Bret Harte’s “Tennessee’s Partner” was almost as difficult for me to read as parts of “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”. The dialect of Tennessee’s partner and the way the story shifts from Tennessee to Tennessee’s partner took quite a bit of concentration on my part. I would think it would have been difficult for people of the time to have read this, expect for the more educated, due to the exaggerated vocabulary Harte used in his story. Even though I did not find the story to be entertaining personally, I can appreciate its reception during the time period in which it was written.
The friendship of the two men seemed to be the main point of the story. From what western movies I have seen, partnerships and friendships were quite vital and sacred in the frontier days, much more valued than today. I wonder if having been “christened” with the name Tennessee’s Partner motivated the dedication to Tennessee that the partner displayed. Accepting Tennessee with open arms after the affair with his wife and confronting the courts on his behalf with a bribe were signs of a true friend. I felt the funeral monologue was touching and proof of the commitment the partner had for his friend telling of the many times he had saved Tennessee from his mishaps. Even in his death, the partner continues searching out his cohort, this time finding his friend coming for him.
The regional dialect is best exemplified by the partner. “I disremember any sich weather” and “I come yar as Tennessee’s pardner” are simple examples of the language of the area. Also the comment “sez to me, sez you, -confidential-like, and between man and man,-sez you” was an example of the exaggeration of word usage. I believe the wife portrayed a typical regional character. Many of the women working in the saloons and bars were seeking husbands; but I don’t think they were the very committed type. It seemed they were always looking for the one that could provide them with the most. The partner’s wife exuded this trait in that she married the partner, found something more in Tennessee, and then having left him for someone else. Harte used the heat of the Western lands to add nature of the area to the story. From speaking of the heated resinous odors to the many displays of the partner’s use of the handkerchief, one can begin to feel the warmth and the emotions of the story. I, personally, did not find any humor in the story to speak of. Maybe from reading posts I will be able to see the humor Harte used in this story.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Howell's "Editha"
I found it interesting Howell was known to avoid the "excitements and catastrophes of romanticism just as he avoided sex and sensuality". "Editha" was centered on a relationship between George and Editha; however, there was no passion or sensuality of their relationship in the story.
As I sat in church this morning and listened to my pastor’s Memorial Day service, my mind wondered back to this story that I read just the night before. It was ironic as he spoke of the many men and women who had voluntarily given of their lives for their country that I would think of George and his basis for enlistment. He gave his life more for the service of his heart to Editha than to service of his country. It seemed he realized all along the risk of his choice and was only able to make it under the influence of “libations”. At the time of his departure, he was also more focused on the commitment of Editha to care for his mother than the farewell exchange between each other. It doesn’t seem as if love played any part in this relationship, more like pacification.
Editha’s character was an interesting one, more representative of our culture today. There are many that will go to great lengths for their own benefit or acknowledgement. Editha was driven more by the recognition she would receive as the mate of a military hero than simply the town lawyer. Her immaturity was evident in her thoughts that nothing would happen to George during his service, they would simply be able to scare off the opposition, and he would return home having served his country and her.
My heart went out to George’s mother. What a mature, unselfish being who would rather give up her son than to know he had gone to war and killed someone else, having their blood on his hands. It was interesting she did not want Editha grieving for him, scolding her for wearing the black mourning clothes. I believe she was celebrating the fact that he had gone on beyond the hatefulness of this world and the relationship George would have found himself in with Editha.
Even though this story had a tragic ending, it was a great read but more for a mature audience. I believe the plot is too serious unless the reader would be at a point of understanding what I believe Howell would want understood: we should love unconditionally and make our commitments from a true sense of service rather than trying to fulfill other’s expectations.
As I sat in church this morning and listened to my pastor’s Memorial Day service, my mind wondered back to this story that I read just the night before. It was ironic as he spoke of the many men and women who had voluntarily given of their lives for their country that I would think of George and his basis for enlistment. He gave his life more for the service of his heart to Editha than to service of his country. It seemed he realized all along the risk of his choice and was only able to make it under the influence of “libations”. At the time of his departure, he was also more focused on the commitment of Editha to care for his mother than the farewell exchange between each other. It doesn’t seem as if love played any part in this relationship, more like pacification.
Editha’s character was an interesting one, more representative of our culture today. There are many that will go to great lengths for their own benefit or acknowledgement. Editha was driven more by the recognition she would receive as the mate of a military hero than simply the town lawyer. Her immaturity was evident in her thoughts that nothing would happen to George during his service, they would simply be able to scare off the opposition, and he would return home having served his country and her.
My heart went out to George’s mother. What a mature, unselfish being who would rather give up her son than to know he had gone to war and killed someone else, having their blood on his hands. It was interesting she did not want Editha grieving for him, scolding her for wearing the black mourning clothes. I believe she was celebrating the fact that he had gone on beyond the hatefulness of this world and the relationship George would have found himself in with Editha.
Even though this story had a tragic ending, it was a great read but more for a mature audience. I believe the plot is too serious unless the reader would be at a point of understanding what I believe Howell would want understood: we should love unconditionally and make our commitments from a true sense of service rather than trying to fulfill other’s expectations.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Wow! What an amusing and exciting read! Even though it was difficult to read with the dialect and slow with the small print of the text, I am pleased that The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is on the reading list for this American Lit class and I, at last, read it. I don’t remember reading in my earlier high school years, and saw it as something I would never have chosen to read for myself. I actually found myself on the edge of my seat at times, wondering what was coming next. Twain did an amazing job with the many facets he intertwined within his story: abuse, commitment, deceit, humility, friendship, hospitality, and adventure, just to name a few. I can understand why this novel has been popular among the academic book lists. It brings to the reader, in an entertaining way, the history of the time with many characters and social issues to study. I see the opportunity a teacher would have to address family, social, and moral issues while also addressing the many literary terms, such as character, theme, conflict, and plot.
Before I looked at the study questions, I knew, as I read, I wanted to address in my reflection the relationship between Huck and his father and Huck and Jim. As a parent and one whose wish for all children would be to have two loving parents who cared for them and never have to feel threatened, I found it hard to read of the interaction between Huck and his father: the fear and disappointment Huck must have felt at the hands of his father. Then, for Huck to find more trust and camaraderie with someone who society saw as mere “merchandise”, turned the story line into a type of love story for me, even though it was a type of “brotherly love”. I loved the character Twain developed for Jim. While he was considered a “nigger” by definition of the times, he turned out to be the most trusted, loving, committed individual in the story. This story should definitely teach all human races that someone’s character cannot simply be judged by their color or status in life. While the court was intent on returning Huck to his “father” simply because he helped to create him, he turned out to be the most significant threat to Huck, not this black slave who most of society would have feared and deemed unworthy of caring and raising Huck. Jim proved himself several times during the story of his commitment and compassion for Huck; the emotion Jim expressed when he thought Huck had been lost in the fog and the quick forgiveness he granted when he realized Huck had been tricking him about being lost, laying in wait for Huck after the raft was hit by the steamboat and Huck has spent time with the Grangerford family, not revealing to Huck the murdered man they found in the house was actually Huck’s father, taking Huck’s watch on the raft and letting him sleep without complaint, and the extent he accepted Tom and Huck’s adventurous plan to help him escape from the Phelps family. Jim was more of a father figure to Huck than it seemed his real father would ever have been.
Another topic I found to be most evident in the story was the easiness of deceit in this story. The king and the duke were characters who would have done anything for money. The extent they were willing to go with the estate money was beyond understanding for me. Twain did, however, embrace the idea of “what goes around comes around” concerning these two characters. But also disturbing were the yarns that Huck and Tom were able to develop at the drop of a hat. While it all seemed adventurous in the story, it is unsettling to imagine how easily one could be taken in by the likes. While Huck’s and Tom’s deception was usually “for the good of the cause”, it was still extensive.
This is a story I wish I had shared with my children in their earlier years and taken the opportunity to discuss the many issues within. If I ever become a grandparent, I will plan to share this with my grandchildren and hope to instill some of Jim’s qualities in them.
Before I looked at the study questions, I knew, as I read, I wanted to address in my reflection the relationship between Huck and his father and Huck and Jim. As a parent and one whose wish for all children would be to have two loving parents who cared for them and never have to feel threatened, I found it hard to read of the interaction between Huck and his father: the fear and disappointment Huck must have felt at the hands of his father. Then, for Huck to find more trust and camaraderie with someone who society saw as mere “merchandise”, turned the story line into a type of love story for me, even though it was a type of “brotherly love”. I loved the character Twain developed for Jim. While he was considered a “nigger” by definition of the times, he turned out to be the most trusted, loving, committed individual in the story. This story should definitely teach all human races that someone’s character cannot simply be judged by their color or status in life. While the court was intent on returning Huck to his “father” simply because he helped to create him, he turned out to be the most significant threat to Huck, not this black slave who most of society would have feared and deemed unworthy of caring and raising Huck. Jim proved himself several times during the story of his commitment and compassion for Huck; the emotion Jim expressed when he thought Huck had been lost in the fog and the quick forgiveness he granted when he realized Huck had been tricking him about being lost, laying in wait for Huck after the raft was hit by the steamboat and Huck has spent time with the Grangerford family, not revealing to Huck the murdered man they found in the house was actually Huck’s father, taking Huck’s watch on the raft and letting him sleep without complaint, and the extent he accepted Tom and Huck’s adventurous plan to help him escape from the Phelps family. Jim was more of a father figure to Huck than it seemed his real father would ever have been.
Another topic I found to be most evident in the story was the easiness of deceit in this story. The king and the duke were characters who would have done anything for money. The extent they were willing to go with the estate money was beyond understanding for me. Twain did, however, embrace the idea of “what goes around comes around” concerning these two characters. But also disturbing were the yarns that Huck and Tom were able to develop at the drop of a hat. While it all seemed adventurous in the story, it is unsettling to imagine how easily one could be taken in by the likes. While Huck’s and Tom’s deception was usually “for the good of the cause”, it was still extensive.
This is a story I wish I had shared with my children in their earlier years and taken the opportunity to discuss the many issues within. If I ever become a grandparent, I will plan to share this with my grandchildren and hope to instill some of Jim’s qualities in them.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Emily Dickinson's Poetry
As I read the poetry selections of Emily Dickinson, I was reminded of why I am not an enthusiast of poetry. While Miss Dickinson is known as “one of America’s most gifted poets”, understanding poetry is not one of my strong suits; therefore, I found these selections hard to read. The wording may have been the way of the spoken language in the later 1800s, but, along with the short and broken stanzas, I found it difficult to follow. However, I am by no means a critic of her poetry and would not assess or demean the value of her works simply because they are not to my liking. Obviously, she is very highly regarded in the literary sector, even though I don’t understand why she wasn’t more published until after her death.
I was able to detect her poetic subjects in the selections along with hints of religious thoughts. I was not able to determine any religious beliefs according to her biography and wonder about her convictions. I also wonder how much of her secluded lifestyle contributed to the subjects of her poetry. The text describes her moods varying from “melancholy to exuberance, grief to joy, and despair to spiritual intoxication”. Could this have been her thoughts swaying from how she viewed her real, isolated life to the path she might have liked to pursue otherwise? There is so much mention or allude to death, does she feel as if she has never lived? Her life reminds me of Catherine Gilman‘s character in “The Yellow Wallpaper. Even though there doesn’t seem to be any brainwashing or confinement, she does seem to be a hermit in her secluded life.
I am anxious to review everyone’s posts to see if, from your thoughts, I can understand more of what she is revealing in her poetry. Even after reading it twice, I am still experiencing some confusion as to what she is trying to express to the world.
I was able to detect her poetic subjects in the selections along with hints of religious thoughts. I was not able to determine any religious beliefs according to her biography and wonder about her convictions. I also wonder how much of her secluded lifestyle contributed to the subjects of her poetry. The text describes her moods varying from “melancholy to exuberance, grief to joy, and despair to spiritual intoxication”. Could this have been her thoughts swaying from how she viewed her real, isolated life to the path she might have liked to pursue otherwise? There is so much mention or allude to death, does she feel as if she has never lived? Her life reminds me of Catherine Gilman‘s character in “The Yellow Wallpaper. Even though there doesn’t seem to be any brainwashing or confinement, she does seem to be a hermit in her secluded life.
I am anxious to review everyone’s posts to see if, from your thoughts, I can understand more of what she is revealing in her poetry. Even after reading it twice, I am still experiencing some confusion as to what she is trying to express to the world.
Sarah Orne Jewett's "A White Heron"
I am embarrassed to say I don’t recall ever knowing of Sarah Orne Jewett or her works. After reading this story, which I did enjoy, I would be interested in seeking out her children’s books to review. From her biography, it seems she would be a poster child for advocates of hands-on learning. I found it interesting her belief of “the best of my education was received in my father’s buggy and the places to which it carried me”. I do believe we can learn more, if not at least as much, seeing and doing as we can sitting in a classroom receiving lecture.
As happens frequently as I read, my inquisitive mind began to try to predict what was going to happen with young Sylvia. First, as a parent of girls in this day and age, I was taken back that this young girl would be out in the woods in the late evening hours alone. I had to remind myself of the times in which this story was written there wasn’t as much need for safety concerns as today. However, the story did reveal Sylvia’s apprehension at coming face to face to this young man in the woods. He seemed to disrupt the safe world she had created for herself on this small farm with her grandmother, away from her large family and the village people. I found it interesting the quickness the grandmother accepted him into her home and the genuine hospitality she afforded him. I thought how few of us today would be so trusting and open with a stranger showing up on our door step seeking food and shelter. He turned out to be no danger to Sylva or her grandmother, but a much bigger danger to the natural world of the area.
I felt the inner struggle of right and wrong was depicted by Sylvia’s character. While she became intrigued with the young man, even to the point of her “woman’s heart thrilled by a dream of love” and was also tempted by the offer of money to reveal the location of the heron, she fought the desires. I believe climbing the pine tree and experiencing the heights of the heron’s world, as she stood atop the tree, she realized the worth of the bird’s life and found the resolve to retain its location within her mind.
As happens frequently as I read, my inquisitive mind began to try to predict what was going to happen with young Sylvia. First, as a parent of girls in this day and age, I was taken back that this young girl would be out in the woods in the late evening hours alone. I had to remind myself of the times in which this story was written there wasn’t as much need for safety concerns as today. However, the story did reveal Sylvia’s apprehension at coming face to face to this young man in the woods. He seemed to disrupt the safe world she had created for herself on this small farm with her grandmother, away from her large family and the village people. I found it interesting the quickness the grandmother accepted him into her home and the genuine hospitality she afforded him. I thought how few of us today would be so trusting and open with a stranger showing up on our door step seeking food and shelter. He turned out to be no danger to Sylva or her grandmother, but a much bigger danger to the natural world of the area.
I felt the inner struggle of right and wrong was depicted by Sylvia’s character. While she became intrigued with the young man, even to the point of her “woman’s heart thrilled by a dream of love” and was also tempted by the offer of money to reveal the location of the heron, she fought the desires. I believe climbing the pine tree and experiencing the heights of the heron’s world, as she stood atop the tree, she realized the worth of the bird’s life and found the resolve to retain its location within her mind.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Mary Freeman's "The New England Nun"
As I read this story of Louisa Ellis, my first thought was “how sad for her”. But, in the end, I believe she was happy and content with her life, something not many of us ever seem to feel.
I believe her character depicts strength of very few women of the time. Most women felt society expected them to marry and have a husband to care and support them. Even though Louisa’s plan was to do just that, she did not seem comfortable or “sold” on the idea. The story reveals through Louisa’s thoughts her impending dread of having to change her lifestyle. From the orderliness of her bureau-drawers to the fear of Caesar being let loose, she knew the marriage to Joe Dagget would forever alter her methodical existence. It was as if she was hoping for a reprieve of the commitment, and then miraculously happened upon Joe and Lily one night privately discussing their feelings for one another. It was inspiring to read of the honor of the characters in not wanting to hurt the others. Lily was set to leave the area rather than force an uncomfortable state of affairs by living in the same area as the man she loved who was soon to be married to someone else. Joe was set to honor his fifteen year commitment even though he his heart belonged to Lily. Finally, Louisa was strong enough to set Joe free to marry the one he truly loved. I doubt many people of today would be as unselfish as any one of these characters concerning their fellow man’s feelings.
I enjoyed reading this story. As usual, with my love of mysteries, I was trying to speculate what was going to happen as I read. From the narrative of Louisa’s thoughts regarding the upcoming nuptials, it was not very difficult to recognize the decision she was preparing to make. As I read, I also enjoyed the descriptive settings and situations in the story. As I am when I read other high-quality authors, I was impressed with the detail of the scenery, movement, and happenings in the story. I am able to visualize the story and lose myself in it as I read. From the description at the beginning as to what Louise might have been seeing from her window while sewing to the visions she had as she thought of her home and what she would be leaving, I could feel myself in the story, watching and anticipating.
I believe her character depicts strength of very few women of the time. Most women felt society expected them to marry and have a husband to care and support them. Even though Louisa’s plan was to do just that, she did not seem comfortable or “sold” on the idea. The story reveals through Louisa’s thoughts her impending dread of having to change her lifestyle. From the orderliness of her bureau-drawers to the fear of Caesar being let loose, she knew the marriage to Joe Dagget would forever alter her methodical existence. It was as if she was hoping for a reprieve of the commitment, and then miraculously happened upon Joe and Lily one night privately discussing their feelings for one another. It was inspiring to read of the honor of the characters in not wanting to hurt the others. Lily was set to leave the area rather than force an uncomfortable state of affairs by living in the same area as the man she loved who was soon to be married to someone else. Joe was set to honor his fifteen year commitment even though he his heart belonged to Lily. Finally, Louisa was strong enough to set Joe free to marry the one he truly loved. I doubt many people of today would be as unselfish as any one of these characters concerning their fellow man’s feelings.
I enjoyed reading this story. As usual, with my love of mysteries, I was trying to speculate what was going to happen as I read. From the narrative of Louisa’s thoughts regarding the upcoming nuptials, it was not very difficult to recognize the decision she was preparing to make. As I read, I also enjoyed the descriptive settings and situations in the story. As I am when I read other high-quality authors, I was impressed with the detail of the scenery, movement, and happenings in the story. I am able to visualize the story and lose myself in it as I read. From the description at the beginning as to what Louise might have been seeing from her window while sewing to the visions she had as she thought of her home and what she would be leaving, I could feel myself in the story, watching and anticipating.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Hi! I am a 45 year old wife and mother. I work as a teacher assistant in an elementary school. I have recently returned to school to complete a bachelors degree in elementary education.
I absolutely love to read, for enjoyment. I am not a big fan of non-fiction reading. I do read a daily Bible devotion and the local newspaper, but the majority of my reading is fiction, for leisure and pleasure. Reading is and has been a major activity in our household since before our children were born. I read to my babies before they were born and continued religiously after they were born. My oldest daughter brought a stack of books taller than herself for me to read to her before bedtime when she was toddler. We had to limit her to ten bedtime stories. Her love of reading has magnified over the years. While many of our friends were paying their kids to read, limiting her reading time was a form of punishment for her. She is now in college and continues to read novels and old literary works. Upon graduation from the undergraduate program, she plans to pursue graduate school for library science.
My interest in reading has flourished in the past ten to fifteen years after my daughters were older and did not demand quite so much of my time. We participate in a summer reading program at our church library and I began checking out my own books after the girls were independently reading. The majority of my time is spent reading books by Christian authors Karen Kingsbury and Ted Dekker. I also enjoy Kristen Heitzman and Terri Blackstock. I just finished Karen Kingsbury's Take Three last week. Secularly, I enjoy reading books by James Patterson and Danielle Steele. I love mystery and real-life situational stories.
Reading assignments from this class will be much different from what I read for enjoyment. I found myself familiar with many titles as I glanced over the list of readings and authors. I hope to find them interesting and understandable. Even thought I work as a first and third grade assistant and am exposed to juvenile literary, it has been many years since my high school years of mature literary studies.
I absolutely love to read, for enjoyment. I am not a big fan of non-fiction reading. I do read a daily Bible devotion and the local newspaper, but the majority of my reading is fiction, for leisure and pleasure. Reading is and has been a major activity in our household since before our children were born. I read to my babies before they were born and continued religiously after they were born. My oldest daughter brought a stack of books taller than herself for me to read to her before bedtime when she was toddler. We had to limit her to ten bedtime stories. Her love of reading has magnified over the years. While many of our friends were paying their kids to read, limiting her reading time was a form of punishment for her. She is now in college and continues to read novels and old literary works. Upon graduation from the undergraduate program, she plans to pursue graduate school for library science.
My interest in reading has flourished in the past ten to fifteen years after my daughters were older and did not demand quite so much of my time. We participate in a summer reading program at our church library and I began checking out my own books after the girls were independently reading. The majority of my time is spent reading books by Christian authors Karen Kingsbury and Ted Dekker. I also enjoy Kristen Heitzman and Terri Blackstock. I just finished Karen Kingsbury's Take Three last week. Secularly, I enjoy reading books by James Patterson and Danielle Steele. I love mystery and real-life situational stories.
Reading assignments from this class will be much different from what I read for enjoyment. I found myself familiar with many titles as I glanced over the list of readings and authors. I hope to find them interesting and understandable. Even thought I work as a first and third grade assistant and am exposed to juvenile literary, it has been many years since my high school years of mature literary studies.
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