Act III, Scene II shows the absurdity of Kate manifested by Petruchio. His strange behavior, however humorous, is his way of showing Kate the ridiculous manner in which she acts. The absurdity of Petruchio’s attire and arrival cause one to believe that he is not taking the wedding seriously. This costume shows, however, that Petruchio has taken control of the relationship. The clothes can also be seen as symbolic for the institution of marriage and the financial business behind it. There is an absurdity, yet also a safety, in marrying for financial purposes. While Petruchio’s original intent was for wealth, his outlook has changed. The attire in which he wears enables Kate to see that he is willing to adhere, or even join, Kate’s behavior. Kate better understands her own behavior through Petruchio's behavior.
The following passage illustrates the manner in which Petruchio acted.
“They shall go forward, Kate, at thy command.—
Obey the bride, you that attend on her.
Go to the feast, revel and domineer,
Carouse full measure to her maidenhead,
Be mad and merry, or go hang yourselves.
But for my bonny Kate, she must with me.
Nay, look not big, nor stamp, nor stare, nor fret;
I will be master of what is mine own.
She is my goods, my chattels; she is my house,
My household stuff, my field, my barn,
My horse, my ox, my ass, my anything.
And here she stands, touch her whoever dare.
I'll bring mine action on the proudest he
That stops my way in Padua.—Grumio,
Draw forth thy weapon, we are beset with thieves.
Rescue thy mistress if thou be a man.—
Fear not, sweet wench, they shall not touch thee, Kate.
I'll buckler thee against a million.” (Act III, scene II. 195-212)
Petruchio begins by giving power to Kate. He says "thy command" in order to distinguish her. It is he who commands the guests, however, in saying "obey the bride...go to the feast... carouse full measure...be mad and merry..." This asserts his power, not only over the situation, but, over Kate as well. His power, although his intentions are playful and not malicious, is asserted with his threats and insults. It is interesting that he calls the guests "thieves" and draws his sword. This absurd action is far more exaggerated than Kate's behavior, however it illustrates the depiction of her behavior. Petruchio claims that Kate is a possession of his, no different than his house, field, or barn. It is strange and domineering for him to compare Kate to these inanimate things. The guests all find Petruchio's behavior humorous and to be suited for Kate.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
The Taming of the Shrew: Genre/Opinion
I found the Taming of the Shrew to be comical. Kate's defiance and strong-willed attitude towards her suitors is cause for laughter. I can imagine that it would be much funnier if watched as a play. One is bound to laugh at the banter that ensues between Petruchio and Kate. The deception of disguise is humorous and witnessed throughout the play. The play begins with the absurdity of a poor tinker, Sly, being treated like a king. This scene prepares the reader for the role switching and humor that will entail. It is also comical how Petruchio alters Kate's behavior so dramatically, however scary. One finds it strange how the institution of marriage could control one so greatly.
I am unsure as to how I feel about the ending. There are mixed opinions of how Kate's submission should be viewed. As this play is meant to be satirical, one can guess that Kate is being sarcastic towards Petruchio's dominant rule over Kate. However, I am not sure that this is the case. It is true that she is annoyed with him, but is she breaking and becoming a submissive woman? In the time of Shakespeare, a woman was deemed appropriate and good if she obeyed her husband. I feel that he slightly pokes fun at the institution of marriage through the absurdity of the play. It seems that Kate realizes that it will be easier on her if she accepts her role as Petruchio's wife. Secretly, the slight feminist in me wishes that Kate stood her ground.
I am unsure as to how I feel about the ending. There are mixed opinions of how Kate's submission should be viewed. As this play is meant to be satirical, one can guess that Kate is being sarcastic towards Petruchio's dominant rule over Kate. However, I am not sure that this is the case. It is true that she is annoyed with him, but is she breaking and becoming a submissive woman? In the time of Shakespeare, a woman was deemed appropriate and good if she obeyed her husband. I feel that he slightly pokes fun at the institution of marriage through the absurdity of the play. It seems that Kate realizes that it will be easier on her if she accepts her role as Petruchio's wife. Secretly, the slight feminist in me wishes that Kate stood her ground.
Richard III Passage
"The lights burn blue. It is now dead midnight.
Cold fearful drops stand on my trembling flesh.
What do I fear? Myself? There’s none else by.
Richard loves Richard; that is, I am I.
Is there a murderer here? No. Yes, I am.
Then fly! What, from myself? Great reason. Why:
Lest I revenge. Myself upon myself?
Alack, I love myself. Wherefore? For any good
That I myself have done unto myself?
O no, alas, I rather hate myself
For hateful deeds committed by myself.
I am a villain."
(Act V. scene v.134–145)
After Richard III is visited by the ghosts of his victims, he delivers a speech that reveals his uncertainty and self-doubt. He awakens from his dream filled with fear. His physical state is altered so much that "cold fearful drops" of sweat are on his "trembling chest." This is, perhaps, the first time that the reader finds him vulnerable. With a series of questions, Richard tries to justify his fear. He argues with himself, coming to the ultimate conclusion that he is the most dangerous person he could be with. "Is there a murderer here?" His first response is "No." He then says, "Yes, I am." Fear tightens its grip and Richard thinks about fleeing. In his confusion, he must decipher that he is thinking about fleeing from himself. This causes one to think that there are forces of evil that rest within Richard that even he is not capable of controlling. He questions whether or not he should seek vengeance on himself. Realizing that he loves himself too much ("Alack, I love myself"), he decides that he hates himself "for hateful deeds" that he committed. The last line, "I am a villain" is not a new piece of knowledge to the reader. This is asserted to emphasize Richard's decision. It is also said because Richard is trying to convince himself that he is capable of what he is doing. He says that he is a villain in order to instill confidence in himself for his actions.
Cold fearful drops stand on my trembling flesh.
What do I fear? Myself? There’s none else by.
Richard loves Richard; that is, I am I.
Is there a murderer here? No. Yes, I am.
Then fly! What, from myself? Great reason. Why:
Lest I revenge. Myself upon myself?
Alack, I love myself. Wherefore? For any good
That I myself have done unto myself?
O no, alas, I rather hate myself
For hateful deeds committed by myself.
I am a villain."
(Act V. scene v.134–145)
After Richard III is visited by the ghosts of his victims, he delivers a speech that reveals his uncertainty and self-doubt. He awakens from his dream filled with fear. His physical state is altered so much that "cold fearful drops" of sweat are on his "trembling chest." This is, perhaps, the first time that the reader finds him vulnerable. With a series of questions, Richard tries to justify his fear. He argues with himself, coming to the ultimate conclusion that he is the most dangerous person he could be with. "Is there a murderer here?" His first response is "No." He then says, "Yes, I am." Fear tightens its grip and Richard thinks about fleeing. In his confusion, he must decipher that he is thinking about fleeing from himself. This causes one to think that there are forces of evil that rest within Richard that even he is not capable of controlling. He questions whether or not he should seek vengeance on himself. Realizing that he loves himself too much ("Alack, I love myself"), he decides that he hates himself "for hateful deeds" that he committed. The last line, "I am a villain" is not a new piece of knowledge to the reader. This is asserted to emphasize Richard's decision. It is also said because Richard is trying to convince himself that he is capable of what he is doing. He says that he is a villain in order to instill confidence in himself for his actions.
Richard III Opinion/Genre
Never was there such a miserable, ruthless rat, as Richard III. Richard is first introduced as villainous, as he stands aside to tell the audience his evil intentions. It is out of bitter contempt and jealousy of his brother's reign that he decides to ascend to the throne. No outside sources influenced the intentions of Richard. His unhappiness with his physical deformity and his unattractiveness is what leads him to a heartless path of blood.
It is interesting to know that this history was written to model a king from reality. The awesome evil of Richard is portrayed by his deceptive nature. He acts as a two-faced character, tricking the other characters into believing his kind persona, while secretly devising his evil plan. He talks aside, many times, to the audience revealing himself.
In my opinion, Richard III was not terrible. I did not enjoy it as much as Macbeth, but I found it more interesting than a Midsummer Night's Dream. I found it frustrating to witness his actions and wished that someone killed him sooner. I thought that it was appropriate that all the ghosts who Richard killed came back to haunt him.
It is interesting to know that this history was written to model a king from reality. The awesome evil of Richard is portrayed by his deceptive nature. He acts as a two-faced character, tricking the other characters into believing his kind persona, while secretly devising his evil plan. He talks aside, many times, to the audience revealing himself.
In my opinion, Richard III was not terrible. I did not enjoy it as much as Macbeth, but I found it more interesting than a Midsummer Night's Dream. I found it frustrating to witness his actions and wished that someone killed him sooner. I thought that it was appropriate that all the ghosts who Richard killed came back to haunt him.
Macbeth: Opinion
I enjoyed reading Macbeth. The level of comprehension was a little easier than the other plays we have read. I found the process of searching deeper than the surface of the play interesting. This tragedy was exciting with the many murders. I think what is the really captivating part of the play is the transformation of Macbeth. One is intrigued by how his motives change and the affect of a woman's influence.
Lady Macbeth: Uncensored, Unveiled
Come, you spirits
That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here,
And fill me from the crown to the toe top-full
Of direst cruelty. Make thick my blood.
Stop up the access and passage to remorse,
That no compunctious visitings of nature
Shake my fell purpose, nor keep peace between
The effect and it! Come to my woman's breasts,
And take my milk for gall, you murd'ring ministers,
Wherever in your sightless substances
You wait on nature's mischief. (Act I, scene v. 30-40)
This passage is voiced by Lady Macbeth after she reads a letter written by her husband. Lady Macbeth calls upon "spirits," which are essentially the devil. She understands that the devil tends "on mortal thoughts," or tends to murderous thoughts. Her famous line, "unsex me here," shows her desire to change her sex. She wishes to be a man and shed all her womanly duties and expectations. The word "crown" is used which can refer simply to one's head, or to a queen's crown. This word foreshadows and provides insight to Lady Macbeth's subconscious desires. Her desire for evil is immense with her plea for someone to "fill" her with "direst cruelty." Lady Macbeth desperately calls on someone to make her harder, "make thick" her "blood," and "stop up the access and passage," clog her veins. It is clear that she is set on Macbeth becoming king, with her words that request "no compunctious visitings of nature shake...[her] fell purpose." This phrase says that she does not want compassion to cause her to stray from her objective. A disgusting trade-off is requested. She says, "come to my woman's breasts and take my milk for gall," which essentially means that she wants to exchange her breast milk for vomit. This is the ultimate bashing of the restraints of her sex. She longs for the "murd'ring ministers" to turn her milk sour. The "nature" that is mentioned can refer to womanhood. The phrase "nature's mischief" is used in order to say that women are capable of evil things. This passage makes Lady Macbeth's purpose clear and recognized as forceful.
That tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here,
And fill me from the crown to the toe top-full
Of direst cruelty. Make thick my blood.
Stop up the access and passage to remorse,
That no compunctious visitings of nature
Shake my fell purpose, nor keep peace between
The effect and it! Come to my woman's breasts,
And take my milk for gall, you murd'ring ministers,
Wherever in your sightless substances
You wait on nature's mischief. (Act I, scene v. 30-40)
This passage is voiced by Lady Macbeth after she reads a letter written by her husband. Lady Macbeth calls upon "spirits," which are essentially the devil. She understands that the devil tends "on mortal thoughts," or tends to murderous thoughts. Her famous line, "unsex me here," shows her desire to change her sex. She wishes to be a man and shed all her womanly duties and expectations. The word "crown" is used which can refer simply to one's head, or to a queen's crown. This word foreshadows and provides insight to Lady Macbeth's subconscious desires. Her desire for evil is immense with her plea for someone to "fill" her with "direst cruelty." Lady Macbeth desperately calls on someone to make her harder, "make thick" her "blood," and "stop up the access and passage," clog her veins. It is clear that she is set on Macbeth becoming king, with her words that request "no compunctious visitings of nature shake...[her] fell purpose." This phrase says that she does not want compassion to cause her to stray from her objective. A disgusting trade-off is requested. She says, "come to my woman's breasts and take my milk for gall," which essentially means that she wants to exchange her breast milk for vomit. This is the ultimate bashing of the restraints of her sex. She longs for the "murd'ring ministers" to turn her milk sour. The "nature" that is mentioned can refer to womanhood. The phrase "nature's mischief" is used in order to say that women are capable of evil things. This passage makes Lady Macbeth's purpose clear and recognized as forceful.
Macbeth: What Makes the Tragedy
In Shakespeare's Macbeth, one witnesses a tragedy fed by corruption and desire. What lures one to Macbeth is the transformation that occurs in the character Macbeth. In the beginning of the play, when the witches make a telling prediction, Macbeth finds this a little unsettling. At this point, he would not feel comfortable with murdering innocent victims. It is not until the influence of his defiantly feminist wife falls over him that he is able to carry out the prophecy. The novel begins with blood from war, however it is not until blood drips on Macbeth's hands that the novel really progresses. With each person that Macbeth slays, on his bloody path to the throne, desire and corruption grow within him. He becomes consumed by his quest for power and will not let anything stand in his way. As a tragedy is bound to end, Macbeth is eventually killed by Macduff. This creates a powerful death for Macbeth because he fights vigorously until the end. Macduff is able to feel some vengeance although this does not bring his family back. Shakespeare uses many methods to propel the tragedy forward, including foreshadowing, symbolism, and diction.
It is important to understand why the trio of witches begins the play. The solemn, almost disheartening, meeting sets a tone of darkness. The witches meet during thunder and lightning, which emphasizes the evil lurking. The connection of bad weather and evil is enforced with the departing of the witches.
The use of weather and meeting again foreshadows to the darkness that awaits. It is important to note that they do not mention sunshine or an overcast day to meet. They will commence when the darkness begins to surface.
The phrase that is reads "Fair is foul, and foul is fair" furthers the tone and foreshadows to the behavior that will ensue in the tragedy (Act 1, scene i. 13-14). This contradictory phrase draws attention to the weather but, also, sets up the reader for the uncertainties that are in the play. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, especially, deceive the other characters. The two characters are not who they appear to be, as this quote foreshadows. This creates confusion for the reader. The "fair" and "foul" could also represent Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Although Macbeth becomes foul, he was once fair. It was the persistence of his foul wife that turned him foul.
It is important to understand why the trio of witches begins the play. The solemn, almost disheartening, meeting sets a tone of darkness. The witches meet during thunder and lightning, which emphasizes the evil lurking. The connection of bad weather and evil is enforced with the departing of the witches.
| "When shall we three meet again? | |
| In thunder, lightning, or in rain?" (Act 1, scene i. 1-2) |
The phrase that is reads "Fair is foul, and foul is fair" furthers the tone and foreshadows to the behavior that will ensue in the tragedy (Act 1, scene i. 13-14). This contradictory phrase draws attention to the weather but, also, sets up the reader for the uncertainties that are in the play. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, especially, deceive the other characters. The two characters are not who they appear to be, as this quote foreshadows. This creates confusion for the reader. The "fair" and "foul" could also represent Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Although Macbeth becomes foul, he was once fair. It was the persistence of his foul wife that turned him foul.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Stephen and the Ladies
Throughout the novel, Stephen struggled with accepting beauty as a positive thing. He was controlled by lustrous desires and allowed himself to visit prostitutes. He faced an array of phases and emotions which included extreme guilt and extreme chastity. The chastity never lasted. His desires outweighed his fight for purity. As one watches him stumble over speech and defile, in his head and opinion, the innocent image of women, he faces serious anxiety. It is comforting to see that, in the end, he is able to awaken and appreciate beauty without feeling guilt. It was not until he matured and was able to think freely that he discovered the goodness in beauty.
Cranly vs. Stephen
As Cranly and Stephen discuss beliefs and morality, I find Stephen's character to be ever more intriguing. I also find Joyce's diction to be very clever. On page 268, Cranly says, "Freedom!...But you are not free enough yet to commit a sacrilege. Tell me, would you rob?"
Stephen replies in saying, "It would pain me as much to do so as to be robbed."
This short snippet of the conversation expresses an opinion on religion. One can see that Joyce is not very fond of organized religion because possessing freedom implies that one will sin. Just people one is free from the constraints of religion does not mean that one will commit crimes or injustice. Stephen is a prime example of a man with strong moral beliefs who may or may not believe in Jesus, God, the Virgin Mary. I completely agree that a person's lack of religious devotion does not label him/her a heathen or bad person. I do not think that he/she is waiting to be saved or going to purgatory. A person can disbelieve and still accomplish great things. Stephen shows us that it is possible to extend beyond expectation or accepted norms in order to reach a goal.
Stephen replies in saying, "It would pain me as much to do so as to be robbed."
This short snippet of the conversation expresses an opinion on religion. One can see that Joyce is not very fond of organized religion because possessing freedom implies that one will sin. Just people one is free from the constraints of religion does not mean that one will commit crimes or injustice. Stephen is a prime example of a man with strong moral beliefs who may or may not believe in Jesus, God, the Virgin Mary. I completely agree that a person's lack of religious devotion does not label him/her a heathen or bad person. I do not think that he/she is waiting to be saved or going to purgatory. A person can disbelieve and still accomplish great things. Stephen shows us that it is possible to extend beyond expectation or accepted norms in order to reach a goal.
Dedalus: The Myth, The Man...
James Joyce's Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man was a very fulfilling read, despite the level of difficulty. While it was not a best selling romance novel (which I do not read, nor desire to) that my mother would read, if she actually read, it provided immense pleasure. The complexity made the novel beautiful. As a Bildungsroman, the content of the language matures. I really enjoyed the progression.
Stephen Dedalus. What can I say about him? Although he is not traditionally the hero that a reader wants to lift above his/her shoulders, he remains in a place of my heart. With an allusion to the Dedalus myth, Stephen strives for freedom and an escape. The novel leaves us wondering about his future, as he leaves Ireland. His struggle, although it may seem foreign, is very relatable (at least to me.) As a coming of age novel, one witnesses the struggle for discovering oneself and attaining individualism. Stephen must learn, essentially, to defy his peers, family, society, and Ireland in order to discover who he is.
I feel that if given the chance to meet Stephen, he and I would get along quite well. I understand the struggle within a person when there are certain expectations of others. I understand what it is like to be sent to church because it MUST be the right thing to do. I should most definitely be a Catholic. That is the rule (as long as I am in this house.) I did not punish myself as Stephen did, nor did I have a faith as strong as his, but I do struggle with that belief and disbelief. I also find Stephen's thoughts to be incredibly vivid and relevant. I, too, find myself turning things inward. As Stephen saw his sins multiply like a math problem, I have thoughts that work in similar ways. I also admire Stephen for his devotion to language, words, poetry, writing. I am a lover of language and, although I do not intend on making a career of it, would love to be an author. I feel that one writes to free oneself, and one becomes an author to free others. I appreciated Stephen's ultimate decision at the end of the novel-- to stick to his morals about communion, to leave Ireland, to pursue writing. It's Stephen's actions that inspire one to strive for one's dreams. I want to reach independence, freedom from the restraint of limiting situations and people. I want to build my wax wings and, if I fly too close to the sun, I will have a parachute just in case.
Stephen Dedalus. What can I say about him? Although he is not traditionally the hero that a reader wants to lift above his/her shoulders, he remains in a place of my heart. With an allusion to the Dedalus myth, Stephen strives for freedom and an escape. The novel leaves us wondering about his future, as he leaves Ireland. His struggle, although it may seem foreign, is very relatable (at least to me.) As a coming of age novel, one witnesses the struggle for discovering oneself and attaining individualism. Stephen must learn, essentially, to defy his peers, family, society, and Ireland in order to discover who he is.
I feel that if given the chance to meet Stephen, he and I would get along quite well. I understand the struggle within a person when there are certain expectations of others. I understand what it is like to be sent to church because it MUST be the right thing to do. I should most definitely be a Catholic. That is the rule (as long as I am in this house.) I did not punish myself as Stephen did, nor did I have a faith as strong as his, but I do struggle with that belief and disbelief. I also find Stephen's thoughts to be incredibly vivid and relevant. I, too, find myself turning things inward. As Stephen saw his sins multiply like a math problem, I have thoughts that work in similar ways. I also admire Stephen for his devotion to language, words, poetry, writing. I am a lover of language and, although I do not intend on making a career of it, would love to be an author. I feel that one writes to free oneself, and one becomes an author to free others. I appreciated Stephen's ultimate decision at the end of the novel-- to stick to his morals about communion, to leave Ireland, to pursue writing. It's Stephen's actions that inspire one to strive for one's dreams. I want to reach independence, freedom from the restraint of limiting situations and people. I want to build my wax wings and, if I fly too close to the sun, I will have a parachute just in case.
You are all fish following the school!
On Reading Poems to a Senior Class at South High
by D. C. Berry
This poem rings incredibly true. As a senior in high school, I can identify with it. I can sympathize with the speaker because there have been times when I have had to face a group of uninterested students. I can imagine how an outsider to the school system must view students who go from class to class, like fish.
The speaker is visiting a school to speak to them about poems and share poems. The fact that the subject was not mentioned makes the reader focus more on the actions and behavior of the room. It is seen that the speaker became a part of the school, of the fish, when he/she entered the class. This can be read as the teacher being affected by the class and also as the teacher conforming to the schedules, bells, and order. Once the speaker is at home, a familiar place, the cat "licked" his/her "fins" "till they were hands again". This expresses that pieces of his/her day at the school remained with him/her. Eventually the speaker returns to it's normal life and environment when the hands return.
I enjoy how water is used symbolically to represent the chatter of students. This is understood when the speaker says "I did not notice it/ till it reached/ my ears". The metaphor of the fish in the aquarium is creative and implemented effectively. It presents clear images in one's mind of the speaker interacting with the students. He/she says that the students "opened up like gills" which expresses a comfortable environment. It is very powerful that the language throughout the poem relates to fish, water, an aquarium. Words such as "leaked" "fins" "water" "tails" and
"swam" make the poem more powerful.
There is no obvious rhyme scheme, but the poem does have fluidity. The 4th stanza speaks of the unity of the classroom and the feast over poetry. "Thirty tails whacking words" creates an excellent image that evokes an intense dissection of poetry. This stanza is only three lines, smaller than the others, which points out it's importance.
by D. C. Berry
This poem rings incredibly true. As a senior in high school, I can identify with it. I can sympathize with the speaker because there have been times when I have had to face a group of uninterested students. I can imagine how an outsider to the school system must view students who go from class to class, like fish.
The speaker is visiting a school to speak to them about poems and share poems. The fact that the subject was not mentioned makes the reader focus more on the actions and behavior of the room. It is seen that the speaker became a part of the school, of the fish, when he/she entered the class. This can be read as the teacher being affected by the class and also as the teacher conforming to the schedules, bells, and order. Once the speaker is at home, a familiar place, the cat "licked" his/her "fins" "till they were hands again". This expresses that pieces of his/her day at the school remained with him/her. Eventually the speaker returns to it's normal life and environment when the hands return.
I enjoy how water is used symbolically to represent the chatter of students. This is understood when the speaker says "I did not notice it/ till it reached/ my ears". The metaphor of the fish in the aquarium is creative and implemented effectively. It presents clear images in one's mind of the speaker interacting with the students. He/she says that the students "opened up like gills" which expresses a comfortable environment. It is very powerful that the language throughout the poem relates to fish, water, an aquarium. Words such as "leaked" "fins" "water" "tails" and
"swam" make the poem more powerful.
There is no obvious rhyme scheme, but the poem does have fluidity. The 4th stanza speaks of the unity of the classroom and the feast over poetry. "Thirty tails whacking words" creates an excellent image that evokes an intense dissection of poetry. This stanza is only three lines, smaller than the others, which points out it's importance.
Not a Martial Arts Call
Haiku by Moritake
An ancient, beautiful, Japanese form of poetry.
The falling flower 5
I saw drift back to the branch 7
Was a butterfly. 5
A haiku is a fresh breath of air. This poem speaks of a butterfly as a "falling flower". This poem, of only three lines, brings to mind beautiful imagery. "Falling flower" flows with the consonance of 'f'. "I" makes the memory personal and more real to the reader. "Back to the branch" offers more consonance that is very pleasing to the ear. It is unexpected that the flower was really a butterfly, yet it creates a nice image in one's head. A flower that is falling could be seen as a negative image. This potentially negative thought is transformed into a positive image of a butterfly. A butterfly glides carelessly and daintily which causes one to feel at ease. This flight can also be an allusion to being free, as the butterfly is free to fall and drift.
The speaker is a lover of nature and a careful observer.
The form of the poem is standard haiku with 5, 7, 5 syllable arrangement. There is stress of "fall" and "flow" in the first line. "Dri" in "drift," "ba" in "back," and "bra" in "branch" are stressed as well.
I find this poem refreshing. I am a lover of nature so I appreciate this poem.
An ancient, beautiful, Japanese form of poetry.
The falling flower 5
I saw drift back to the branch 7
Was a butterfly. 5
A haiku is a fresh breath of air. This poem speaks of a butterfly as a "falling flower". This poem, of only three lines, brings to mind beautiful imagery. "Falling flower" flows with the consonance of 'f'. "I" makes the memory personal and more real to the reader. "Back to the branch" offers more consonance that is very pleasing to the ear. It is unexpected that the flower was really a butterfly, yet it creates a nice image in one's head. A flower that is falling could be seen as a negative image. This potentially negative thought is transformed into a positive image of a butterfly. A butterfly glides carelessly and daintily which causes one to feel at ease. This flight can also be an allusion to being free, as the butterfly is free to fall and drift.
The speaker is a lover of nature and a careful observer.
The form of the poem is standard haiku with 5, 7, 5 syllable arrangement. There is stress of "fall" and "flow" in the first line. "Dri" in "drift," "ba" in "back," and "bra" in "branch" are stressed as well.
I find this poem refreshing. I am a lover of nature so I appreciate this poem.
Mama Angelou
Woman Work
by Maya Angelou
I've got the children to tend
The clothes to mend
The floor to mop
The food to shop
Then the chicken to fry
The baby to dry
I got company to feed
The garden to weed
I've got shirts to press
The tots to dress
The can to be cut
I gotta clean up this hut
Then see about the sick
And the cotton to pick.
Shine on me, sunshine
Rain on me, rain cool my brow again.
Storm, blow me from here
With your fiercest wind
Let me float across the sky'
Til I can rest again.
Fall gently, snowflakes
Cover me with white
Cold icy kisses and
Let me rest tonight.
Sun, rain, curving sky
Mountain, oceans, leaf and stone
Star shine, moon glow
You're all that I can call my own.
The speaker is a woman, most likely a mother, who is responsible for many duties. The diction of "got" lets the reader know that the daily chores of this woman are an obligation. It does not say that she wants to do these things. It is interesting that the title uses a singular "woman" as opposed to "women". This has a completely different connotation than the plural. The plural implies that this is work for all women, whether it is meant as sarcastic or not. The singular title could be a command although there is no comma. It could be read as a command in that the speaker feels that she is instructed or expected to work consistantly.
The assonance and consonance of the "I" and "th" appears in the entireity of the beginning of the poem. This repetition is used to show the monotony of her schedule. A shift occurs, after a cotton picking allusion to slavery, when she begins to speak of nature. The alliteration is more prevalent within each line and less frequent at the beginning of each stanza. There is more passion when she begins to describe the healing power of nature. Nature, it seems, is a relief from the stress and bustle of her life. "Rest" is mentioned, which can be viewed literally and eternally. This double meaning shows how the speaker desires an escape from reality.
The rhythm of the poem in the beginnning reads like a list. If read aloud, one would expect a tone of irritation. The rhythm changes with the mention of nature. It becomes more enthusiastic, passion enhanced, and loud. One envisions a booming voice exclaiming, "Shine on me, sunshine." The fact that the pieces of nature are addressed shows that the speaker feels a closeness to nature. The second part of the poem appears almost hymn-like.
As I read this poem, I envision the hardship of this woman. I understand the "role" that is described, a role that she is expected to fulfill. The poem alludes to slavery, which, although, I can not relate to, makes me feel even more for the speaker. I want her to be able to rest in the ground and find eternal peace. I can relate to having a busy lifestyle and possessing the desire to escape
by Maya Angelou
I've got the children to tend
The clothes to mend
The floor to mop
The food to shop
Then the chicken to fry
The baby to dry
I got company to feed
The garden to weed
I've got shirts to press
The tots to dress
The can to be cut
I gotta clean up this hut
Then see about the sick
And the cotton to pick.
Shine on me, sunshine
Rain on me, rain cool my brow again.
Storm, blow me from here
With your fiercest wind
Let me float across the sky'
Til I can rest again.
Fall gently, snowflakes
Cover me with white
Cold icy kisses and
Let me rest tonight.
Sun, rain, curving sky
Mountain, oceans, leaf and stone
Star shine, moon glow
You're all that I can call my own.
The speaker is a woman, most likely a mother, who is responsible for many duties. The diction of "got" lets the reader know that the daily chores of this woman are an obligation. It does not say that she wants to do these things. It is interesting that the title uses a singular "woman" as opposed to "women". This has a completely different connotation than the plural. The plural implies that this is work for all women, whether it is meant as sarcastic or not. The singular title could be a command although there is no comma. It could be read as a command in that the speaker feels that she is instructed or expected to work consistantly.
The assonance and consonance of the "I" and "th" appears in the entireity of the beginning of the poem. This repetition is used to show the monotony of her schedule. A shift occurs, after a cotton picking allusion to slavery, when she begins to speak of nature. The alliteration is more prevalent within each line and less frequent at the beginning of each stanza. There is more passion when she begins to describe the healing power of nature. Nature, it seems, is a relief from the stress and bustle of her life. "Rest" is mentioned, which can be viewed literally and eternally. This double meaning shows how the speaker desires an escape from reality.
The rhythm of the poem in the beginnning reads like a list. If read aloud, one would expect a tone of irritation. The rhythm changes with the mention of nature. It becomes more enthusiastic, passion enhanced, and loud. One envisions a booming voice exclaiming, "Shine on me, sunshine." The fact that the pieces of nature are addressed shows that the speaker feels a closeness to nature. The second part of the poem appears almost hymn-like.
As I read this poem, I envision the hardship of this woman. I understand the "role" that is described, a role that she is expected to fulfill. The poem alludes to slavery, which, although, I can not relate to, makes me feel even more for the speaker. I want her to be able to rest in the ground and find eternal peace. I can relate to having a busy lifestyle and possessing the desire to escape
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
A Celebration of Uncle Walt
When I heard the Learn’d Astronomer
by Walt Whitman
WHEN I heard the learn’d astronomer;
When the proofs, the figures, were ranged in columns before me;
When I was shown the charts and the diagrams, to add, divide, and measure them;
When I, sitting, heard the astronomer, where he lectured with much applause in the lecture-room,
How soon, unaccountable, I became tired and sick;
Till rising and gliding out, I wander’d off by myself,
In the mystical moist night-air, and from time to time,
Look’d up in perfect silence at the stars.
The speaker could very well be Whitman himself. In general, the speaker is a person who does not care so much for facts and statistics. He/she grows bored of "figures" and "proofs", and feels more content with the tangible experience of watching the sky. This poem emphasizes the importance of nature and reality. Facts, statistics, and numbers and numbers are useful, but the speaker expresses how other things are more important. The lecture does not enable the speaker to feel at peace or relaxed. It is seen with the diction of "mystical night air" and "perfect silence" that the speaker expresses his/her delight with nature and escaping the constricting confinement of the lecture. This poem also makes a comment on education, using "learn'd astronomer" and "applause in the lecture-room" to show the loyalty and respect that people tend to grant to the educated. The speaker is sickened and tired of the devotion, which causes him/her to leave in search of the stars. The stars can also represent non-conformity, breaking away from the norm to find happiness.
The repetition of "when" is implemented to demonstrate a boring, methodical pattern. This creates an almost dizzy effect, portraying the thoughts and disinterest of the speaker. The fifth line breaks this form to explain the speaker's true feelings on the matter. "How" provides contrast to "When" and "soon" allows the reader to see that the speaker has little attention for the information. It is important to take note that the speaker appreciates and enjoys admiring astronomy, but does not care for the figures.
The parallelism of "rising" and "gliding" create a rhythmic flow which contrasts to the more staccato form of the first stanza. The past continuous tense of these verbs present a sense of immediacy and interest. As opposed to the many preterite tense verbs in the first paragraph (aside from "sitting"), the second stanza emphasizes a more urgent and important cause. This shows the speaker's attitude toward the lecturer and the stars.
The meter of the first stanza begins with trochee foot. The phrase "heard the learn'd astronomer" places stressed syllables on "heard," "learn'd," and "mer" of "astronomer". "Till rising and gliding out" is arranged in dactyl foot, placing stress on "ris," and "glid". I wander’d off by myself'" is arranged in lambic form. The first stanza more choppy with anapest and trochee.
I am a great fan of the lover of people, Walt Whitman. I would have liked to know him or have had him as my grandfather. I feel connected to many of his poems because of his love for nature and people. I admire the man who used to sit on the ferry just to people watch. I am not a fan of numbers and scientific data as much as I am of philosophizing and absorbing the "mystical moist night air". This chose this poem because I agree with it's message.
by Walt Whitman
WHEN I heard the learn’d astronomer;
When the proofs, the figures, were ranged in columns before me;
When I was shown the charts and the diagrams, to add, divide, and measure them;
When I, sitting, heard the astronomer, where he lectured with much applause in the lecture-room,
How soon, unaccountable, I became tired and sick;
Till rising and gliding out, I wander’d off by myself,
In the mystical moist night-air, and from time to time,
Look’d up in perfect silence at the stars.
The speaker could very well be Whitman himself. In general, the speaker is a person who does not care so much for facts and statistics. He/she grows bored of "figures" and "proofs", and feels more content with the tangible experience of watching the sky. This poem emphasizes the importance of nature and reality. Facts, statistics, and numbers and numbers are useful, but the speaker expresses how other things are more important. The lecture does not enable the speaker to feel at peace or relaxed. It is seen with the diction of "mystical night air" and "perfect silence" that the speaker expresses his/her delight with nature and escaping the constricting confinement of the lecture. This poem also makes a comment on education, using "learn'd astronomer" and "applause in the lecture-room" to show the loyalty and respect that people tend to grant to the educated. The speaker is sickened and tired of the devotion, which causes him/her to leave in search of the stars. The stars can also represent non-conformity, breaking away from the norm to find happiness.
The repetition of "when" is implemented to demonstrate a boring, methodical pattern. This creates an almost dizzy effect, portraying the thoughts and disinterest of the speaker. The fifth line breaks this form to explain the speaker's true feelings on the matter. "How" provides contrast to "When" and "soon" allows the reader to see that the speaker has little attention for the information. It is important to take note that the speaker appreciates and enjoys admiring astronomy, but does not care for the figures.
The parallelism of "rising" and "gliding" create a rhythmic flow which contrasts to the more staccato form of the first stanza. The past continuous tense of these verbs present a sense of immediacy and interest. As opposed to the many preterite tense verbs in the first paragraph (aside from "sitting"), the second stanza emphasizes a more urgent and important cause. This shows the speaker's attitude toward the lecturer and the stars.
The meter of the first stanza begins with trochee foot. The phrase "heard the learn'd astronomer" places stressed syllables on "heard," "learn'd," and "mer" of "astronomer". "Till rising and gliding out" is arranged in dactyl foot, placing stress on "ris," and "glid". I wander’d off by myself'" is arranged in lambic form. The first stanza more choppy with anapest and trochee.
I am a great fan of the lover of people, Walt Whitman. I would have liked to know him or have had him as my grandfather. I feel connected to many of his poems because of his love for nature and people. I admire the man who used to sit on the ferry just to people watch. I am not a fan of numbers and scientific data as much as I am of philosophizing and absorbing the "mystical moist night air". This chose this poem because I agree with it's message.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Player Piano
This is my second Vonnegut book (the first being Slaughter-House Five) and I fully enjoyed it. It was written in such a way that I often read ahead. I found Anita to be on the same level of annoyance as Daisy from The Great Gatsby. Just as I felt for Gatsby, I felt for Proteus. Proteus struggled with an ability to live the life he wanted. He felt trapped by the expectations of his father's legacy and fulfilling the standard job for his IQ. Vonnegut presents a possibility of technology controlling our lives. The reality is that our society is not that far off. People are incredibly reliant on technology. It scares me. If our society ever reached the point of Ilium's, I would be off in the woods somewhere thinking of Thoreau.
It's Clear. He's Visible.
Invisible Man is a novel that will surface in my mind for years to come. Although his character did not have a name, or much of an identity, his story is one that I will remember. Ellison succeeded in creating a remarkable journey of a young African American who struggles with a quest for identity and freedom from racial prejudice. This novel was rich with symbolism which made analyzing portions of it very interesting. I look forward to reading it again and discovering more of what it has to offer.
Opinion de Heart of Darkness
I appreciated Heart of Darkness for the message it put forth. It definitely was not a light read and I do not think that I will be picking it up any time soon. The complexity and remarkably confusing structure that Conrad creates is that of a true genius. I will probably pick up the novel again, in some time, when my knowledge is greater. A book can often have a different effect on a person at specific times in life. I feel that I will be able to understand this book better later in life. As of now, I appreciate it for what it is.
Heart of Darkness: Clear Contrast
"They were dying slowly-- it was very clear. They were not enemies, they were not criminals, they were nothing earthly now-- nothing but black shadows of disease and starvation, lying confusedly in the greenish gloom" (26).
The first quote is a description Marlow gives of the native people. This is a haunting and disturbing truth that Marlow was forced to face. The human, living, aspect of the people is striped away with the use of "nothing earthly" to describe them. To go so far as to call breathing people, however close to death, "nothing earthly" is clearly expressing devastation and despair. Referring to the people as shadows alludes to a ghastly scene of phantom-like creatures. These people were not described as people of disease and starvation, but, rather, "shadows" of these things. To be a shadow of two horrible things is even more depressing than just being of the two things. The "greenish gloom" is effective in depicting a sickly fog of death.
"I saw a high starched collar, white cuffs, a light alpaca jacket, snowy trousers, a clean necktie, and varnished boots" (28).
Marlow, shortly after, meets the Company's accountant. The well kempt appearance of this man is shocking after witnessing the devastation of the "shadows." There is a definite point being made with the contrast of light and dark. The light and dark are representative of good and evil. The phantom-like shadows of people portray the evil and darkness of society. The white, beaming, starched appearance of the accountant portrays goodness. It is ironic because the Company is not working with the interests of the natives in mind. The natives are left in the darkness, victims to Colonialism and the Congo.
The first quote is a description Marlow gives of the native people. This is a haunting and disturbing truth that Marlow was forced to face. The human, living, aspect of the people is striped away with the use of "nothing earthly" to describe them. To go so far as to call breathing people, however close to death, "nothing earthly" is clearly expressing devastation and despair. Referring to the people as shadows alludes to a ghastly scene of phantom-like creatures. These people were not described as people of disease and starvation, but, rather, "shadows" of these things. To be a shadow of two horrible things is even more depressing than just being of the two things. The "greenish gloom" is effective in depicting a sickly fog of death.
"I saw a high starched collar, white cuffs, a light alpaca jacket, snowy trousers, a clean necktie, and varnished boots" (28).
Marlow, shortly after, meets the Company's accountant. The well kempt appearance of this man is shocking after witnessing the devastation of the "shadows." There is a definite point being made with the contrast of light and dark. The light and dark are representative of good and evil. The phantom-like shadows of people portray the evil and darkness of society. The white, beaming, starched appearance of the accountant portrays goodness. It is ironic because the Company is not working with the interests of the natives in mind. The natives are left in the darkness, victims to Colonialism and the Congo.
EVIL: Is it in YOU?
Evil drives certain people to the extent of committing awful crimes. What leads these individuals to do such things? One is not born good or bad. It is not in one's genes to murder. It is the environment which a person is surrounded by that influences character. A child who is raised in an abusive, dangerous environment is likely to be influenced by this. Take the same child at birth and put him/her in a loving, nurturing environment. What happens? The child grows to understand the importance of goodness. However, this change can occur much later. In fact, a grown man is capable of confronting evil. It is a matter of choice and circumstance. Will he be able to overcome evil-- or will he fall into the trap of wickedness, illustrated in Conrad's novella, Heart of Darkness. This novella informs the reader that every man has the potential to be led to darkness and evil.
While you may be sitting there, in the comfort of your swivel chair and fleece robe, thinking that you are an all around good person--I will not doubt it. What I do most definitely doubt is that you are incapable of surrendering to evil. Until you have watched evil stare you in the eyes and have been able to walk away from it, I will not lessen my belief. You most definitely could be the next savage to stick some heads on some stakes. No offense.
You're still not convinced? Mr. Kurtz was not an evil individual upon entering the Congo. He was talked about as holding great promise. A fiancee awaited his return at home. After his death, he was described positively by many people for different reasons. Although these descriptions did not necessarily match up, it was true that he was viewed positively by many. Only after spending an extended period of time in the heart of darkness, through traveling deeper and deeper into these depths, did Kurtz become affected. Marlow, on the other hand, was able to glance into darkness, come close enough to touching it, and then turn away. If Marlow was not able to escape his position he may have met a similar fate as Kurtz.
While you may be sitting there, in the comfort of your swivel chair and fleece robe, thinking that you are an all around good person--I will not doubt it. What I do most definitely doubt is that you are incapable of surrendering to evil. Until you have watched evil stare you in the eyes and have been able to walk away from it, I will not lessen my belief. You most definitely could be the next savage to stick some heads on some stakes. No offense.
You're still not convinced? Mr. Kurtz was not an evil individual upon entering the Congo. He was talked about as holding great promise. A fiancee awaited his return at home. After his death, he was described positively by many people for different reasons. Although these descriptions did not necessarily match up, it was true that he was viewed positively by many. Only after spending an extended period of time in the heart of darkness, through traveling deeper and deeper into these depths, did Kurtz become affected. Marlow, on the other hand, was able to glance into darkness, come close enough to touching it, and then turn away. If Marlow was not able to escape his position he may have met a similar fate as Kurtz.
Anita (Player) Proteus
I believe that Paul Proteus' saddest moment occurred in Chapter 18 of Player Piano. It is in this chapter that Paul's relentless wife, Anita, manipulates him to the fullest degree.
Purchasing the farm was not an impulsive action that Paul decided on. He had truly thought about life on the farm, the escape it would offer, a new closeness he would rekindle with Anita. After collecting his courage and thoughts, he made the decision. One is deceived, just as Paul is, in believing that Anita has changed when she reacts with delight to the surprise of the farm. For a brief moment, there is hope for the conniving wife whose ambitions have been set on one goal: corporal advancement of her husband. She demands that Paul use a stronger word than 'happy' when wishing her a 'happy anniversary' because of her excitement (180). This demand shows that she has control of the situation. She beams with a chipper, 'Ecstatic anniversary to you, Paul. I love you. Lord, how I love you' (180)! As a reader, one thinks: Wow. Is this Anita coming to her senses? One is soon found to be mistaken. Anita is already formulating how she will change the small farm house, how she will expand it into something grand with her ideas. She is capable of envisioning this all in her head, just as she is capable of laying out plans for Paul's future. At this point, Paul's excitement goes stale. Reasoning does not work with Anita. No. God no. She is set in her ways. Either she gets to alter things to her liking, or she will not have it. The reader anticipates an argument: Come on, Paul! Tell her how you feel! Paul instills the reader with hope when he says, 'It doesn't matter what you think...I've made up my mind to quit my job and live here. Do you understand? I'm going to quit' (183). Vonnegut includes this quote to create anticipation that builds up-- only to dissipate into nothing. Paul is belittled from the dominant one in the conversation to a 'little boy' (184). Anita uses her sex appeal to distract Paul from his objective. After he is pulled in, she asserts her control in saying, 'You're not going to quit, sweetheart. You're just awfully tired.'
In a matter of seconds, Paul is reduced from a man in control, with a new dream, to a helpless little boy, stuck in the same position. He allows himself to be subject to Anita's alluring ways and is reduced to a fool of 'Mmmm' responses (185). The worst part about all of this is that Anita knows exactly what she is doing. She is the ultimate symbol of deceit. It is out of selfish desires that she manipulates Paul into doing what she believes is right.
Purchasing the farm was not an impulsive action that Paul decided on. He had truly thought about life on the farm, the escape it would offer, a new closeness he would rekindle with Anita. After collecting his courage and thoughts, he made the decision. One is deceived, just as Paul is, in believing that Anita has changed when she reacts with delight to the surprise of the farm. For a brief moment, there is hope for the conniving wife whose ambitions have been set on one goal: corporal advancement of her husband. She demands that Paul use a stronger word than 'happy' when wishing her a 'happy anniversary' because of her excitement (180). This demand shows that she has control of the situation. She beams with a chipper, 'Ecstatic anniversary to you, Paul. I love you. Lord, how I love you' (180)! As a reader, one thinks: Wow. Is this Anita coming to her senses? One is soon found to be mistaken. Anita is already formulating how she will change the small farm house, how she will expand it into something grand with her ideas. She is capable of envisioning this all in her head, just as she is capable of laying out plans for Paul's future. At this point, Paul's excitement goes stale. Reasoning does not work with Anita. No. God no. She is set in her ways. Either she gets to alter things to her liking, or she will not have it. The reader anticipates an argument: Come on, Paul! Tell her how you feel! Paul instills the reader with hope when he says, 'It doesn't matter what you think...I've made up my mind to quit my job and live here. Do you understand? I'm going to quit' (183). Vonnegut includes this quote to create anticipation that builds up-- only to dissipate into nothing. Paul is belittled from the dominant one in the conversation to a 'little boy' (184). Anita uses her sex appeal to distract Paul from his objective. After he is pulled in, she asserts her control in saying, 'You're not going to quit, sweetheart. You're just awfully tired.'
In a matter of seconds, Paul is reduced from a man in control, with a new dream, to a helpless little boy, stuck in the same position. He allows himself to be subject to Anita's alluring ways and is reduced to a fool of 'Mmmm' responses (185). The worst part about all of this is that Anita knows exactly what she is doing. She is the ultimate symbol of deceit. It is out of selfish desires that she manipulates Paul into doing what she believes is right.
Brother, Where Art Thou?
The word "brotherhood" causes one to envision a close knit collection of old friends, an organization with an alliance, a fraternity, and all around togetherness. In this case, one would expect a "brother" to be one who is to be trusted, one who is to be revered with the respect of others. In Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man, one's mind is opened to a dysfunctional, disorderly, and poorly directed Brotherhood. It is a group that is headed in the wrong direction with faulty ambitions. The traditional togetherness and trust existing in such groups is not present. When one looks at the roots of the Brotherhood, at what makes this group of people come together, it is clear to see that it's foundation is dangerously close to collapsing. Brother Jack, the confident leader, does not have ambitions that support the quest for African American acceptance. The interactions of the narrator and Brother Jack display his wrongful intentions and reveal his true prejudice.
Leading up to their introduction, Brother Jack chases the narrator over rooftops and down the street. It is quite ironic that their first encounter is a chase because it supports the prejudicial idea of keeping "this nigger boy running" (33). While Jack is meant to be supportive of the African American movement, he is no different from the racist white society.
When BJ finally catches up with the narrator, he compliments him by saying, "That was a masterful bit of persuasion, brother." It is important to take note that Brother Jack immediately commends the narrator, in hope of luring him closer. He also addresses the narrator as "brother" which is to suggest that he is friendly and on his side. He then persists to tell the narrator that he is a friend, and then an admirer when the narrator does not accept that. Brother Jack invites the invisible man to get a cup of coffee and offers him cheesecake. It is with this stimulant and rich dessert that he attempts to make the narrator more comfortable. He continues to press the narrator about his speech, saying that he "sees through" him and knows he was "enormously moved" (290). It is ironic that BJ claims to see through the narrator when, in fact, he has a glass eye. This eye is symbolic of his blind ambitions and motives. It is clear that Brother Jack lives with the prejudices that he valiantly pretends to fight when he tells the narrator that his "old agrarian self" is dead. He is stereotyping the narrator because he is from the south, and failing to identify him as an individual.
Although the narrator is not interested in Brother Jack's "mysterious and smug" way, "as though he had everything figured out," he decides that he will call him about the job prospective (292). At the Chthonian, the narrator overhears a woman asks Brother Jack, "But don't you think he should be a little blacker" (303)? This question makes Brother Jack's intentions very suspicious. It also makes a point of expressing that the narrator is not an important person, rather, he is an important tool for the Brotherhood to use. As the narrator becomes more involved with the Brotherhood, he gets more malleable and is used for the services of the organization. His individual thoughts are not valued, neither is his identity-- which is why the Brotherhood issues him a new name. It is because of the narrator's inability to think for himself and make decisions that the Brotherhood is able to take advantage of him.
Leading up to their introduction, Brother Jack chases the narrator over rooftops and down the street. It is quite ironic that their first encounter is a chase because it supports the prejudicial idea of keeping "this nigger boy running" (33). While Jack is meant to be supportive of the African American movement, he is no different from the racist white society.
When BJ finally catches up with the narrator, he compliments him by saying, "That was a masterful bit of persuasion, brother." It is important to take note that Brother Jack immediately commends the narrator, in hope of luring him closer. He also addresses the narrator as "brother" which is to suggest that he is friendly and on his side. He then persists to tell the narrator that he is a friend, and then an admirer when the narrator does not accept that. Brother Jack invites the invisible man to get a cup of coffee and offers him cheesecake. It is with this stimulant and rich dessert that he attempts to make the narrator more comfortable. He continues to press the narrator about his speech, saying that he "sees through" him and knows he was "enormously moved" (290). It is ironic that BJ claims to see through the narrator when, in fact, he has a glass eye. This eye is symbolic of his blind ambitions and motives. It is clear that Brother Jack lives with the prejudices that he valiantly pretends to fight when he tells the narrator that his "old agrarian self" is dead. He is stereotyping the narrator because he is from the south, and failing to identify him as an individual.
Although the narrator is not interested in Brother Jack's "mysterious and smug" way, "as though he had everything figured out," he decides that he will call him about the job prospective (292). At the Chthonian, the narrator overhears a woman asks Brother Jack, "But don't you think he should be a little blacker" (303)? This question makes Brother Jack's intentions very suspicious. It also makes a point of expressing that the narrator is not an important person, rather, he is an important tool for the Brotherhood to use. As the narrator becomes more involved with the Brotherhood, he gets more malleable and is used for the services of the organization. His individual thoughts are not valued, neither is his identity-- which is why the Brotherhood issues him a new name. It is because of the narrator's inability to think for himself and make decisions that the Brotherhood is able to take advantage of him.
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