There were only a select few works in the first half of the semester that I enjoyed out of the Realism/Naturalism section. (Kate Chopin and Jack London being about the only ones.) The war related works were a bit on the stale side, specifically “A Mystery of Heroism” and “An Episode of War.” It’s not that the works in the first half were awful, they just weren’t memorable or either didn’t leave that big of an impact on me. Besides “A Road Not Taken”, I really was not a fan of Robert Frost’s poetry. Wagner Matinee was okay, but nothing too outstanding and same with the “Jilting of Granny Weatherall.” But regardless, they all have their place in American Literature and omitting them would not do the class justice. I believe we all have separate tastes and that’s what makes these classes so unique.
Blog | XXXIII
During this semester in English 252, I have been completely immersed in the world of American Literature. I have a brand new appreciate and love for the works that have come out of my own country. There are so many significant moments in history that revolved entirely around these texts and give them life. After reading a few of Kate Chopin’s shorter works, I decided to take on “The Awakening” in my personal time away from the classroom. It not only changed me as a student and writer, but as a woman. What a profound woman that Kate Chopin was! I loved the works of both Jack London and Ernest Hemingway. The raw, rustic material held my attention at great lengths. There is something to take away from each of these works, and I now have a solid foundation to start to Troy University’s English Department with. Thank you.
Blog | XXXII
Can’t we all relate to family strife. I believe at more than one point in my life I have claimed to be the black sheep of the family. Much like the character of Dee, I ran off to Orlando and started this “artistic and youthful revolution.” In all reality, I was just working as cheap labor for Disney World. But it was MY thing. I was stepping outside the bonds of the little yellow house that sat on top of the hill in Seale, Alabama. I’m an only child, so I do not relate to Maggie and Dee’s tense relationship. But I have indeed played out both of their roles in my own family at different stages in my maturation. “Everyday Use” shows us a glimpse of the typical household. It may be torn, ugly, and misguided BUT it is cloaked in the strongest material there is, love.
Blog | XXXI
Oh, Joy. I mean Hulga, I mean Joy. Whatever. This has got to be one of the most entertaining characters in American Literature. In all honesty, her personality reminds me a lot of my own and I am woman enough to admit that. We both are blunt, intellectual to the point of being socially awkward, have a dry sense of humor, have no tact or patience, and on some occasions self-loathing (but we make sure everyone knows about it.) I admire Hulga because she is the one character that does not wear a disguise around her life, nor does she live in an illusion that her life is 100% satisfactory. She has her bad days, and she has her really bad days like all humans do. Unlike the rest of the characters, she never hides those raw emotions but rather plays them out to us through her witty dialogue.
Blog | XXX
Being a child of the theatre, I grew up familiar with the play “A Streetcar Named Desire.” I never really understood the mature, graphic themes until now, so this play carries a very different meaning to me as an adult. When I was a preteen, I wanted so desperately to do a monologue of Blanche’s, mainly because I knew I’d get to scream and throw myself around all over the place. I could be as big, and over dramatic as I’d like to be. Perfect. Reading through her lines now, I have an overwhelming sense of pity and an urgency to conclude the novel. It is uncomfortable. It really hurts me to see someone so broken, that their own identity begins chipping away right in front of your eyes. Blanche completely abandons reality in order to avoid getting hurt even more by reality abandoning her. Will she change her lifestyle after the trip the hospital, or will she remain forever in this psychosis? You as a reader choose her fate.
Blog | XXIX
“I’ve always depended on the kindness of strangers.”
I believe this is one of the most haunting quotes of any movie I have ever watched. It sums up the darkest, most hopeless moments of Blanche. To me, she is merely a young girl trapped inside the shell of a woman. Her desperation and frantic pleas to feel anything are very disturbing to watch. She has been overcome by this psychosis of her fatal flaws. Blanche tries to attach herself to objects, people, and places in hopes that they will help to make her feel whole again. “A Street Car Named Desire” makes you question the relentless oppression of women during the era and just how far you are able to push someone until they finally break.
Blog | XXVIII
Phoenix Jackson is a character in literature that we can all see someone we know deep inside. Usually, it is one of our own parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents. Her habitual nature for love, care, and compassion make her such an inspiring woman. She never counts herself out because of her health, age, or race. She has a goal in mind, to get her grandson his medicine and is unwavering in the journey. Much like her name, Phoenix arises from the ashes of misconception and discrimination and justifies her existence in the world. Against all adversity, she is truly a woman of grace and dignity. There are several lessons to be learned from “A Worn Path.”
-Be aware of those around you, for they are not all there to help but rather play out the part of obstacles.
-Always acknowledge the tiniest of nuances in your life, for they may be the key to survival.
-Be gracious, keep your heart full.
Thank you, Phoenix Jackson.
Blog | XXVII
During the time period of Postmodernism, there were several events that influenced this raw, un-romanticized style of writing.
a)Post-World War II
b) Lingering in the “Cold War”
c) Racial Segregation
d) The rebuilding of the economy after Great Depression, War times, etc.
America was hit with a period of pure melancholy which we have learned in grade school to call it the “Cold War.” It was still getting over all of the extravagant and life-changing sights, sounds, and feelings from the most talked about war in history- World War II. Guards were up, tension ran high, and there was almost no time to escape from your own mind and sort your thoughts of the last few years. Although there was no physical violence accredited with the Cold War, a psychologically damaging presence lingered over all of America. It is no wonder why writers got fed up with over-romanticized, truly fictional styles of writing. Life isn’t always beautiful, life doesn’t always have a happy ending. The writers that took on the Postmodernism style of writing was probably thinking of all the lost souls out there who felt alone and helpless. Literature is the best gift in the world to someone, because it makes you not feel so solitary in this big world.
Blog | XXVI
I do indeed enjoy the poem “Mother to Son.” But, if I were to examine the changes from “mother to son” to “mother to daughter” it would guide me down a different path. Thinking about the place of women in society during the 1950’s, I can’t help but to question if this poem would be as uplifting and powerful as it is currently. I would assume that mothers would share some insight on finding the perfect husband, mastering household duties, and having babies right away. I am by no means disagreeing with this lifestyle, but all women should not be categorized into one singular box of attributes and aspirations. I refuse to sit on the step below by partner/husband and just linger through the second-hand glory. I climb my own steps, and am rewarded with my own praise.
Blog | XXV
“Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.” -Langston Hughes
For the past four years or so, I have felt like a bird with a sore wing. I am only able to fly so far and so much at a time before going to perch on a tree for a little while longer. I see the other birds basking in the sunlight and soaring amongst the clouds. I have the desire to do the same, but there is something that always keeps me here. Here is comfortable, here is safe, and here I know I will never want or need for anything. But, I do need. I have the need for more, a relentless thirst for the knowledge of this vast world. I may only be a tiny irrelevant creature, but I am a puzzle piece that without…the picture remains incomplete.
The Chameleon Soul 