Jacqueline Procter
Journal 15
February 29, 2008
Kate Chopin
Quote:
“She perceived that her will had blazed up, stubborn and resistant. She could not at that moment have done other than denied and resisted. She wondered if her husband had ever spoken to her like that before, and if she had submitted to his command. Of course she had;”
Summary:
Edna’s husband demands that she go to bed – she defies him by staying outside.
Response:
All of her life she has conformed to society’s rules as she acted and reacted without thought – Her needs and desires are imposed on her. She is questioning whether he ever really spoke disrespectfully to her, and realizes that he has – he’s behaving as he always has – but she is can no longer tolerate the staus quo of an oppressive existence.
I love the title of this story! Edna has been asleep as she has played her role of the traditional woman who is subservient to her husband and then suddenly a part of her brain is awakened to the realities of her unhappy existence. She rebels against Mr. Ponteller’s desire for her to go to bed – his concern for her health is an excuse – he’s angry because he’s ready to retire and he needs her for that. Her duties as a wife require her to “tuck” him in. Edna then proceeds to rebel against society’s rules, as she begins to live her life on her own terms – she is true to herself – her happiness is no longer negotiable.
This story is extremely subversive for it’s time and Kate Chopin is one, out of many women, who were ahead of their time in calling attention to the inequalities of women, as slow progress has been made since she wrote this story. Women in Louisiana are still conditioned to do everything for their men. I haven’t been there for over 10 years but I can’t imagine things changing that much.
Friday, February 29, 2008
The Awakening
Jacqueline Procter
Journal 14
February 29, 2008
Kate Chopin
Quote:
“Her marriage…was purely an accident, in this respect resembling many other marriages which masquerade as the decrees of fate.”
“ As the devoted wife, a man who worshipped her, she felt she would take her place with a certain dignity in the world of reality, closing the portals, forever behind her upon the realm of romance and dreams.”
Summary:
Edna reflects on how she came to marry Leonce – It was accidental, and so she, like many, put on a happy face and forgets about notions of romance.
Response:
When this story was written, women had only one option in life -- to marry -- and marry well -- to afford the lifestyle a husband could provide. It was only through a husband could a woman have any hope of advancement, and in Edna’s case she married the first, best thing. She was inexperienced with men and she had not married Leonce out of love. Because of her marriage to him she thought that the door to love was forever shut.
By all appearance, Edna leads a luxurious life and she has a man who adores her and which causes much envy among the other women. She has two great boys who are looked after by a nurse/nanny. She’s living a charmed life and she doesn’t have too many responsibilities (other than social) – there’s no reason for her to be unhappy but this tiny seed of discontent spreads and causes her to question her life.
When this story was published – 1899 – Women didn’t have the right to vote and yet Kate Chopin consented for the story to be published knowing the damage it would do to her yet her moral convictions out weighed the risk of ruin.
Journal 14
February 29, 2008
Kate Chopin
Quote:
“Her marriage…was purely an accident, in this respect resembling many other marriages which masquerade as the decrees of fate.”
“ As the devoted wife, a man who worshipped her, she felt she would take her place with a certain dignity in the world of reality, closing the portals, forever behind her upon the realm of romance and dreams.”
Summary:
Edna reflects on how she came to marry Leonce – It was accidental, and so she, like many, put on a happy face and forgets about notions of romance.
Response:
When this story was written, women had only one option in life -- to marry -- and marry well -- to afford the lifestyle a husband could provide. It was only through a husband could a woman have any hope of advancement, and in Edna’s case she married the first, best thing. She was inexperienced with men and she had not married Leonce out of love. Because of her marriage to him she thought that the door to love was forever shut.
By all appearance, Edna leads a luxurious life and she has a man who adores her and which causes much envy among the other women. She has two great boys who are looked after by a nurse/nanny. She’s living a charmed life and she doesn’t have too many responsibilities (other than social) – there’s no reason for her to be unhappy but this tiny seed of discontent spreads and causes her to question her life.
When this story was published – 1899 – Women didn’t have the right to vote and yet Kate Chopin consented for the story to be published knowing the damage it would do to her yet her moral convictions out weighed the risk of ruin.
The Awakening
Jacqueline Procter
Journal #13
February 29, 2008
Kate Chopin
Quote:
“She could not have told why she was crying…an indescribable oppression, which seemed to generate in some unfamiliar part of her consciousness, filled her whole being with a vague anguish. I was like shadow, like a mist passing across her soul’s summer day. It was strange and unfamiliar; it was a mood.
Summary:
Edna, for some unexplainable reason has an emotional release – during a time when she should be enjoying her charmed life -- She feels a pervading -- oppressive vibe.
Response:
Kate Chopin sets the tone through vivid imagery of shadow -- mist – like a veil nature – storm -- like a dark cloud passing through.
Edna’s soul/conscience, soul-consciousness is crying out. This is the first evidence that things are beginning to unravel. Chopin’s use of “soul’s summer day” implies that at a moment when Edna should be enjoying her life she cannot because there’s an indescribable sensation generating from a part of brain which she’s not in touch with.
Women at this time were beginnng to explore other possibilities for themselves -- beyond the confines of more traditional roles – especially women from metropolitian areas.
Journal #13
February 29, 2008
Kate Chopin
Quote:
“She could not have told why she was crying…an indescribable oppression, which seemed to generate in some unfamiliar part of her consciousness, filled her whole being with a vague anguish. I was like shadow, like a mist passing across her soul’s summer day. It was strange and unfamiliar; it was a mood.
Summary:
Edna, for some unexplainable reason has an emotional release – during a time when she should be enjoying her charmed life -- She feels a pervading -- oppressive vibe.
Response:
Kate Chopin sets the tone through vivid imagery of shadow -- mist – like a veil nature – storm -- like a dark cloud passing through.
Edna’s soul/conscience, soul-consciousness is crying out. This is the first evidence that things are beginning to unravel. Chopin’s use of “soul’s summer day” implies that at a moment when Edna should be enjoying her life she cannot because there’s an indescribable sensation generating from a part of brain which she’s not in touch with.
Women at this time were beginnng to explore other possibilities for themselves -- beyond the confines of more traditional roles – especially women from metropolitian areas.
The Storm
Jacqueline Procter
Journal #12
February 29, 2008
Kate Chopin
Quote:
“The first free breath since her marriage seemed to restore the pleasant liberty of her maiden days. Devoted as she was to her husband, their intimate conjugal life was something which she was more that willing to forgo for a while."
Summary:
Alcee’s wife is pleased to have some time away from her husband, as she is free of her husband for the first time since getting married and she enjoyed more freedom before she was married. She receives a letter from her husband stating that he’s doing well, and she has his permission to stay a bit longer. She is a devoted wife but she is happy not to have to perform her wifely duties 'fer a spell.
Response:
I was reminded how fast a storm can come up in Louisiana – suddenly the sky is a deep dark blue and in no time the rain comes down and there’s lightening and thunder -- best rain storms I’ve ever experienced.
The storm, like passion is urgent, frantic, and unstoppable -- turbulent forces of nature -- and the storm is the perfect setting for an affair. Passion, like a Louisiana rain storm, arises without warning – Alcee, although married, and conjugating with his wife, still has a burning passion for Calixta. She also shares his passion and they surrender to it.
The storm blows over – everything is calm again -- until the next time -- and they both resume life, as before –no big deal –no hurt feelings – nobody has to know -- everybody’s happy! The balance of nature!
I am also reminded of how many large families there are in south Louisiana; especially back in the day when the average number of children per household was about thirteen. I can relate to Alcee's wife's reluctance of not wanting to get back to her responsibilities. Larger families were probably more indicative of a poorer class as the farmer needed hands to help with farm work.
Journal #12
February 29, 2008
Kate Chopin
Quote:
“The first free breath since her marriage seemed to restore the pleasant liberty of her maiden days. Devoted as she was to her husband, their intimate conjugal life was something which she was more that willing to forgo for a while."
Summary:
Alcee’s wife is pleased to have some time away from her husband, as she is free of her husband for the first time since getting married and she enjoyed more freedom before she was married. She receives a letter from her husband stating that he’s doing well, and she has his permission to stay a bit longer. She is a devoted wife but she is happy not to have to perform her wifely duties 'fer a spell.
Response:
I was reminded how fast a storm can come up in Louisiana – suddenly the sky is a deep dark blue and in no time the rain comes down and there’s lightening and thunder -- best rain storms I’ve ever experienced.
The storm, like passion is urgent, frantic, and unstoppable -- turbulent forces of nature -- and the storm is the perfect setting for an affair. Passion, like a Louisiana rain storm, arises without warning – Alcee, although married, and conjugating with his wife, still has a burning passion for Calixta. She also shares his passion and they surrender to it.
The storm blows over – everything is calm again -- until the next time -- and they both resume life, as before –no big deal –no hurt feelings – nobody has to know -- everybody’s happy! The balance of nature!
I am also reminded of how many large families there are in south Louisiana; especially back in the day when the average number of children per household was about thirteen. I can relate to Alcee's wife's reluctance of not wanting to get back to her responsibilities. Larger families were probably more indicative of a poorer class as the farmer needed hands to help with farm work.
The White Heron
Jacqueline Procter
Journal #11
February 28, 2008
Sara Orne Jewett
Quote:
“Now look down again, Sylvia…there where you saw the white heron once, you will see him again; look!
"…do not send an arrow of light and consciousness from your two eager eyes…"
"The murmur of the pine’s green branches is in her ears, she remembers…”
Summary:
The narration changes: The tree is communicating with her – showing her a magical moment in nature.
Response:
I had to read it a few times at first I thought it was Sylvia’s conscious speaking and then I determined it was the tree’s voice instead of Sylvia’s. At the end of the story – Sylvia is remembering -- listening to the pine’s branches – “of course it was the tree” -- then I was sort of jolted with the meaning – I was stunned with amazement – The tree is wise and imparts truths as well as insights to Sylvia -- Tree Hugger -- which is probably safe to say that Sara Orne Jewett was a tree hugger. Sara spent so much time in Maine because that is where she communed with nature.
The first line of the quote is the tree talking – letting her in on a little secret – beauty and wonders of nature in its grandeur and simplicity. The second line is urging her to remain motionless -- don't even think -- “arrow of light and consciousness” is pretty new age. Wow -- very progressive for the Victorian age. Two steps forward -- ten steps back!
Once, out of necessity, I hugged a redwood tree – humorous attempt to entertain my daughter at a bus stop in the middle of nowhere – but I must say I felt a connection and didn’t want to leave. I’ve vowed to return and I welcome the chance to hug more trees. I’m not kidding – I think Julia Butterfly is a hero and I’m very supportive of people who sit in trees or sit in protest of the “rape of the world.”
Journal #11
February 28, 2008
Sara Orne Jewett
Quote:
“Now look down again, Sylvia…there where you saw the white heron once, you will see him again; look!
"…do not send an arrow of light and consciousness from your two eager eyes…"
"The murmur of the pine’s green branches is in her ears, she remembers…”
Summary:
The narration changes: The tree is communicating with her – showing her a magical moment in nature.
Response:
I had to read it a few times at first I thought it was Sylvia’s conscious speaking and then I determined it was the tree’s voice instead of Sylvia’s. At the end of the story – Sylvia is remembering -- listening to the pine’s branches – “of course it was the tree” -- then I was sort of jolted with the meaning – I was stunned with amazement – The tree is wise and imparts truths as well as insights to Sylvia -- Tree Hugger -- which is probably safe to say that Sara Orne Jewett was a tree hugger. Sara spent so much time in Maine because that is where she communed with nature.
The first line of the quote is the tree talking – letting her in on a little secret – beauty and wonders of nature in its grandeur and simplicity. The second line is urging her to remain motionless -- don't even think -- “arrow of light and consciousness” is pretty new age. Wow -- very progressive for the Victorian age. Two steps forward -- ten steps back!
Once, out of necessity, I hugged a redwood tree – humorous attempt to entertain my daughter at a bus stop in the middle of nowhere – but I must say I felt a connection and didn’t want to leave. I’ve vowed to return and I welcome the chance to hug more trees. I’m not kidding – I think Julia Butterfly is a hero and I’m very supportive of people who sit in trees or sit in protest of the “rape of the world.”
Friday, February 22, 2008
Painted and Tainted
Jacqueline Procter
Journal #10
February 22, 2008
Stephen Crane
Quote:
“A girl of the painted cohorts of the city went along the street. She threw changing glances at men who passed her, giving smiling invitations to men of rural or untaught pattern and usually seeming sedately unconscious of the men with a metropolitan seal upon their faces.”
Summary:
Maggie is a girl of the streets – working girl – prostitute, but she doesn’t feel worthy enough to flirt with men of class and instead solicits advances from uncouth men.
Response:
Maggie doesn’t feel she is worthy of upper class patronage because her potential redeemer, Pete the Schmuck, rejects her. She idolized him as he was going to be her golden ticket out of the slum and in to the good life. She doesn’t bother with the privileged class because Pete, her picture of refinement, impresses on her through his rejection, that she is unworthy. He essentially takes all hope from her as her entire self worth was wrapped up in his desire for her. She is resigned to live out her existence as a poor woman of the streets.
Young naive women fall prey to schmucks like Pete precisely because of their naivety -- Finding a mate or a date becomes the driving force as a man is supposed to define or give value to a woman’s worth. I wish I knew then…
Journal #10
February 22, 2008
Stephen Crane
Quote:
“A girl of the painted cohorts of the city went along the street. She threw changing glances at men who passed her, giving smiling invitations to men of rural or untaught pattern and usually seeming sedately unconscious of the men with a metropolitan seal upon their faces.”
Summary:
Maggie is a girl of the streets – working girl – prostitute, but she doesn’t feel worthy enough to flirt with men of class and instead solicits advances from uncouth men.
Response:
Maggie doesn’t feel she is worthy of upper class patronage because her potential redeemer, Pete the Schmuck, rejects her. She idolized him as he was going to be her golden ticket out of the slum and in to the good life. She doesn’t bother with the privileged class because Pete, her picture of refinement, impresses on her through his rejection, that she is unworthy. He essentially takes all hope from her as her entire self worth was wrapped up in his desire for her. She is resigned to live out her existence as a poor woman of the streets.
Young naive women fall prey to schmucks like Pete precisely because of their naivety -- Finding a mate or a date becomes the driving force as a man is supposed to define or give value to a woman’s worth. I wish I knew then…
Kicked to The Curb
Jacqueline Procter
Journal #9
February 22, 2008
Stephen Crane
Quote:
“But where kin I go?…It was a direct attempt to give him some responsibility in a matter that did not concern him. In his indignation he volunteered information “Oh, go teh hell.” Cried he. He slammed the door furiously and returned with an air of relief to his respectability."
Summary:
Pete demonstrates once and for all that he is a schmuck by kicking Maggie to the curb. He took advantage of her naivety and feels no responsibility for her situation. Her reputation is tarnished, her family rejects her, resulting in her homelessness, and Pete discards her like a piece of trash.
Response:
Maggie didn’t have a sense of self worth due to her abusive upbringing, but Pete, by showing her attention, made her feel special which gave her worth. He spoiled her for a short time but in his rejection of her, took what little self esteem she had.
It’s the age-old double standard regarding sex. The woman has more to loose in this situation. A man is free to indulge in his sexuality, while if a woman does she’s a whore. Pete helped turn her into a whore, as he was fully aware of society’s rules and morals of the day. If a woman didn’t behave appropriately at all times she would be labeled unfavorably, especially if she lived with a man. The Victorian age was very repressed. A gentleman of class could go slumming and as long as he wasn’t caught, his conscience remained clear. Pete, not a gentleman, was embarrassed by her. He helped ruin her reputation but didn’t want his boss to see her with him. His job gave him the appearance of respectability, as he was able to groom himself – fluff and buff, and wear nice clothes to camouflage his uncouth exterior, but he was only slightly more refined than Maggie. She was easy prey for Pete, who didn’t have honorable intentions from the beginning.
Journal #9
February 22, 2008
Stephen Crane
Quote:
“But where kin I go?…It was a direct attempt to give him some responsibility in a matter that did not concern him. In his indignation he volunteered information “Oh, go teh hell.” Cried he. He slammed the door furiously and returned with an air of relief to his respectability."
Summary:
Pete demonstrates once and for all that he is a schmuck by kicking Maggie to the curb. He took advantage of her naivety and feels no responsibility for her situation. Her reputation is tarnished, her family rejects her, resulting in her homelessness, and Pete discards her like a piece of trash.
Response:
Maggie didn’t have a sense of self worth due to her abusive upbringing, but Pete, by showing her attention, made her feel special which gave her worth. He spoiled her for a short time but in his rejection of her, took what little self esteem she had.
It’s the age-old double standard regarding sex. The woman has more to loose in this situation. A man is free to indulge in his sexuality, while if a woman does she’s a whore. Pete helped turn her into a whore, as he was fully aware of society’s rules and morals of the day. If a woman didn’t behave appropriately at all times she would be labeled unfavorably, especially if she lived with a man. The Victorian age was very repressed. A gentleman of class could go slumming and as long as he wasn’t caught, his conscience remained clear. Pete, not a gentleman, was embarrassed by her. He helped ruin her reputation but didn’t want his boss to see her with him. His job gave him the appearance of respectability, as he was able to groom himself – fluff and buff, and wear nice clothes to camouflage his uncouth exterior, but he was only slightly more refined than Maggie. She was easy prey for Pete, who didn’t have honorable intentions from the beginning.
The Saloon Calls Seductively
Jacqueline Procter
Journal #8
February 22, 2008
Stephen Crane
Quote:
“The open mouth of a saloon called seductively to passengers to enter and annihilate sorrow or create rage.”
Summary:
The saloon offers drinking as a way to deal with sorrow/depression.
Response:
A saloon offers refuge from life, as well as comfort, and Its patrons share your pain. I can attest that the temptation is too great not to indulge in drinking as a coping mechanism when your life seems beyond hope. When there aren't any jobs, or opportunities to procure a job, and the present circumstances of life are just too depressing in a sober state, a little booze will do the trick. The problem is that it becomes a bad habit real fast as it softens the edges in a dismal existence, and provides a false sense of happiness, or for some people, turns them into a mean drunk. Life is good as long as the buzz remains – before the hangover – definitely not advisable if you have children.
I’ve lived through the oil bust in Louisiana – competing with college graduates for menial jobs, the depressed economy in Montana, and the dot com bust of silicon valley, of which I’ve never experienced so much greed -- Land Barons – Slum lords – all of them. I have thoughts of starting up a Bad Landlord website. Slumlords should be prosecuted with severe penalties. They should have their properties seized if they don't improve conditions, with an opportunity for renters to assume ownership. I bet slums/ghettos would be non-existent. I don't understand how It's legal to charge for sub-standard housing as some places should be condemned. It's time to clean up America. The government needs to start investing in its citizens by offering work opportunities that improve communities like Roosevelt’s New deal program during the Depression.
Journal #8
February 22, 2008
Stephen Crane
Quote:
“The open mouth of a saloon called seductively to passengers to enter and annihilate sorrow or create rage.”
Summary:
The saloon offers drinking as a way to deal with sorrow/depression.
Response:
A saloon offers refuge from life, as well as comfort, and Its patrons share your pain. I can attest that the temptation is too great not to indulge in drinking as a coping mechanism when your life seems beyond hope. When there aren't any jobs, or opportunities to procure a job, and the present circumstances of life are just too depressing in a sober state, a little booze will do the trick. The problem is that it becomes a bad habit real fast as it softens the edges in a dismal existence, and provides a false sense of happiness, or for some people, turns them into a mean drunk. Life is good as long as the buzz remains – before the hangover – definitely not advisable if you have children.
I’ve lived through the oil bust in Louisiana – competing with college graduates for menial jobs, the depressed economy in Montana, and the dot com bust of silicon valley, of which I’ve never experienced so much greed -- Land Barons – Slum lords – all of them. I have thoughts of starting up a Bad Landlord website. Slumlords should be prosecuted with severe penalties. They should have their properties seized if they don't improve conditions, with an opportunity for renters to assume ownership. I bet slums/ghettos would be non-existent. I don't understand how It's legal to charge for sub-standard housing as some places should be condemned. It's time to clean up America. The government needs to start investing in its citizens by offering work opportunities that improve communities like Roosevelt’s New deal program during the Depression.
Death of a Girl of The Street
Jacqueline Procter
Journal #7
February 22, 2008
Stephen Crane
Quote:
“At their feet the river appeared a deathly black hue. Some hidden factory sent up a yellow glare, that lit for a moment the waters lapping oily against timbers. The varied sounds of life, made joyous by distance and seeming unapproachableness, came faintly and died away to a silence."
Summary:
Maggie walks to the river and is followed by a lecherous man – Ominous mood is cast.
Response:
Since this is the last time Maggie appears in the story I believe she was probably killed by the lecherous man. I’m not sure if the timbers symbolize Maggie, as timbers are stationary/stuck and the oily water the lecherous man. She may or may not have been a willing participant in her death, but if she purposefully walked into the situation it’s because she had no hope left, not to mention self worth. The yellow glare could be symbolic of a flare gun as it is used to send out a signal to be rescued. “Joyous by distance and seeming unapproachable ness” reminds me of how close she came to being rescued by Pete and her joy at the theatre – fantasy of a different life viewed from a distance but out of reach. She resorted to prostitution because there weren’t many options available to her. The only other option left for her was to opt out of life.
Journal #7
February 22, 2008
Stephen Crane
Quote:
“At their feet the river appeared a deathly black hue. Some hidden factory sent up a yellow glare, that lit for a moment the waters lapping oily against timbers. The varied sounds of life, made joyous by distance and seeming unapproachableness, came faintly and died away to a silence."
Summary:
Maggie walks to the river and is followed by a lecherous man – Ominous mood is cast.
Response:
Since this is the last time Maggie appears in the story I believe she was probably killed by the lecherous man. I’m not sure if the timbers symbolize Maggie, as timbers are stationary/stuck and the oily water the lecherous man. She may or may not have been a willing participant in her death, but if she purposefully walked into the situation it’s because she had no hope left, not to mention self worth. The yellow glare could be symbolic of a flare gun as it is used to send out a signal to be rescued. “Joyous by distance and seeming unapproachable ness” reminds me of how close she came to being rescued by Pete and her joy at the theatre – fantasy of a different life viewed from a distance but out of reach. She resorted to prostitution because there weren’t many options available to her. The only other option left for her was to opt out of life.
Inspiration
Jacqueline Procter
Journal #6
February 22, 2008
Stephen Crane
Quote:
“Maggie always departed with raised spirits from the showing places of the melodrama. She rejoiced at the way in which the poor and virtuous eventually surmounted the wealthy and wicked. The theatre made her think. She wondered if the culture and refinement she had seen imitated…could be acquired by a girl who lived in a tenement house…”
Summary:
Maggie enjoys the theatre, as it inspires her to think beyond her immediate environment of poverty and degradation, and offers hope for a life of “culture and refinement.”
Response:
Prior to the theatre, Maggie accepted her lot in life. For the first time, she is offered a glimpse into a life of culture, as the theatre inspires her to think beyond her present circumstances, as she wonders if a girl like her can rise above her station in life to attain a life of class.
What speaks to me is the importance of the arts. For the artist, it is a means of creative expression, and for the viewer a means of communicating with the soul, as it has the ability to offer inspiration in many forms. In Maggie’s case, the theatre sparked her imagination, which offered an alternative to her present condition.
I can identify with being stuck in a situation beyond your control, as I grew up in foster care, which is basically a modern day form of indentured servitude, minus any form of inspiration. Like Maggie, I also had to endure trash talk. They spoke French – Cajun – and I understood, and had to endure derogatory remarks from their friends, as well as the general ostracizing because I didn’t live with my parents and had a Yankee last name.
It’s not surprising to me that I am immersed in art at this stage of my life, as my early life was void of any inspiration. I’m just thankful that I finally left Louisiana. I was afraid to leave initially, but since then I’ve moved to Vermont, Montana, Nevada, and California. Unlike Maggie, I am motivated to leave when my environment doesn’t agree with me. There are definitely more options for women these days as opposed to life at the turn of the century.
Journal #6
February 22, 2008
Stephen Crane
Quote:
“Maggie always departed with raised spirits from the showing places of the melodrama. She rejoiced at the way in which the poor and virtuous eventually surmounted the wealthy and wicked. The theatre made her think. She wondered if the culture and refinement she had seen imitated…could be acquired by a girl who lived in a tenement house…”
Summary:
Maggie enjoys the theatre, as it inspires her to think beyond her immediate environment of poverty and degradation, and offers hope for a life of “culture and refinement.”
Response:
Prior to the theatre, Maggie accepted her lot in life. For the first time, she is offered a glimpse into a life of culture, as the theatre inspires her to think beyond her present circumstances, as she wonders if a girl like her can rise above her station in life to attain a life of class.
What speaks to me is the importance of the arts. For the artist, it is a means of creative expression, and for the viewer a means of communicating with the soul, as it has the ability to offer inspiration in many forms. In Maggie’s case, the theatre sparked her imagination, which offered an alternative to her present condition.
I can identify with being stuck in a situation beyond your control, as I grew up in foster care, which is basically a modern day form of indentured servitude, minus any form of inspiration. Like Maggie, I also had to endure trash talk. They spoke French – Cajun – and I understood, and had to endure derogatory remarks from their friends, as well as the general ostracizing because I didn’t live with my parents and had a Yankee last name.
It’s not surprising to me that I am immersed in art at this stage of my life, as my early life was void of any inspiration. I’m just thankful that I finally left Louisiana. I was afraid to leave initially, but since then I’ve moved to Vermont, Montana, Nevada, and California. Unlike Maggie, I am motivated to leave when my environment doesn’t agree with me. There are definitely more options for women these days as opposed to life at the turn of the century.
Friday, February 15, 2008
DuBois -- "I'll do it"
`Jacki Procter
English 48B
Journal #5
Feb. 15, 2009
Quote:
“If I should have the drive to seek/ Knowledge of chemistry or Greek/ I’ll do it”
Summary:
If DuBois wants to educate himself that’s just what he’ll do.
Response:
While I understand Washington’s stance and rationale I also understand DuBois advocating for civil and political rights. He won't compromise his right promised in the Constitution. He wants to keep the concept of blacks seeking “higher ideals and aspirations” alive instead of being squashed down in order to pacify the white mans fear. He doesn’t think the race should bow down because “all men are created equal” and he, or any black man, has the right to an education just like the white man. He promoted hope and the idea that blacks have the right to dream and aspire to anything, just like the white man. He was a brave man to speak out especially when he moved to Atlanta! He lived to be almost 100 -- five years shy anyway. What an amazing life he lived – speaking out for civil and political rights for blacks. He had a lot of heart and courage. He is truly a hero for the “Human Race!”
I don’t however, particularly recall hearing about DuBois in school – elementary-high school, which is not uncommon because black history has only recently become mainstream -- educationally speaking (public school -- is it or has it been taught in private school?) and I’m glad to finally learn about him now, during Black History Month. I am humbled and ashamed of what white people subjected blacks to. It seems like white people should do something to acknowledge that it was wrong -- especially during Black History Month. I went to D.C. last Christmas and did the evening tour of the Memorials, and maybe I missed it, but there isn’t anything to memorialize the tragedy of Blacks is there? I mean there is the Lincoln memorial – He freed the slaves but there should be more. Like a bronze replica of the black man lynched and burned with his legs burned off and his fingers cut off because he was trying to climb the hot chain around his neck as he tried to escape the flames.
English 48B
Journal #5
Feb. 15, 2009
Quote:
“If I should have the drive to seek/ Knowledge of chemistry or Greek/ I’ll do it”
Summary:
If DuBois wants to educate himself that’s just what he’ll do.
Response:
While I understand Washington’s stance and rationale I also understand DuBois advocating for civil and political rights. He won't compromise his right promised in the Constitution. He wants to keep the concept of blacks seeking “higher ideals and aspirations” alive instead of being squashed down in order to pacify the white mans fear. He doesn’t think the race should bow down because “all men are created equal” and he, or any black man, has the right to an education just like the white man. He promoted hope and the idea that blacks have the right to dream and aspire to anything, just like the white man. He was a brave man to speak out especially when he moved to Atlanta! He lived to be almost 100 -- five years shy anyway. What an amazing life he lived – speaking out for civil and political rights for blacks. He had a lot of heart and courage. He is truly a hero for the “Human Race!”
I don’t however, particularly recall hearing about DuBois in school – elementary-high school, which is not uncommon because black history has only recently become mainstream -- educationally speaking (public school -- is it or has it been taught in private school?) and I’m glad to finally learn about him now, during Black History Month. I am humbled and ashamed of what white people subjected blacks to. It seems like white people should do something to acknowledge that it was wrong -- especially during Black History Month. I went to D.C. last Christmas and did the evening tour of the Memorials, and maybe I missed it, but there isn’t anything to memorialize the tragedy of Blacks is there? I mean there is the Lincoln memorial – He freed the slaves but there should be more. Like a bronze replica of the black man lynched and burned with his legs burned off and his fingers cut off because he was trying to climb the hot chain around his neck as he tried to escape the flames.
"Cheeky"
Jacki Procter
English 48B
Journal #4
Feb. 15, 2009
Quote:
”It shows a mighty lot of cheek/To study chemistry and Greek”
Summary:
Washington’s opinion that the black race should focus on hard work to rise, be accepted, and respected and that education was secondary to the work that needed to be done by the white race. Therefore it was “cheeky” when blacks should be more humble in his opinion.
Response:
I really think he thought his philosophy was the course of action for the black race. Under the political circumstance s in 1877 when the Compromise of 1877 allowed for withdrawal of Federal troops from the south, who were there to protect blacks when they were freed after the Civil War, and throughout reconstruction efforts, lynching were acceptable in society. I can understand that Washington may have felt it was necessary for the survival of his race to be humble towards whites not to bring attention to them - to lay low.
I saw some pictures online of lynched black men with white men standing around looking into the camera with no remorse detectable. It’s shocking to me that happened. No consideration that they were killing a human being. How did all those Christians justify killing – lynching black people? It’s pathetic and even more so the way everyone is so de-synthesized to this. How scary it must have been for black people to live in that era.
I think that Washington for the time being had to promote this philosophy of working hard and detract from the fact that every black person wanted to learn to read. White man doesn’t want the black man to be educated –Feared black educated men when so many in the white south were uneducated. A lot of lives were probably saved because of what Washington promoted. I was watching Oprah on PBS regarding her ancestry and her great great grandfather in 1887 bought a large plot of land when things were beginning to get “crazy” and the genealogist remarked how amazing that was that he managed to make that purchase considering the political climate.
English 48B
Journal #4
Feb. 15, 2009
Quote:
”It shows a mighty lot of cheek/To study chemistry and Greek”
Summary:
Washington’s opinion that the black race should focus on hard work to rise, be accepted, and respected and that education was secondary to the work that needed to be done by the white race. Therefore it was “cheeky” when blacks should be more humble in his opinion.
Response:
I really think he thought his philosophy was the course of action for the black race. Under the political circumstance s in 1877 when the Compromise of 1877 allowed for withdrawal of Federal troops from the south, who were there to protect blacks when they were freed after the Civil War, and throughout reconstruction efforts, lynching were acceptable in society. I can understand that Washington may have felt it was necessary for the survival of his race to be humble towards whites not to bring attention to them - to lay low.
I saw some pictures online of lynched black men with white men standing around looking into the camera with no remorse detectable. It’s shocking to me that happened. No consideration that they were killing a human being. How did all those Christians justify killing – lynching black people? It’s pathetic and even more so the way everyone is so de-synthesized to this. How scary it must have been for black people to live in that era.
I think that Washington for the time being had to promote this philosophy of working hard and detract from the fact that every black person wanted to learn to read. White man doesn’t want the black man to be educated –Feared black educated men when so many in the white south were uneducated. A lot of lives were probably saved because of what Washington promoted. I was watching Oprah on PBS regarding her ancestry and her great great grandfather in 1887 bought a large plot of land when things were beginning to get “crazy” and the genealogist remarked how amazing that was that he managed to make that purchase considering the political climate.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Advancement of the Human Race
Jacqueline Procter
English 48B
Journal #3
February 8, 2008
Quote:
“Casting down your bucket among my people, helping and encouraging them as you are doing on these grounds, and to education of head, hand, and heart…”
Summary:
Washington is saying that his race will work hard but please help to build them up by supporting them with encouragement, also that their education should address the needs of the heart, head, and hand.
Response:
The connection I made with education of heart, head and hand reminded me of the Waldorf Philosophy of education, which addresses the needs of the body, soul, and spirit. I did a brief search and the first Waldorf school was started in 1919 in Germany and Washington’s Up From Slavery published 1901. I find that very interesting! He was a wise man tapped into the collective consciousness of the day – great advancement is made following turbulent events in history and it was time for change. I’ve read of this phenomenon where innovative people in different parts of the world with no prior contact, or familiarity what so ever, make discoveries at the exact same time. A thought in one part of the world creates a ripple effect in another part of the world. There are so many mysteries of the universe and I find this extremely fascinating. Imagine the possibilities if the planet could some how rise above racism and prejudice – everyone striving for the advancement of the human race.
English 48B
Journal #3
February 8, 2008
Quote:
“Casting down your bucket among my people, helping and encouraging them as you are doing on these grounds, and to education of head, hand, and heart…”
Summary:
Washington is saying that his race will work hard but please help to build them up by supporting them with encouragement, also that their education should address the needs of the heart, head, and hand.
Response:
The connection I made with education of heart, head and hand reminded me of the Waldorf Philosophy of education, which addresses the needs of the body, soul, and spirit. I did a brief search and the first Waldorf school was started in 1919 in Germany and Washington’s Up From Slavery published 1901. I find that very interesting! He was a wise man tapped into the collective consciousness of the day – great advancement is made following turbulent events in history and it was time for change. I’ve read of this phenomenon where innovative people in different parts of the world with no prior contact, or familiarity what so ever, make discoveries at the exact same time. A thought in one part of the world creates a ripple effect in another part of the world. There are so many mysteries of the universe and I find this extremely fascinating. Imagine the possibilities if the planet could some how rise above racism and prejudice – everyone striving for the advancement of the human race.
Booker T. Wahington
Jacqueline Procter
English 49B
February 8, 2008
Journal #2
Quote:
“mere connection with what is known as a superior race will not permanently carry an individual forward unless he has individual worth, and mere connection with what is regarded as an inferior race will not finally hold an individual back if he possesses intrinsic, individual merit.”
Summary:
Washington is saying that just because a person is white doesn’t mean that alone will carry an individual forward in life and to be black doesn’t mean that he can’t succeed – he will rise above on his own worth.
Response:
I agree with Washington and thankfully that still rings true today. To be successful in life one must work diligently to rise above their circumstances. People that overcome obstacles in their life appreciate where they come from and are proud of what they’ve achieved and generally they remain humble human beings. It is difficult to rise above the poverty level and the only way to do that is through hard work and an education. No one can take away your education. Although Washington advocated lowly hard work as the key for the black person to succeed he wasn’t saying that black people should not aspire to educate oneself, as he himself was determined to get an education at all costs.
People who are born into wealth don’t have to work very hard -- it makes them lazy as he states in his narrative. To rely on ones station in life is foolish. History has shown that money can be here today and gone tomorrow like what happened after reconstruction when once wealthy southern plantations owners lost everything – their work force, crops, and Sons.
It happened again after the stock market crash of 1929. Some people who lost their fortunes committed suicide, as their self worth was tied to their bank accounts. They were further disadvantaged because in day-to-day living they didn’t have a clue how to survive -- their every need was met by servants.
Money isn’t everything as those that have more than they need aren’t necessarily any happier than the rest of us.
English 49B
February 8, 2008
Journal #2
Quote:
“mere connection with what is known as a superior race will not permanently carry an individual forward unless he has individual worth, and mere connection with what is regarded as an inferior race will not finally hold an individual back if he possesses intrinsic, individual merit.”
Summary:
Washington is saying that just because a person is white doesn’t mean that alone will carry an individual forward in life and to be black doesn’t mean that he can’t succeed – he will rise above on his own worth.
Response:
I agree with Washington and thankfully that still rings true today. To be successful in life one must work diligently to rise above their circumstances. People that overcome obstacles in their life appreciate where they come from and are proud of what they’ve achieved and generally they remain humble human beings. It is difficult to rise above the poverty level and the only way to do that is through hard work and an education. No one can take away your education. Although Washington advocated lowly hard work as the key for the black person to succeed he wasn’t saying that black people should not aspire to educate oneself, as he himself was determined to get an education at all costs.
People who are born into wealth don’t have to work very hard -- it makes them lazy as he states in his narrative. To rely on ones station in life is foolish. History has shown that money can be here today and gone tomorrow like what happened after reconstruction when once wealthy southern plantations owners lost everything – their work force, crops, and Sons.
It happened again after the stock market crash of 1929. Some people who lost their fortunes committed suicide, as their self worth was tied to their bank accounts. They were further disadvantaged because in day-to-day living they didn’t have a clue how to survive -- their every need was met by servants.
Money isn’t everything as those that have more than they need aren’t necessarily any happier than the rest of us.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Sara Winnemucca
Jacki Procter
English 48B
Feb. 1, 2008
Journal #1 Sara Winnemucca
Quote:
“Yes, you, who call yourselves the great civilization; …covenanting with God to make this land the home of the free and the brave…you rise from your bended knees and seizing the welcoming hands of those who are the owners of this land, which you are not…your carbines rise upon the bleak shore, and your so-called civilization sweeps inland…leaving its pathway marked by crimson lines of blood…”
Summary:
Sara Winnemucca is speaking of the hypocrisy of the civilized christians and how they slaughtered her people and coveted their land.
Response:
It is total hypocrisy because christians aren’t supposed to commit mortal sins – thou shall not kill and thou shall not covet thy neighbor’s goods -- yet that is what they do for the advancement of their civilization. Great civilizations are measured by their intellect and innovation -- they perceive themselves as being superior to the Piutes and other natives because the natives live off the land and aren’t formally educated in the civilized world of teas and crumpets. The Piutes have a deep respect for other people as well as nature -- this quality actually makes them more spiritual than the “christians” because the christians do not follow the tenets of their religion.
It seems like the prerequisite of being civilized is to conquer or be conquered; however, it is not in the Piutes’ nature to behave this way, which is why they were unprepared -- at first. They welcomed the visitors and treated them with kindness by sharing what they had without expecting to be recompensed. The invaders accept the Piutes generosity, as well as help themselves to what they want, leaving a path of death and destruction.
They kill off their tribes and take their land. The wicked heathen savages that survive the slaughter are enslaved and forced ot convert to christianity . It was widely accepted during this period -- it’s the christian way. It seems like “home of the free and the brave” means, bravely go forth and conquer, and by the way, feel free to take what you want – possessions or people -- take your pick -- Now, “Let’s praise God!”
English 48B
Feb. 1, 2008
Journal #1 Sara Winnemucca
Quote:
“Yes, you, who call yourselves the great civilization; …covenanting with God to make this land the home of the free and the brave…you rise from your bended knees and seizing the welcoming hands of those who are the owners of this land, which you are not…your carbines rise upon the bleak shore, and your so-called civilization sweeps inland…leaving its pathway marked by crimson lines of blood…”
Summary:
Sara Winnemucca is speaking of the hypocrisy of the civilized christians and how they slaughtered her people and coveted their land.
Response:
It is total hypocrisy because christians aren’t supposed to commit mortal sins – thou shall not kill and thou shall not covet thy neighbor’s goods -- yet that is what they do for the advancement of their civilization. Great civilizations are measured by their intellect and innovation -- they perceive themselves as being superior to the Piutes and other natives because the natives live off the land and aren’t formally educated in the civilized world of teas and crumpets. The Piutes have a deep respect for other people as well as nature -- this quality actually makes them more spiritual than the “christians” because the christians do not follow the tenets of their religion.
It seems like the prerequisite of being civilized is to conquer or be conquered; however, it is not in the Piutes’ nature to behave this way, which is why they were unprepared -- at first. They welcomed the visitors and treated them with kindness by sharing what they had without expecting to be recompensed. The invaders accept the Piutes generosity, as well as help themselves to what they want, leaving a path of death and destruction.
They kill off their tribes and take their land. The wicked heathen savages that survive the slaughter are enslaved and forced ot convert to christianity . It was widely accepted during this period -- it’s the christian way. It seems like “home of the free and the brave” means, bravely go forth and conquer, and by the way, feel free to take what you want – possessions or people -- take your pick -- Now, “Let’s praise God!”
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