American Literature – Week 10

How do you understand Faulkner’s extraordinary statement in his Nobel Prize speech “the problems of the human heart in conflict with itself … alone can make good writing because only that is worth writing about, worth the agony and the sweat” ?

It is prudent to note that Faulkner’s statement is extremely prophetic and for myself, opens my mind to all aspects of life. I find myself reflecting on many instances when I felt a sense of agony or dismay and the aftermath of these memories. Upon reading Faulkner’s words I also am reminded of  the increased strength and growth which followed adverse times. When delving deeper into my psyche, I find that I begin questioning what Faulkner means when he says “worth the agony and the sweat” with the answer enlightening me further. The conclusion I came to is one that I find applicable to each individual. What I obtained from Faulkner’s words is that when faced with adversity in life, you reap the most benefits and develop further as a person when facing misfortune head on rather than avoiding the inevitable confrontation. In addition, I would also like to note that this quote gives me a renewed outlook when it comes to work ethic as well as providing me with a reaffirming my personal ideology; ‘work hard and good things will come’. All in all, I find Faulkner’s words extremely relevant in the society we live in, despite the passing of time.

Australian Literature – Week 9

This week I would like to create my own topic to discuss; and that is my thoughts on Patrick White’s “Down at the Dump.” Firstly I would like to acknowledge Patrick White’s outstanding career as Australia’s first winner of the Nobel Prize in literature as well as the inaugural Miles Franklin Award, two prestigious accolades which highlight the caliber of author White is.

One of the most interesting things about “Down at the Dump“ is White’s deliberate pairing of characters while purposefully contrasting them in a number of ways. This intricate style of writing allows for White to create complex characters as well as allows for their interactions to further develop not only the plot, but their characterisation as a whole.  For example, when analysing the character pairing of Meg and her mother we are enlightened as to their differing ideals in addition to the possible source of Mrs Hogben’s distaste towards her daughters actions; such character depth / intricacy can only be achieved through the pairing which White has implemented as it allows for each character to compliment their counter-parts progression.

American Literature – Week 9

Select the one modernist poem or text that you found spoke to you most directly. Quote the text and tell us how the text moved you.

One of the most striking parts of T.S Eliot’s ‘The Waste Land‘ is the 4th part titled ‘Death by Water’. Upon reading this text, I was greatly moved by the underlying meaning within the poem itself. Despite the poem seeming ‘flat’ when first reading it, ‘Death by Water’ struck me in a manner which I have experienced from only a few texts. This is due to the complexity of the text and the aspects of human life which it illuminates. At the start of ‘Death by Water’ we are introduced to a man named Phlebas the Phoenician who has recently drowned to death and is also the catalyst of my own reflection. Throughout the duration of the poem, Eliot utilises Phelbas in order for the reader to question their own sense of morality. The concluding sentence “Consider Phelbas, who was once as handsome and tall as you.” left the greatest impression on my after my second reading of the poem, this is due to the weight which I felt behind those words. For me, those words translated to ‘materials, money, everything superficial holds no bearing when it comes to what’s really important in life.’ Phlebas epitomises the superficial society which we now find ourselves in- where we focus on our appearances and status, attempting to enrich our lives with precious metals or lavish items rather than giving life meaning through acts which augment the soul.

Australian Literature – Week 8

Why is the speaker in John Shaw Neilson’s “The Poor, Poor Country” “no pauper”?

Throughout the course of Neilson’s ‘The Poor, Poor Country” the phrase “no pauper was I” is repeated following a detailed description of the land / animals which are present. This detailed description is the key to understanding the persona’s take on ‘wealthy’ and their worldview. It is clear that the persona in this text values their own spirituality and emotional stability / enrichment above that of their material wealth. This is clear through the tone of the persona’s voice when addressing aspects of his surroundings. The warm tone which is evoked provides the reader with a heightened connection to not only the persona but to their surrounding area. This connection allows for a greater understanding of the speakers ‘wealth’ and how he defines himself as “no pauper” because of the beauty which he is surrounded by.

American Literature – Week 8

Do you share Robert Frost’s belief that “A poem begins in delight and ends in wisdom…it runs a course of lucky events, and ends in a clarification of life.” “The Figure a Poem Makes” (250-251)? If possible try to explain in your own words what you understand by this statement. Can you give an example of poem you have read that does just this?

 

Before I begin deconstructing Frost’s words, I would first like to take the time to share my opinion in regard to poetry. For myself, poetry is the bridge between two selves. What I mean by the phrase ‘two selves’ is that within our whole body, there are two separate facets which are nurtured by different aspects of life, one by the academic while the other by the spiritual. Poetry, despite being held in high esteem by the academic community, appeals to an individuals most inner emotions and allows for the individual to experience the ineffable. I wholeheartedly agree with Frost’s words, especially when he states “and ends in a clarification of life”. For myself, I find that the poetry of John Donne gives extreme clarification of life through as he touches on some of the fundamentals which, as humans, we seek answer to. Donne’s poem ‘Death be not proud’ is possibly one of my favourite poems because of it’s references to the ineffable aspects of life, in particular death. Throughout the poem, Donne mocks and degrades death, linking it to sleep. At the conclusion of this poem in particular, I was left with a sense of confusion as to its purpose as well as my feelings towards it. However, upon second and third readings, I was able to understand that through Donne’s constant humiliation of Death as well as his context, Donne attempts to understand something which no man has ever been able to understand by likening it to such prevalent aspects of life, this in particular fits perfectly into Frost’s phrase ” and ends in a clarification of life”.

Australian Literature – Week 7

This week I would like to choose my own topic to discuss in regard to one question I found myself asking while reading this week’s texts, and that is; ‘What does it mean to be Australian?’

This week we have analysed and immersed ourselves with a number of texts which outline some of the most iconic Australian scenes, such as the infamous Australian outback and those who tackle it each and everyday in order to survive. But is that what makes us Australian? As a nation, are we defined by stereotypes that we all live in the outback and ride kangaroos to work or school each day? To me, Australia is much more than that; Australia is a land of opportunity, a land where people can come and make a home for their families and share in our Great Australian Dream. Touching upon my own heritage, my grandmother migrated from Lebanon in order to build a better life for her family where her children would be given equal opportunity and a plethora of avenues which they could take. For me, Australia is much more than ‘the sun-burnt country’, it is my home and, in my opinion, one of the greatest nations on Earth.

American Literature – Week 7

How does Baldwin through his language technique succeed in immersing his reader in the experience of his characters? Chose any section of his amazing story “Going to Meet the Man”

Through-out Baldwin’s “Going to Meet the Man” he utilises a plethora of language techniques which allow for the reader to immerse themselves completely with his characters and their experiences. The section I would like to focus on today is far from beautiful by any definition, however, it evokes such a deep emotional and physical response from the reader that it compels you to read on. On pages 434 – 436 Baldwin writes of an African American man being stripped of his human dignity, as well as his life in front of a group of White American families as if it is a show for them. Through-out the entirety of this section, each excruciating moment before his death is written in such detail that it creates a vivid image in one’s mind. Jesse, a boy of 8 years old, is integral when allowing for the reader to immerse themselves in the text. Baldwin exploits children’s jargon and manner of speech in this section, most notably in the quote “What did he do? Jesse wondered. What did the man do? What did he do?” The significance of this quote can be found in the repetition of the phrase “What did he do?”; this deliberate repetition epitomises the notion of a child struggling to understand their surroundings and situations.  In addition, Baldwin further exploits Jesse’s childhood innocence by contrasting Jesse’s emotions with the true nature of the situation. This is evident in “He turned his head a little and saw the field of faces. He watched his mother’s face… she was more beautiful that he had ever seen her…” This contrast of his mothers beauty and the reality of what is happening gives rise to a heightened connection with the text in a manner which demands a physical and emotional response.

Australian Literature – Week 6

In light of the up-coming postal vote to decide the future of the LGBTQ communities marital rights I would like to take the time to express my own opinion on the matter. In my opinion I strongly believe that no one, regardless of gender, ethnicity or preference of partner should be treated any less than the person standing next to them, and it saddens me to see that in today’s society such prejudice is shown towards our fellow humans. I believe that as humans, we should all have the right to choose whom we spend the rest of our lives with and not be condemned or judged according. On the other hand, given my strong catholic background, I believe that marriage within the church should be between a man and a woman, not because I do not respect the LGBTQ community’s want for equality or wish for their own happiness, but because marriage by name is a religious sacrament and for me I believe it should stay that way. However, given what I have stated, I will be voting YES in the upcoming postal vote.

American Literature – Week 6

Create your own topic that builds on one of the episodes in the book that most caught your imagination. You might like to say how it parallels something in your own life and experience.

One of the most captivating moments through-out my reading of Twain’s ‘Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’ is during Huck’s encounter with Jim on Jackson Island. For me this is one of the most significant moments within the book as it is the initial scene where Huck appreciates Jim’s presence as an equal. I would like to discuss just how potent the ramifications of this meeting is and the parallels it has within our own society today. Firstly I would like to note that the beginning of Huck and Jim’s relationship allows for the conventional ideologies of the novels context to be challenged. This challenging of ideologies creates a basis for the entire novel to explore notions of morality and the pursuit of justice. In addition I believe that Huck and Jim’s friendship is a motif for the greater sense of societal equality and stands as models for what both our society and their own should strive to achieve. Branching off this image of Huck and Jim being models for our own society, one of the most prevalent thoughts I have while reading Twain’s seminal novel is that if as a society we treat each other in the same respect Huck treats Jim, as a whole we would experience a much greater sense of unity and take the first step in moving towards a brighter future.

Australian Literature – Week 5

CRITICAL Do you agree with the sentiments of Stan Grant in the article above? If so why? If not why not? (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-18/america-tears-down-its-racist-history-we-ignore-ours-stan-grant/8821662)

I believe that as a multicultural society it is integral to understand the gruesome and unfair history that not only our nation, but a number of other nations have been built on. However, it is important to note that these atrocities were, and still are, considered some of the most immoral acts humanity has committed. In saying this, I believe that having the statue of Captain Cook in Hyde park removed would be a step in the wrong direction to writing the wrongs which befell the native people of this land. It is of my opinion that in order to truly walk the path of reconciliation that as a society, Indigenous or not, we must walk together, understanding and acknowledging our shared history, despite its horrors. Simply removing the statue would be an insult to those effected by the injustices committed as it would be as if we are attempting to remove all traces of injustice without repenting or reconciling with those effected.