Tuesday, June 30, 2009
T.S. Eliot: "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock"
This poem is about a man who struggles with his self image. It deals with loneliness, alienation, and isolation (1192). This character is very self conscience and worries that people will talk about his bald spot or the skinniness in his legs and arms. He continuously compares himself to important figures and says "I am no prophet"(line 83) and yet again "No! I am not prince Hamlet, nor was meant to be;" (line 111). By comparing himself to big figures I feel that he was putting himself down. In lieu of the title, this is hardly a love song. Love nor a its substitutes exist in this poem. Instead this character has a difficult time appreciating himself and fitting in with the world around him. I believe that T.S.Eliot wants us to understand that the way we alienate ourselves from those around us is the same way we alienate from ourselves, hence being self-conscience. Self confidence is something that some people have a very hard time being comfortable with. Have self-confidence can make or break a person.
Monday, June 29, 2009
John S. Mill
Chapter 1 from The Subjection of Women was thought to be extremely radical in Mill's time but is now seen as a profound statement of liberal feminism. This essay served as a critique of the restrictions on women political and civic rights.
John Stuart Mill proudly holds the distinction of being the first male philosopher who publicly argued in favor of women's rights.
The object of the essay was to show “...that the principle which regulates the existing social relations between the two sexes—the legal subordination of one sex to the other—is wrong in itself, and now one of the chief hindrances to human improvement; and that it ought to be replaced by a principle of perfect equality, admitting no power or privilege on the one side, nor disability on the other.”(521)
Mill shows how the subordination bestowed upon the women stunted their moral and intellectual development of caused by restricting. This was done by pushing them into either self-sacrifice or selfishness and pettiness. Men, alternatively, became brutal through their relationships with women or tried to enslave their minds; "They have therefore put everything in practice to enslave their minds"(523). All the while, the men felt that by subjecting the women to this harsh behavior that they were benefiting themselves "All men, except the most brutish, desire to have, in the woman most nearly connected with them, not a forced slave but a willing one, not a slave merely, but a favourite" (523). They felt that this type of punishment was best for the women. Guess they thought this type of treatment would make the women eager to become submissive. They were wrong!
Mill’s concern for the status of women flamboyantly displays the rest of his thoughts. His support for women’s equality was exercised by associationism, which claims that minds are created by associative laws operating on experience. This implies that if we change the experiences and upbringing of women, then their minds will change. This can be performed by counteracting the ignorance bestowed by the men who said "Women who read, much more women who write, are, in the existing constitution of things, a contradiction and a disturbing element:and it is wrong to bring women up with any acquirements" (527).
Mill’s engaged with the world. His work is of enduring interest because it reflects how a fine mind struggled with and attempted to synthesize important intellectual and cultural movements even as a young child. Despite his rearing, being denied "both pleasures and playmates" and witnessing how his father dominated his mother(514)allows us to be very grateful for such a human being.
John Stuart Mill proudly holds the distinction of being the first male philosopher who publicly argued in favor of women's rights.
The object of the essay was to show “...that the principle which regulates the existing social relations between the two sexes—the legal subordination of one sex to the other—is wrong in itself, and now one of the chief hindrances to human improvement; and that it ought to be replaced by a principle of perfect equality, admitting no power or privilege on the one side, nor disability on the other.”(521)
Mill shows how the subordination bestowed upon the women stunted their moral and intellectual development of caused by restricting. This was done by pushing them into either self-sacrifice or selfishness and pettiness. Men, alternatively, became brutal through their relationships with women or tried to enslave their minds; "They have therefore put everything in practice to enslave their minds"(523). All the while, the men felt that by subjecting the women to this harsh behavior that they were benefiting themselves "All men, except the most brutish, desire to have, in the woman most nearly connected with them, not a forced slave but a willing one, not a slave merely, but a favourite" (523). They felt that this type of punishment was best for the women. Guess they thought this type of treatment would make the women eager to become submissive. They were wrong!
Mill’s concern for the status of women flamboyantly displays the rest of his thoughts. His support for women’s equality was exercised by associationism, which claims that minds are created by associative laws operating on experience. This implies that if we change the experiences and upbringing of women, then their minds will change. This can be performed by counteracting the ignorance bestowed by the men who said "Women who read, much more women who write, are, in the existing constitution of things, a contradiction and a disturbing element:and it is wrong to bring women up with any acquirements" (527).
Mill’s engaged with the world. His work is of enduring interest because it reflects how a fine mind struggled with and attempted to synthesize important intellectual and cultural movements even as a young child. Despite his rearing, being denied "both pleasures and playmates" and witnessing how his father dominated his mother(514)allows us to be very grateful for such a human being.
Dorothy Woodsworth
Dorothy Wordsworth was the sister to writer William Wordsworth. At a young age, she was sent off to stay with distant relatives and was not brought up around her four brothers. Dorothy and Williams were extremely close and lived together throughout many years of their lives. Although she seemed to have been in an unstable emotional mind frame, it was not until her later years that she had undergone series of illnesses. Her writings includes many footnotes that are very similar topics of William Wordsworth wrote about. Their style of the Romantics seems to fit them both very well.
In the poem Thoughts on My Sick-bed, I could depict that she had been having hard times. Through this, it was enlightening to see how she still appreciated the beauty of the nature in the "the daffodil dancing in the breeze" (line 18, 293). To me, she forgot the fact that she was suffering while on her sick-bed and gets in touch with the living nature around her. However, just when you think she's enjoying life currently she lets you know "and with Memory I was there"(294). With this memory, she was able to be free from her room and sick bed. Her memory is all she needed to escaped the harsh reality and gain happiness and appreciation.
When I'm faced with a tough situation, this poem will give me hope to know that the world still is filled with wonderful things and revolving nature. Although I can sense her pain and struggle, I also sense a state of happiness in her mind.
In the poem Thoughts on My Sick-bed, I could depict that she had been having hard times. Through this, it was enlightening to see how she still appreciated the beauty of the nature in the "the daffodil dancing in the breeze" (line 18, 293). To me, she forgot the fact that she was suffering while on her sick-bed and gets in touch with the living nature around her. However, just when you think she's enjoying life currently she lets you know "and with Memory I was there"(294). With this memory, she was able to be free from her room and sick bed. Her memory is all she needed to escaped the harsh reality and gain happiness and appreciation.
When I'm faced with a tough situation, this poem will give me hope to know that the world still is filled with wonderful things and revolving nature. Although I can sense her pain and struggle, I also sense a state of happiness in her mind.
Williams Woodsworth
In the poem We Are Seven , he writes of a little eight year old girl he meets while on a walk.
In the first stanza he writes “A simple child, dear brother Jim, That lightly draws it’s breath,And feels its life in every limb, What should it know of death?” (200) To me, he views the innocence of this child. Being so very young has much to learn about life, especially that of death. A child that age has so much to offer and need not think of the end coming so soon.
Initially, he describes the child as “simple,” but as the poem progresses, she gets quite more complex. As he asks how many siblings she has, he realizes that two of them have died. She replies "Seven are we." (200) She later explains that "Two of us in the church-yard lie." In his shallow mind, two of her siblings were not physically there so he considers that as being five. As the poem goes on, I'm sure he realized that the child knows more about death than he gave her credit for. Her reply to his puzzlement was "Their graves are green, they may be seen," and goes on to say "..there upon the ground I sit-I sit and sing to them."(201) In this child's mind, her siblings, having already been decease, still remain with her. When mentioned that "their graves are green" allows me to know that she keeps the memories and feelings that she once shared with them alive in her heart. She commemorates their lives by constantly singing to them as she does everyday tasks, such as sitting near their gravesite. The elder still has a hard time fathoming the concept of how she could continue to say that seven siblings exist when in fact there are just five. She replies by letting him know that “But they are dead: those two are dead! Their spirits are in heaven!” Twas throwing words away; for still
The little Maid would have her will, And said, “Nay, we are seven!” (201)
This poem may have been personal for Wordsworth considering the fact that he too lost two people; his own parents. He probably kept the memories of his loved ones alive in his heart whereas they would never leave him. Many people I feel, can relate to this poem. Sometimes it hard to actually let a loved one go and we have to constantly remind ourselves that even though they may not physically be with us, their love and memories will forever reside.
In the first stanza he writes “A simple child, dear brother Jim, That lightly draws it’s breath,And feels its life in every limb, What should it know of death?” (200) To me, he views the innocence of this child. Being so very young has much to learn about life, especially that of death. A child that age has so much to offer and need not think of the end coming so soon.
Initially, he describes the child as “simple,” but as the poem progresses, she gets quite more complex. As he asks how many siblings she has, he realizes that two of them have died. She replies "Seven are we." (200) She later explains that "Two of us in the church-yard lie." In his shallow mind, two of her siblings were not physically there so he considers that as being five. As the poem goes on, I'm sure he realized that the child knows more about death than he gave her credit for. Her reply to his puzzlement was "Their graves are green, they may be seen," and goes on to say "..there upon the ground I sit-I sit and sing to them."(201) In this child's mind, her siblings, having already been decease, still remain with her. When mentioned that "their graves are green" allows me to know that she keeps the memories and feelings that she once shared with them alive in her heart. She commemorates their lives by constantly singing to them as she does everyday tasks, such as sitting near their gravesite. The elder still has a hard time fathoming the concept of how she could continue to say that seven siblings exist when in fact there are just five. She replies by letting him know that “But they are dead: those two are dead! Their spirits are in heaven!” Twas throwing words away; for still
The little Maid would have her will, And said, “Nay, we are seven!” (201)
This poem may have been personal for Wordsworth considering the fact that he too lost two people; his own parents. He probably kept the memories of his loved ones alive in his heart whereas they would never leave him. Many people I feel, can relate to this poem. Sometimes it hard to actually let a loved one go and we have to constantly remind ourselves that even though they may not physically be with us, their love and memories will forever reside.
Virginia Woolf
In the very first line of "The Lady in the Looking Glass: A Reflection", Virginia Woolf writes, "People should not leave looking-glasses hanging in their rooms any more than they should leave open cheque books or letters confessing some hideous crime" (p.1224). Just like the personal information about finances stored away in a cheque book, so are hidden secrets about us. We shouldn't leave a looking-glass hanging for others to view our deep personal lives.
The character looks through the glass and sees a mistress "Isabella Tyson"(1225) whom I'd like to say is herself. Usually when one glances into a mirror, the reflection is of oneself. From the readings, it sounds as though the person looking in the mirror is Virginia Woolf. When peering into the mirror and noticing Isabella, this character demeanor changes for the better. The author uses expressions like "to pick something light and fantastic and leafy...traveller's joy...white and violet blossoms"(1225) all symbolizing happiness. However, when reality hits, she is suddenly looking at her natural self again "old and angular, veined and line, with her high nose and her wrinkled nose," pretty much flaws and all.
The character looks through the glass and sees a mistress "Isabella Tyson"(1225) whom I'd like to say is herself. Usually when one glances into a mirror, the reflection is of oneself. From the readings, it sounds as though the person looking in the mirror is Virginia Woolf. When peering into the mirror and noticing Isabella, this character demeanor changes for the better. The author uses expressions like "to pick something light and fantastic and leafy...traveller's joy...white and violet blossoms"(1225) all symbolizing happiness. However, when reality hits, she is suddenly looking at her natural self again "old and angular, veined and line, with her high nose and her wrinkled nose," pretty much flaws and all.
William Wordsworth:"The World is Too Much With Us"
Upon reading this poem, I wasn't quite sure that I'd understood the meaning of it. But I believe its saying that we as a human population are constantly destroying the earth by not caring for the environment. The world is too much with us is not only the title of this poem but the part of the very first sentence. The author feels that we are taking the world for granted and are being very nonchalant with nature and its warnings. He feels that people are "getting and spending" (line 2, 234). He feels that we do not have any regards to the important aspects of the world nor are we being good stewards of the powers given to us. The author describes the art of giving our hearts away as a "sordid boon"(234). The way we have giving our hearts away is like a filthy blessing. Even though man may have organized civilization, he has lost touch with nature and his values. By the use of personification in reference to the Sea "bares her bosom to the moon"(234) we are able to imaginatively relate with this as though its a person.
The last two lines of the poem bring up mythological figures whose actions appear to be better than those of humans. "Proteus rising from the sea; ...Triton blow his wreathed horn" (234). I feel that this makes the poem religious in two senses; one is the classic Christian sense, and the other is a "heathen" sense. He mentions how he wishes to be "a Pagan suckled in a creed outworn; So might I...have glimpses that would make me less forlorn" (234). The author infers that he would rather be a pre-Christian who believes in something far more incomprehensible than to be that of the shameful "Christian" human race.
Even though this poem used personification that allowed us as readers to become one with the characters, this was a difficult poem to comprehend. However I strongly believe that this poem is about subject of human immorality we they have no disregard for nature around us.
The last two lines of the poem bring up mythological figures whose actions appear to be better than those of humans. "Proteus rising from the sea; ...Triton blow his wreathed horn" (234). I feel that this makes the poem religious in two senses; one is the classic Christian sense, and the other is a "heathen" sense. He mentions how he wishes to be "a Pagan suckled in a creed outworn; So might I...have glimpses that would make me less forlorn" (234). The author infers that he would rather be a pre-Christian who believes in something far more incomprehensible than to be that of the shameful "Christian" human race.
Even though this poem used personification that allowed us as readers to become one with the characters, this was a difficult poem to comprehend. However I strongly believe that this poem is about subject of human immorality we they have no disregard for nature around us.
Robert Browning
At first glance, I immediately realized that Porphyia was killed by her lover. The second reading allowed me to notice details about her lover. Porphyia was in love with this man and as he said "Porphyria worshipped me"(line 33, 663). Porphyria was also struggling to set her passion free for him and "wanted to give herself to me forever"(663) he says. In order to answer her dying request(no pun intended), he says "..I found A thing to do, and all her hair In one long yellow string I wound Three times her little throat around, and strangled her."(663) How could someone being the recipient of worship do such a thing? This poem gives me the reason to believe that he has no regard for her life. However, his excuse for doing such is this "Porphyria's love: she guess not how Her darling one wish would be heard." He felt that by killing her, he was granting her need of "wanting to give herself" to him.
WWI: Rupert Brooke
The Soldier, not only a patriotic poem but a foreshadow of Rupert Brooke's death. This poem deals with the death and accomplishments of a soldier. Rupert Brooke, known as a "war poet" completed this last poem prior to his death. While being enlisted to join World War I, he began writing poems while commissioned upon a ship. Brooke died before ever seeing combat duty.
I question if soldiers ever think their combative nature is held in vain. I guess Mr.Brooke wanted to establish from then on what he was to be remembered by "...think only this of me: That there's some corner of a foreign field That is forever England"(1098). This poem expresses how deeply he felt for the country of England. Brooke says, "In that rich earth a richer dust concealed"(line 4, 1098). This means that if he died in a land other than England, the soil would be made better because there would now be a piece of England within it.
Ultimately, this poem deals with death and love, two powerful things that go hand-in-hand. Together they create an image in the poem of a man who is very brave and would do anything for his country.
I question if soldiers ever think their combative nature is held in vain. I guess Mr.Brooke wanted to establish from then on what he was to be remembered by "...think only this of me: That there's some corner of a foreign field That is forever England"(1098). This poem expresses how deeply he felt for the country of England. Brooke says, "In that rich earth a richer dust concealed"(line 4, 1098). This means that if he died in a land other than England, the soil would be made better because there would now be a piece of England within it.
Ultimately, this poem deals with death and love, two powerful things that go hand-in-hand. Together they create an image in the poem of a man who is very brave and would do anything for his country.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old grief’s, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints!---I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life!---and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.
(from “Sonnets from the Portuguese” poem 43)
As Elizabeth Barrett Browning has written this poem for her husband-to-be Robert Browning, I can not help to notice how much she loves him. Initially, their relationship started off as nothing and grew intense over time. We are to love with our whole being; our minds, bodies, and souls. I actually sounds like wedding vows. This sonnet is passionate and emotional. She says that she loves Robert with her soul professing that feels a very intimate bond between them. By reiterating "I love thee" Ms. Browning was emphasizing and declaring her love, if it were ever one disputed. If God allows, her love for Robert will continue even after death.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old grief’s, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints!---I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life!---and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.
(from “Sonnets from the Portuguese” poem 43)
As Elizabeth Barrett Browning has written this poem for her husband-to-be Robert Browning, I can not help to notice how much she loves him. Initially, their relationship started off as nothing and grew intense over time. We are to love with our whole being; our minds, bodies, and souls. I actually sounds like wedding vows. This sonnet is passionate and emotional. She says that she loves Robert with her soul professing that feels a very intimate bond between them. By reiterating "I love thee" Ms. Browning was emphasizing and declaring her love, if it were ever one disputed. If God allows, her love for Robert will continue even after death.
Percy Bysshe Shelley
My favorite poem of Shelley's was Hymm to Intellectual Beauty. Its flattering when people can explain everyday occurences by nature. In the first stanza Shelley talks of a "shadow of some unseen Power", which I think is a spirit representing our conscience. It "floats, though unseen, amoungst us,.."(397). I especially liked the last line in this stanza saying "Dear, and yet dearer for its mystery" (397). This mystery that he speaks of is what makes the future so unexpected. No one knows exactly what will happen even though we may have an intuitive idea. As the day quickly passes away, I believe Shelley wants us to worry less about what is to happen futuristically but focus on the time we have in front of us. "When noon is past-there is a harmony" which allows us to focus on what is next to come.
"The Second Coming"
Yeats' “The Second Coming” was about the chaos going on in the world. His description in this poem sort of reminds me of the Book of Revelation or just the mind of an artist; "A shape with lion body and the head of a man"(line 14, 1122). Yeats says that the "falcon"(humans)cannot hear the "falconer"(God) thus everything is falling apart. As a consequence, the second coming is near. He feels that all the bad people are getting more power while the innocent are suffering; "The best lack all conviction, while the worst Are full of passionate intensity." This is exactly how the world is today. The bad is getting worse and the good are sometimes not even recognized. The repetition of the phrase "The Second Coming", lets me know that Yeats' wants us readers to take heed to such an event. "Surely some revelation is at hand;" considering the fact that the world and the events that are occurring are getting worse. The last few verses "And what rough beast, its hour come round at last, Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?" makes me wonder if he's talking about Satin and Christ. Its a little tricky to comprehend but I believe he's saying that the Devil will not win the war that he has created but instead Christ-who was born in Bethlehem will when His second coming occurs.
"Leda and the Swan" by Yeats
Yeats' poem took me by surprise. I couldn't believe that he related the rape of Leda by Zeus in a swan form. It was violent and sexually explicit. By doing additional research, I found out that she later lays eggs and has several children, Helen and Clytemenestra as mentioned to us in the footnote, but also Castor and Polydeuces, gods of war, are among the others. In this depiction, we can see how instantaneous acts reap long term consequences and how every action effects the future.
Immediately, this poem catches the reader. "A sudden blow: the great wings beating still...her thighs carressed...her nape caught in his bill..."(1125) as Yeats emphasizes the brutal the act, the rape is embedded in our minds.
This poem was a little confusing and wasn't one of the best pieces I've read by Yeats.
There are unanswered questions that can be gathered by such an event though, What was Zeus' purpose in doing such a thing? Is this poem only in reference to a myth?
Immediately, this poem catches the reader. "A sudden blow: the great wings beating still...her thighs carressed...her nape caught in his bill..."(1125) as Yeats emphasizes the brutal the act, the rape is embedded in our minds.
This poem was a little confusing and wasn't one of the best pieces I've read by Yeats.
There are unanswered questions that can be gathered by such an event though, What was Zeus' purpose in doing such a thing? Is this poem only in reference to a myth?
Gerard Manley Hopkins
Hopkins was a Victorian poet. He was born into an Anglican family and became a Jesuit priest. By celebrating God in nature, he created the poem God's Grandeur. Hopkins compares the world to a "shining from shook foil"(774) almost like an electrical current. By this, he means that the world gives off a glare like sheet lightning. With God creating such a world, he asks "Why do men then now not reck his rod"(774), how is that men don't take heed to his teachings and the Word?
Everything that God created is beautiful and indispensable. After man has established in this world, we have yet to utilize all the water, dirt, minerals that were provided to us initially.
Everything that God created is beautiful and indispensable. After man has established in this world, we have yet to utilize all the water, dirt, minerals that were provided to us initially.
Thomas Carlyle
My favorite reading selection from this author was The Irish Widow from Gospel of Mammonism. The passage is not only sad but is yet filled with Carlyle’s ridicule. This story depicts a poor Irish woman trying to get help from charitable establishments of the city she lived in. She fell extremely ill with typhus fever and no one reached out to help her. Although she claimed that she was their sister, they still will not help her. As a result, she died and seventeen others are infected with typhus and died as well. With her death came the realization that she was in fact human and just like them, despite her poor status.
I assume that in Carlyle's era, the Irish were treated very poorly and inhuman just like he expressed in this passage. From this work, he displayed how society looked down upon the poor class as unequal. I felt that Carlyle is able to direct this message at all of society then and now. Carlyle experienced leaders in England who abandoned the country to democracy and the laissez-faire coptialism (475). In the passage, he mentions how "all government of the Poor by the Rich has long ago been give over to Supply-and-demand, Laissez-faire.."(481). He chose to mimic this line from his own personal experience. Maybe there is some validity to this story. Maybe he feels that this story touches the society as a whole and that the widow in the story is actually the country of England.
From this passage, hopefully society as a whole will learn that whether their neighbor is rich or poor everyone is merely the same and made by the same flesh by God.
I assume that in Carlyle's era, the Irish were treated very poorly and inhuman just like he expressed in this passage. From this work, he displayed how society looked down upon the poor class as unequal. I felt that Carlyle is able to direct this message at all of society then and now. Carlyle experienced leaders in England who abandoned the country to democracy and the laissez-faire coptialism (475). In the passage, he mentions how "all government of the Poor by the Rich has long ago been give over to Supply-and-demand, Laissez-faire.."(481). He chose to mimic this line from his own personal experience. Maybe there is some validity to this story. Maybe he feels that this story touches the society as a whole and that the widow in the story is actually the country of England.
From this passage, hopefully society as a whole will learn that whether their neighbor is rich or poor everyone is merely the same and made by the same flesh by God.
Oscar Wilde
Oscar Wilde, having been born into an unconventional family, lived marjority of his life on stage (828). Wilde was an Aesthete, he forcefully expressed the beauty of art and nature with a great sensitivity. He admired the works of such artists by the names of John Ruskin and Walter Pater. As Ruskin announced that "all good art is moral art" (828), I too believe that Mr. Wilde believed the same thing. In his Preface to The Picture of Dorian Gray, he feels that "The artist is the creator of beautiful things." (846) He makes it known that whatever an artist creates, will in fact be wonderful and only those who are willing to be open minded will appreciate such. He felt that "no artist desires to prove anything." (846) He appeared to be free spirited without feeling the need to take the blame for whatever thoughts or comments may come about from one of his masterpieces. This is totally understandable. The job of an artist is not to tell you what or how to feel. What is published is truly under the discretion of those who read and interrupt the material, they are liable for their own risk if they choose to go beneath the surface of a work to analyze it.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Identity Unveiled: The Little Black Boy by William Blake
I have to admit, there are many different views and sides that can be concluded from this poem. This poem appears to be educational on behalf of the little boy. He seems to acknowledge his race as being black and that he was in fact different on the outside but not on the inside; "And I am black, but O! my soul is white"(line 2, 80). He seems to be longing to be accepted "and be like him and he will then love me."(81) Even though he had the attention of his mother, he wanted attention from others and just to fit in. Similar to how we young people are today. We can have everything thing at home that we may possibly need however, the acceptance by our peers is what seems to matter to us most.
William Blake: The Chimney Sweeper
William Blake does a great job in exploiting the heinous crime of young boys in The Chimney Sweeper. To be a chimney sweeper, young boys who were sold into the business by their poor parents, fulfilled hazardous jobs. They were the only ones petite enough to perform such tasks as cleaning a chimney and by doing so, in the long run experienced permanent health issues or death. Even though chimney sweepers exist today, the difference with this occupation today and yesterday is having the choice to doing such labor. When young boys were sold into this type of business, they did not have the option of being able to play with friends or working. The young gentlemen begins by introducing us readers to Tom Dacre (line 5, 81), who like him, was young and deprived of a sensible childhood. Young Tom dreamed that one day an Angel said to him that if was a good boy, "He'd have God for his father & never want joy." (81) It's sad that one of his main wants was for an earthly father who will take care of him and give him joy. Since that wasn't fulfilled tangibly, the dream gave him a sense of joy in knowing that one day his request for a father would come true.
The Wife of Asdrubal
In contrast to the loving and kind motherly role as portrayed in "The Homes of England", Felicia Hemans describes yet another side; this one being deeper and darker. Having been a deserted daughter and wife of both a father and husband, it is not surprising that she creates such a passage. Metaphorically, Asdrubal parallels the actual representation of how the men in Felicia Hemans' life were not only selfish but inconsiderate.
"'....the mean things thou has done to save thy life shall not avail thee; thou shalt die this instant, at least in thy two children.'"(406) This verse reminds Asdrubal that even though he may feel heroic in saving his own life, the lives of his children will not be spared. This could have been the prime time for him to speak up and stop what was to come. "Fix'd is her eye on Asdrubal, who stands, Ignobly safe, amidst the conquering bands; On him, who left her to that burning tomb, Alone to share her children's martyrdom." (407) In comparison to her husband, she felt that her beloved children were the only noteworthy ones who would die for their country, in a sense dying to save something they loved and cherished.
"Bright in her hand the lifted dagger gleams, Swift from the children's hearts the life-blood streams; With frantic laugh she clasps them to the breast Whose woes and passions soon shall be at rest;" (408). It's hard to pinpoint the nature of the mother howbeit homicidal, retaliation, or compassionate. In the 8th podcast, Dr. Glance asks if we are to consider this nature positive? When considering the lost of a human being, especially a child, there can not possibly be an positive implication delivered. With the modern homicides inflicted upon children by their mothers, you can't help but to wonder "why?" This poem gives me insight on what appears to be a courageous and concerned single mother who refused to let her children suffer.
In conclusion, Ms. Hemans lets us readers know how the absent men in her life failed to put their families on the forefront and protect them. As Asdrubal chose to have his own life spared exclusive to that of his family.
She felt that as a mother the best thing that could be done was treating the children as though they were prized possessions, cherishing their lives, and doing the best to protect them.
"'....the mean things thou has done to save thy life shall not avail thee; thou shalt die this instant, at least in thy two children.'"(406) This verse reminds Asdrubal that even though he may feel heroic in saving his own life, the lives of his children will not be spared. This could have been the prime time for him to speak up and stop what was to come. "Fix'd is her eye on Asdrubal, who stands, Ignobly safe, amidst the conquering bands; On him, who left her to that burning tomb, Alone to share her children's martyrdom." (407) In comparison to her husband, she felt that her beloved children were the only noteworthy ones who would die for their country, in a sense dying to save something they loved and cherished.
"Bright in her hand the lifted dagger gleams, Swift from the children's hearts the life-blood streams; With frantic laugh she clasps them to the breast Whose woes and passions soon shall be at rest;" (408). It's hard to pinpoint the nature of the mother howbeit homicidal, retaliation, or compassionate. In the 8th podcast, Dr. Glance asks if we are to consider this nature positive? When considering the lost of a human being, especially a child, there can not possibly be an positive implication delivered. With the modern homicides inflicted upon children by their mothers, you can't help but to wonder "why?" This poem gives me insight on what appears to be a courageous and concerned single mother who refused to let her children suffer.
In conclusion, Ms. Hemans lets us readers know how the absent men in her life failed to put their families on the forefront and protect them. As Asdrubal chose to have his own life spared exclusive to that of his family.
She felt that as a mother the best thing that could be done was treating the children as though they were prized possessions, cherishing their lives, and doing the best to protect them.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
"The Homes of England" by Felicia Hemans
Felicia Hemans, the epiphany of a "prolific writer"(404) illustrously describes The Homes of England. Despite her highly educated nature which allowed her to receive the sarcastic titles of both "He-Man" and "Mrs. Hewoman's" (404), she refused to neglect the finer things of nature, the home.
The women of the 1700's time era were probably educators, nurturers, and protectors; aside from the ordinary homemakers. This poem is one in which mothers from all walks of life and decades to come can relate. Ms. Hemans writes about how a "woman's voice flows forth in song, or childhoods tale is told" (lines 13and 14, 412). From these lines, it is noted that the woman were educators for their young. As she marvels at the "pleasant land" (line 4, 412) outside the home, also acknowledges the "household love" (line 11, 412) created by her family inside. Ms. Hemans requests that her home, which she created, be protected by those who also love and respect the home as well (line 35, 412).
Due to her own failed marriage and that of her parents, Felicia Hemans appears to be very indepenent. This type of attitude must have been rarely displayed in this time era. Her behavior was emphasized through John Murray's unacceptance of "learned" women (404). I feel that this poem in retrospect, praises women. The initial quote "Where's the coward that would not dare to fight for such a land?"(412) makes me wonder if in fact she is speaking of actual soliders or to the men who were in her life. She could be questioning the integrity of the soliders in defending the land of England or very well questioning the character and the whereabouts of both her husband/father when protection is required for the household.
The women of the 1700's time era were probably educators, nurturers, and protectors; aside from the ordinary homemakers. This poem is one in which mothers from all walks of life and decades to come can relate. Ms. Hemans writes about how a "woman's voice flows forth in song, or childhoods tale is told" (lines 13and 14, 412). From these lines, it is noted that the woman were educators for their young. As she marvels at the "pleasant land" (line 4, 412) outside the home, also acknowledges the "household love" (line 11, 412) created by her family inside. Ms. Hemans requests that her home, which she created, be protected by those who also love and respect the home as well (line 35, 412).
Due to her own failed marriage and that of her parents, Felicia Hemans appears to be very indepenent. This type of attitude must have been rarely displayed in this time era. Her behavior was emphasized through John Murray's unacceptance of "learned" women (404). I feel that this poem in retrospect, praises women. The initial quote "Where's the coward that would not dare to fight for such a land?"(412) makes me wonder if in fact she is speaking of actual soliders or to the men who were in her life. She could be questioning the integrity of the soliders in defending the land of England or very well questioning the character and the whereabouts of both her husband/father when protection is required for the household.
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