a powerful thing- able to slow a clock's ticking into a sound like a booming cannon. Farquhar, like any man, longed for his life. The stress of his impending death gave his mind a reason to take over.

And it did.