Censorship leads to ignorance. "Ignorance is bliss" but feeds the uneducated with 'half-truths'. An opinion does not need agreement but embracing the view and understanding it leads to a stable conscience and a peaceful world.
Couldn't figure out what to make my final post...
Dynamics in Music
History Repeats Itself (Antigone)
Quite often when we analyze a person's actions we say to ourselves, "He did the same thing last time we had this discussion." The un-encouraging truth is that many of us, myself included, do not learn from our mistakes. We may ignore what we see in disbelief or just not care about the outcome if something should come around in the same manner. We can also learn from others. Antigone's devotion to her family caused much grief to those around her. To make matters worse, her uncle was more obliging to the law than to his family. It is okay to involve family with work, but there must be a line. I have worked for my father in his HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) company, started by my grandfather, and enjoyed doing so. I did notice at times where either my father or I would get frustrated with each other but at the end of the day we are family and we knew what we needed to do. I can truly say that my father does the opposite, he brings his family life into his work. His men are an extension of his family and he treats them as such. It is in this way that he keeps his men happy and the people in the field are happy to work for him in return.
Creativity Welcome! (Reflection)
If you have ever read the book Hatchet by Gary Paulsen, you know that it is very popular among young readers. It tells a story of a boy who must survive in the wilderness, after a plane crash, alone and without any support of his family or friends. How did Gary Paulsen connect to his readers so well? It is as if every scene in the book was created to teach a lesson, to show a person in any situation how to be strong and confident when you are helpless and lost. Actually, this is not the case.
What Gary Paulsen thought while writing this series was not what we, as interpreters, would normally think. This text tells from the words of Paulsen himself that he had no thought process such as this. This should not discredit authors, nor should it discredit our teachers. The writers give a platform from which we can gather our ideas. The teachers create the first step, a step from which we must build a staircase to new ideas and a new level of thinking.
Many of our ideas are silenced but not by our own will. Looking back at my high-school, I can honestly say I don't remember giving my own ideas and views on a topic in my English class. Having never been stimulated to think on my own, my papers consisted of 15% original ideas and 100% author's work. (Yes, I know that doesn't add up to 100%) In the past semester, I have seen myself providing less information from sources and more information from my own thinking. I have seen some of my paragraphs contain zero citations and only my thoughts. For once in my schooling career, I was never bored while reading and revising my own essays.
The way the stories dance, the rhythm of the words, the way a book can move-when it works, the hair on the back of my neck still raises up and I get chills up and down my spine.
- Gary Paulsen
Understanding Our World
In our busy lives it is easy to misinterpret the meaning of an individual’s actions or words. With the advancement of technology, conversing with another person consists of small text blocks sent back and forth at blazing speeds. In many occurrences, a person may not realize the undertone and true intention of the message until they soak in the words a second time. With a similar fashion, each piece of poetry must be read more than just once to fully understand its intricacies. Three works specifically identify with this ideal process: “Folsam Prison Blues” by Johnny Cash, “In Time of Plague” by Thom Gunn, and “Hard Rock Returns to Prison from the Hospital of the Criminal Insane” by Etheridge Knight. Many conclusions can be made concerning the meaning of these. A proper way of extracting the significance is by understanding the theme and tone which these poems use to influence their interpretation.
One can see that Thom Gunn personalizes the doubt felt by the narrator and injects it into the tone of his work, “In Time of Plague.” In the first few lines, “I am confused, confused to be attracted...” (Gunn, 3-4), repetition allows the reader to see a dilemma in thought and mental state that plagues the narrator. This heavy style permits a movement in idea from that of a physical nature to a mental portrayal of what the narrator explains is “a state of ardent life in which we could all stretch ourselves and lose our differences” (Gunn, 20-22). The dark overtone of the poem brings the reader into the serious matter in which the main role finds himself. The use of tone to explain the solemn event helps understand the mindset of all the characters without overtly explaining the vaguely described instance, leaving imagination up to the reader.
Much like the event in Gunn’s poem, the character nicknamed “Hard Rock” in Etheridge Knight’s poem holds as much importance to the characters as it does to the tone of the story. The title, “Hard Rock Returns to Prison from the Hospital for the Criminal Insane,” immediately sets the mood. This man is not being set free, he is returning to a community equally detestable to the “Hospital for the Criminal Insane” (Knight). The use of vulgar language, “sh*t” and “ni**er” (Knight, 1 & 7), commits the reader to consider these men as scum and of an offensive nature. Upon implanting this concept, the author immediately shocks the reader, by design, into a dilemma with the revelation that this tough prisoner has been turned into a sponge, metaphorically speaking. Contrary to that of Gunn’s poem, the dilemma is placed upon the interpreter of the poem. Should disgust still be felt or compassion for an inmate who has been transformed and rendered defenseless in an environment previously under his reign. Only the person holding the poem can decide what conclusions to make.
“Folsom Prison Blues” provides a clear tone of depression, similar to the readers inference of Hard Rock and his inmates, through its lyrics. Hidden beneath these words is a sense of joy, a confusing interpretation but a valid one when understood fully through multiple readings. In Johnny Cash’s song, he writes of a prisoner who consistently thinks about the train that passes by “rollin’ on down to San Antone” (Cash). The description of the people inside and the experiences occurring inside bring about the impression of sadness. What does not appear to the listener is a realization that the speculation of these events brings joy to the inmate. The outlet provided by the train lets him know that people outside Folsam Prison are still happy despite the actions of those inside the walls. The understanding that this life could never be held by the narrator is seen when Johnny Cash sings, “Well I know I had it coming, I know I can’t be free But those people keep a movin’ ” (Cash). This line tells the listener that underneath the depression rendered by the singer, the detainee keeps a tone of happiness.
Theme holds an equal importance to the effect of a story as shown through Etheridge Knight’s poem, where it portrays the envy, doubt, and despair of inmates in consideration of a fellow prisoner, Hard Rock. A view of envy is seen where the narrator says, “He had been our Destroyer, the does of things we dreamed of doing but could not bring ourselves to do” (Etheridge, 34-35). It is difficult to understand the thoughts of a prisoner but knowing the envy these inmates hold creates a theme that is easily seen. Doubt and despair are also portrayed when the prisoners assume Hard Rock has just “wised up” but could not retain that view after spending more time with him (Etheridge, 31). Life inside a prison is difficult even for the strongest of men and women. With no one to look up to and no goal to reach, a clear conclusion of the people’s lives can not be drawn. Lines 36 and 37 provide a horrifying insight when Etheridge writes, “The fears of years, like a biting whip, Had cut grooves too deeply across our backs” (Knight). A harsh reality sets in that these men were dependent on Hard Rock despite his brutal nature.
We hear and read similar tones in Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues” where the envy for others is pronounced in a clear fashion. Cash even goes so far as to explicitly say “that’s what tortures me...” (Cash) explaining the want of freedom that others possess. In the theme of the song, it is not shown that the unnamed prisoner speaking regrets his actions, instead the opposite. While sadness is exhibited, it is only in admiration of those more fortunate than he. The train, expertly described in vivid details, is an outlet for the “blues” sung about in the song (Cash). With no contact to the outside world, imagination and creativity allows prisoners to help settle their mind and keep a pseudo-sanity. As with the inmates in Knight’s prison, this prisoner relies on the train to keep his sanity. He is as dependent as a business owner who relies on work and customers to live comfortably.
An interesting theme is vivid in Thom Gunn’s “In Time of Plague” where we see a goal of Utopia in the eyes of the narrator. In a similar fashion to the “Folsom Prison Blues,” imagination takes precedent over reality. The hopes of a world “in which we could all stretch ourselves and lose our differences” (Gunn, 21-22) gives the idea that a want and need for euphoria creates many questions in the main character’s mind. Many questions arise, “Is this dream possible?”, “Can I achieve it through artificial means?”, “Are these men actually interested in the goal of Utopia or looking for pleasure in a narcissistic manner?” The character is restless in these thoughts and anxiety runs consistent with the theme. One can only hope that these men have good intent. If this is not true, a desire to break barriers is warranted, to tell the curious man to avoid such a predicament. This poem is an excellent example of pulling the reader into the environment pictured where one feels like a helpless bystander analyzing a potentially dangerous circumstance.
It is would be unfair to command a certain feeling and only correct to allow discussion of varying opinions. Only in this manner can a reader be conscious of the complexity poetry holds and accept the dissidence of various analyses. What others perceive can only add to the knowledge we hold of the world around us. In examining the theme and tone of poetry and music, the ideas conceived definitively transfer to the reality of our lives. Accepting what is compared can help to understand differences in assessment. Realizing the complex nature is a copy of our own life proves very important and unifies the belief that studying theme and tone in poetry directly affects a person’s awareness of the world around them.
The Norton Introduction to Literature. 10th ed. Ed. Alison Booth and Kelly J. Mays. New York: Norton, 2010. Print.
Knight, Etheridge. “Hard Rock Returns to Prison from the Hospital for the Criminal Insane.” Booth and Mays. 654-655. Print.
Gunn, Thom. “In Time of Plague.” Booth and Mays. 653-654. Print.
Cash, Johnny. Folsom Prison Blues. Johnny Cash. Rec. 30 July 1950. Sam Phillips, 1955. CD.
Silence Means Consent
The idea of silence and dominance is prominent in The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman and Hills Like White Elephants by Ernest Hemingway. The Yellow Wallpaper focuses on a woman’s inability to express herself against her husband’s wishes. Contrary to Gilman’s book, Hills Like White Elephants expresses a woman’s dominance over her significant other and a struggle to overcome the desire to stop all conversation. In everyday life, examples of this are clearly visible. When a celebrity acts against the standards set by society, it is most common to cover up the mistake or disguise it for something else. In the aspect of Lindsay Lohan this is true, but an interesting personality such as Charlie Sheen proves otherwise. These short stories and the lives of celebrities provide excellent insight telling why “Silence means Consent.”
The female character in Hills Like White Elephants holds the very important position throughout the progression of the story. This dominance is effective in creating a distance between the couple. Multiple times, the irritated girl asks for the conversation to stop or even refuses to reply to the impatient boy. At line 45, Jig appears unfocused or unconcerned with the repeated assurance being expressed to her. In doing so, her role fulfills the act of creating a silence while also acting as the one being silenced. Holding this position shows a dominance of conversation or lack there of. The feeble attempts of the boy cause the girl to push away more each time. As the antagonist, the stubborn male forces the girl to agree with his plans, possibly leading to an unfortunate end. Silence, in common use today, tells that a person agrees to what is being asked or told. By pushing the female to become non-responsive she becomes an object of the man and submits to his authority.
The Yellow Wallpaper expresses an immediate concern to gender expectations, but it also points out the importance of silencing ideas. The concept behind the woman’s imprisonment is to remove the urge to express the creativity she wishes to display. She must be wary of when another person is going to be nearby, especially John for which she writes, “There comes John, and I must put this away, -- he hates to have me write a word” (Gilman, Line 39). While her husband takes on the dominant role of expression, the suppressed ideas are forced away causing pain and sorrow. Unfortunately, much of the silence created is vehemently forced. “... for he sat up straight and looked at me with such a stern, reproachful look that I could not say another word.” (Gilman, Line 141) In obeying and keeping the silence, the demands of the husband are met despite her inner desire to rebel. In society today, the standards still hold true and those who hold the most power determine what comes to fruition.
In both of these stories, one character holds the point of dominance while the other is being reigned over. Times of discussion are only filled with quarreling. Often times, as it so happens in these stories, the consent is never fulfilled internally. Both of the roles being governed find ways to trick the overpowering authority. When a person keeps the silence, they are expressing their consent and obedience. Regardless of the time period, a person who remains silent in response allows anyone to create opinions and false facts about the outcome. In recent events, we see two opposite examples of this occurring, Lindsay Lohan and Charlie Sheen. Both of these actors have earned wealth through their fame and careers. They differ in the reactions to the outrage of the public in response to their actions. Both of these instances are comparable to those included in the short stories.
Lindsay Lohan has been in and out of rehab and provides a sharp depiction of harshly trying to keep the silence. Public view of her situation shows contempt for her actions and allow the assumption that she is an awful role-model. Her career now involves fighting for her dignity which she does not explicitly do. The opressor is the public which this actress is unable to overcome. Forced into silencing her opinion has enabled an open interpretation that contains falsehoods and misconceptions which are not easily discernable from the truth. By acting in a non-responsive way, Lindsay Lohan surrenders to the public.
Contrary to the media’s view, Charlie Sheen has become more of a legend to a select group of people. After gaining the spotlight due to his recent convictions, videos and interviews are all over the internet and television. While it is absoutely correct that his pattern of living is unhealthy and immoral, his reaction to the media’s attention is interesting. It seems as though the thinking involved shows displays an uncaring manner, similar to that of the Jig in Hills Like White Elephants. Instead of requiring silence like the female, Sheen voices his dissent for public opinion. He points out as well the stupidity of it as well. The reknowned actor says, “BTW (by the way), two wars are in an endless state of sorrow. Egypt about burned to the ground, and all you people care about is my bulls**t..(It’s) pathetic” (www.sfgate.com). Despite constantly digging a deeper hole for himself, Charlie Sheen uses the publicity to express a valid and important point on our society.
Silence proves to be most important in our society. Whoever calls the silence and forces other to abide by it holds a great wealth of power. When the silence is not met, false information is very clear and harsh truths are shown the light of day. In the examples of these stories and of ones in our lives today, silence is a large part of forcing a person’s consent. If it were not for women speaking out against this silence, opportunities provided currently would not be available in this crisis. We can see by the writing of Ernest Hemingway and Charlotte Perkins Gilman that, both past and present, silence means consent.
The Norton Introduction to Literature. 10th ed. Ed. Alison Booth and Kelly J. Mays. New York: Norton, 2010. Print.
Gilman, Charlotte Perkins. “The Yellow Wallpaper.” Booth and Mays. 354-365. Print.
Hemingway, Ernest. “Hills Like White Elephants.” Booth and Mays. 106-109. Print.
www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/dailydish/detail?entry_id=82375. San Francisco Chronicle, 03 Feb 2011. Web. 07 Mar 2011.