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.