"I was within a hair’s-breadth of the last opportunity for pronouncement, and I found with humiliation that probably I would have nothing to say. This is the reason why I affirm that Kurtz was a remarkable man. He had something to say. He said it. . . . He had summed up—he had judged. ‘The horror!’ He was a remarkable man"
This quote was striking because even after all Marlow had endured with Kurtz, he still immortalized him. Just the fact that Kurtz had something to say in the eyes of death, made him 'remarkable' in the presence of Marlow. Marlow will never truly know or understand the the meaning behind Kurtz's last words, but he is envious of the idea that Kurtz still had enough spunk to make such a statement in such dire times.
Marlow is not even capable of telling Kurtz's intended his actual last words, for fear of her feelings, or perhaps for the fear for the truth behind the words.
By Kurtz making such a statement, he once again solidified his mark as a phantom, a mere voice or puzzle in the mind of Marlow. Marlow was never really able to view Kurtz as an equal, he always represented that inner voice of reason, Kurtz rested deep within Marlow's soul, and because of that, Marlow will be forever connected with Kurtz even through death. Kurtz always wanted to be considered and be a god, and now with his final statement, he would get his wish and live for eternity with the help of Marlow.
Even in death, Kurtz has more of an influence than most people living.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Heart of Darkness-symbol
When Marlow is on the steamer, he encounters endless amounts of fog, fog that entraps the men and the steamer. Marlow and the crewmen are surrounded by the fog, unable to make out anything or decipher friend from foe. The fog represented Marlow's mental state, and his inability to make a decisive decision regarding Kurtz, as well as, his own essence as a person.
The fog allowed him to make judgments about situations, however, it was too blinding to reveal the right answer. The path to take was unclear, similar to how he was unable to determine if he was guiding the steamer into open water or danger. Fog generally symbolizes confusion, and Marlow falls victim to this. The savages attacking represents Marlow's internal struggle for conflicting thoughts on Kurtz and his acceptance of his internal evil. Not only is he battling with right and wrong, he is fighting for life and death. Subconsciously, Marlow knows the decision he makes about Kurtz will determine his existence as an individual, and the confusion or fog Marlow encounters is also a brief moment of clarity because he knows the severity of his choice.
Since Marlow's arrival he has been confused and unsure - dealing from the treatment of the natives, cannibals and pilgrims - what originally seemed wrong, was now being justified as right; like his original perception of Kurtz. He believed him to be this awe-inspiring, self-creating legend, when in truth, he was insecure, insane, and immoral. The fog created was almost self-imposed because of Marlow's instability as a person. Had he been firm in his own beliefs and convictions on right and wrong he would not have faced such a conflicting situation with Kurtz, but because of this, he was able to become stronger and better for it.
The fog allowed him to make judgments about situations, however, it was too blinding to reveal the right answer. The path to take was unclear, similar to how he was unable to determine if he was guiding the steamer into open water or danger. Fog generally symbolizes confusion, and Marlow falls victim to this. The savages attacking represents Marlow's internal struggle for conflicting thoughts on Kurtz and his acceptance of his internal evil. Not only is he battling with right and wrong, he is fighting for life and death. Subconsciously, Marlow knows the decision he makes about Kurtz will determine his existence as an individual, and the confusion or fog Marlow encounters is also a brief moment of clarity because he knows the severity of his choice.
Since Marlow's arrival he has been confused and unsure - dealing from the treatment of the natives, cannibals and pilgrims - what originally seemed wrong, was now being justified as right; like his original perception of Kurtz. He believed him to be this awe-inspiring, self-creating legend, when in truth, he was insecure, insane, and immoral. The fog created was almost self-imposed because of Marlow's instability as a person. Had he been firm in his own beliefs and convictions on right and wrong he would not have faced such a conflicting situation with Kurtz, but because of this, he was able to become stronger and better for it.
Heart of Darkness-opinion
Although HEART OF DARKNESS is not my taste of books, I really enjoyed the way Conrad depicted the inner evil that exists within all of us. The idea that if any of us are challenged with the conditions that Kurtz had to endure, would we be any different in our thinking and convictions.
In class we discussed sanity and the lack thereof, and whether or not Kurtz was sane because he fully believed in what he was doing, but then again, don't all crazy people believe that what they are doing makes sense and is just with their reasoning for their actions? Kurtz, in my opinion, was insane and he believed in his methods because he was crazy, and he was able to rationalize his absurdness because of his vast intelligence. Kurtz was incredibly interesting and he made the book more intriguing because you could not understand how a man with so much knowledge and talent was able to cross over to such a dark and menacing way of thinking. It reminded me of LORD OF THE FLIES because the boys changed with their environment, but perhaps they were just reverting back to their primal and instinctive evil, the same evil Kurtz embodied.
Marlow was also captivated by Kurtz, just like the countless other men Kurtz encountered. Marlow too is tested by Kurtz's evil, however, he is able to overcome such a temptation. Conrad was portraying how easy it is to be sucked into the inner evil and darkness of the soul, but it takes a strong and determined person to recognize such a flaw and bypass the appeal and see it for what it truly is, and that is evil. And in the end, the evil will win and overtake every essence of your body, thus Kurtz's last cry of "The Horror! The Horror!"
In class we discussed sanity and the lack thereof, and whether or not Kurtz was sane because he fully believed in what he was doing, but then again, don't all crazy people believe that what they are doing makes sense and is just with their reasoning for their actions? Kurtz, in my opinion, was insane and he believed in his methods because he was crazy, and he was able to rationalize his absurdness because of his vast intelligence. Kurtz was incredibly interesting and he made the book more intriguing because you could not understand how a man with so much knowledge and talent was able to cross over to such a dark and menacing way of thinking. It reminded me of LORD OF THE FLIES because the boys changed with their environment, but perhaps they were just reverting back to their primal and instinctive evil, the same evil Kurtz embodied.
Marlow was also captivated by Kurtz, just like the countless other men Kurtz encountered. Marlow too is tested by Kurtz's evil, however, he is able to overcome such a temptation. Conrad was portraying how easy it is to be sucked into the inner evil and darkness of the soul, but it takes a strong and determined person to recognize such a flaw and bypass the appeal and see it for what it truly is, and that is evil. And in the end, the evil will win and overtake every essence of your body, thus Kurtz's last cry of "The Horror! The Horror!"
Invisible Man-quote
"I am standing puzzled, unable to decide whether the veil is really being lifted, or lowered more firmly in place..." (36).
This quote just reiterates the common theme in INVISIBLE MAN that as soon as the narrator starts to believe that he, as well as black society, is making a positive progress, there is another wrench thrown in the problem. The narrator starts questioning the intentions as well as the results of black leaders as well as philanthropic whites (Norton).
The narrator is starting to wonder if society is vigorously trying to keep him down as well as others like him, that they do not want men like the narrator to prosper, but instead give him the illusion of contributing to society when in reality they are just having him run around in circles.
It is an endless cycle for the narrator. As soon as he takes one step forward, he feels as though he is going three steps back; he is being distracted by false hopes and promises and being misled by men he thought he could trust. The veil represents this mentality, that everything is just an illusion, a deceptive exterior wanting to pull in the narrator and many like him only to blind them further.
Society wants men like the narrator to believe they are making a difference and have a voice that carries through to deaf ears; however, they are just prolonging the system of keeping them down and forcing them to live a life of confusion and suppression.
White society wants to the keep the narrator and the black race blinded and unaware of their own potential, promise and capability, and they are using black and white people alike to achieve such a goal. Instead of the veil being lifted for the black race to see the truth, it is being forced down, keeping them with their unseeing eyes.
This quote just reiterates the common theme in INVISIBLE MAN that as soon as the narrator starts to believe that he, as well as black society, is making a positive progress, there is another wrench thrown in the problem. The narrator starts questioning the intentions as well as the results of black leaders as well as philanthropic whites (Norton).
The narrator is starting to wonder if society is vigorously trying to keep him down as well as others like him, that they do not want men like the narrator to prosper, but instead give him the illusion of contributing to society when in reality they are just having him run around in circles.
It is an endless cycle for the narrator. As soon as he takes one step forward, he feels as though he is going three steps back; he is being distracted by false hopes and promises and being misled by men he thought he could trust. The veil represents this mentality, that everything is just an illusion, a deceptive exterior wanting to pull in the narrator and many like him only to blind them further.
Society wants men like the narrator to believe they are making a difference and have a voice that carries through to deaf ears; however, they are just prolonging the system of keeping them down and forcing them to live a life of confusion and suppression.
White society wants to the keep the narrator and the black race blinded and unaware of their own potential, promise and capability, and they are using black and white people alike to achieve such a goal. Instead of the veil being lifted for the black race to see the truth, it is being forced down, keeping them with their unseeing eyes.
Invisible Man-symbol
The usage of color, especially black and white, became quite apparent throughout the novel. Almost on every page you could spot a subtle instance when a black and white reference was being made. However, the chapter that dealt with Liberty Paints was an instance where Ellison was being perfectly blatant with this mention of color.
Liberty Paints was a direct correlation to the treatment of diverse races in American or white society. "Optic White" is supremacist over all paints, however, in order to concoct such a pure and perfect color, it must be blended with many other dark and distasteful chemicals. But once those substances are added, the mixture produces a flawless white color, hiding any trace of the existing darker colors.
This Optic White paint parallels the world in which Ellison's narrator lives because the components that go into creating it are overlooked, just as the black workers at Liberty Paints are disregarded and they are the ones responsible for generating the products. The minorities are responsible for the flow of society, because of them, things get done; however, they never receive the recognition or appreciation for their work, instead they are glossed over to paint a nicer and more appealing picture.
Optic White paints the idea that it can cover any stain or imperfection; it is so consuming and overwhelming and it ceases to recognize the beauty in diversity. Society, like the paint, is trying to cover the distinctiveness of the black culture; hoping that over time, the identity of the black race will be erased, and their blemish on society can be overcome.
Liberty Paints was a direct correlation to the treatment of diverse races in American or white society. "Optic White" is supremacist over all paints, however, in order to concoct such a pure and perfect color, it must be blended with many other dark and distasteful chemicals. But once those substances are added, the mixture produces a flawless white color, hiding any trace of the existing darker colors.
This Optic White paint parallels the world in which Ellison's narrator lives because the components that go into creating it are overlooked, just as the black workers at Liberty Paints are disregarded and they are the ones responsible for generating the products. The minorities are responsible for the flow of society, because of them, things get done; however, they never receive the recognition or appreciation for their work, instead they are glossed over to paint a nicer and more appealing picture.
Optic White paints the idea that it can cover any stain or imperfection; it is so consuming and overwhelming and it ceases to recognize the beauty in diversity. Society, like the paint, is trying to cover the distinctiveness of the black culture; hoping that over time, the identity of the black race will be erased, and their blemish on society can be overcome.
Invisible Man-opinion
INVISIBLE MAN is not a book I would have chosen to read on my own because there are so many hidden meanings and underlying messages and themes; it most certainly is not an easy read.
I appreciated this book because it talked about racism and the understated and overlooked aspects of it. Ellison wrote about the instances that illuminate racism and prejudice and the feelings of inferiority. The opening prologue (where the man does not see the narrator) and the Battle Royale scene are equal in their demeaning nature. Although one scene was more graphic and violent than the other, the intentions, as seen by Ellison, are two of the same. Refusing to see the injustice, and being the one that enforces it, are both despicable and equally demoralizing, and should be held equally accountable for their actions.
Another good feature to Ellison's writing, is his acknowledgement that everyone is at fault for these problems, black and white alike. That both sides are guilty for causing the inequalities that are endured by the black race. He mentions how each moment of allowance, passiveness and ignorance attribute to such differences in society, that because of the submissiveness of the black race and the foolishness of the white population, the distinction of the two races is so dramatic.
Ellison does not place the blame on one specific instance or event or person, but on people as a whole, and the overall moments that created such a situation. As a reader, I respected his thinking and approach on these issues and appreciated his overall message and writing.
I appreciated this book because it talked about racism and the understated and overlooked aspects of it. Ellison wrote about the instances that illuminate racism and prejudice and the feelings of inferiority. The opening prologue (where the man does not see the narrator) and the Battle Royale scene are equal in their demeaning nature. Although one scene was more graphic and violent than the other, the intentions, as seen by Ellison, are two of the same. Refusing to see the injustice, and being the one that enforces it, are both despicable and equally demoralizing, and should be held equally accountable for their actions.
Another good feature to Ellison's writing, is his acknowledgement that everyone is at fault for these problems, black and white alike. That both sides are guilty for causing the inequalities that are endured by the black race. He mentions how each moment of allowance, passiveness and ignorance attribute to such differences in society, that because of the submissiveness of the black race and the foolishness of the white population, the distinction of the two races is so dramatic.
Ellison does not place the blame on one specific instance or event or person, but on people as a whole, and the overall moments that created such a situation. As a reader, I respected his thinking and approach on these issues and appreciated his overall message and writing.
Player Piano-passage
The scene that resonated with me was toward the end of the novel when Proteus, Finnerty, Lasher and von Neumann had created the uprising in Illium and they finally thought things would be different, that people would challenge themselves and want to create a better society for future generations. However, they soon realize that people are more comfortable sticking to what they are used to and familiar with, i.e. machinery and technology, then producing a system that is different. When a young-teenaged-boy is more interested in finding an "eighth horsepower electric motor," then exploring his boundaries in the new Illium, the four men realize that their original intentions and goals for society will not be reached.
If their own youth, their sole reasoning for wanting to create a better tomorrow, is unable to recognize opportunity when it lies right in front of their eyes, they know they have been betrayed, not by the machines, but by their own people and race. The people of Illium immediately resorted back to the ways that had plagued them since they could remember, but when they had the chance to gain a new understanding to life, they reverted back to the status quo of Illium.
Change is scary because it rests in the unknown; it is unpredictable how things are going to work out in the end, but that is the excitement of life. However, because these people have been so accustomed to a certain routine, they do not know how to challenge and accept the change that they face.
Paul, Finnerty, Lasher and von Neumann were disappointed by their own people, having them betray their progressive ideas. Although it did not spark the revolution they had intended, they were able to have hope that future generations could take advantage of this occurrence and really make a difference.
If their own youth, their sole reasoning for wanting to create a better tomorrow, is unable to recognize opportunity when it lies right in front of their eyes, they know they have been betrayed, not by the machines, but by their own people and race. The people of Illium immediately resorted back to the ways that had plagued them since they could remember, but when they had the chance to gain a new understanding to life, they reverted back to the status quo of Illium.
Change is scary because it rests in the unknown; it is unpredictable how things are going to work out in the end, but that is the excitement of life. However, because these people have been so accustomed to a certain routine, they do not know how to challenge and accept the change that they face.
Paul, Finnerty, Lasher and von Neumann were disappointed by their own people, having them betray their progressive ideas. Although it did not spark the revolution they had intended, they were able to have hope that future generations could take advantage of this occurrence and really make a difference.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Player Piano-theme
A reoccurring theme throughout was the idea that human activity could be easily replaced by machines. Although the book seemed drastic and exaggerated in its usage of machinery, it actually magnified all the machinery and technology we use throughout our daily lives. Machines are replacing people. There is no longer a need to have human contact with anyone any more, anything that you may need to accomplish can be achieved at the privacy of your home without having to see a single person throughout the entirety of the day.
We have become so dependent on machines and technology, that we sometimes forget how to do the simple things in life. It's almost scary how much we depend on calculators, the Internet, phones and computers. Some kids cannot even get through a day without checking their MySpace page or updating their facebook. Books like PLAYER PIANO seem extreme, but machines are gradually replacing our ability to think. At times, just having the "right" answer is all that matters, and not the path and creativity used to get there. Everything becomes so structured and there are so many guidelines that when we are challenged with something that forces us to think outside the box and use our own intuition we fear it. At times thinking on our own isn't natural for us because we are so accustomed to having outside sources aid us. What should be so easy, making decisions for ourselves, is one of the hardest challenges because that is where the greatest risk lies; but, when we abandon responsibility for ourselves and depend on the advancement of technology to further us we feel safer.
We notice the human element being lost during Vonnegut's writing, the loss of beauty, art and life. This premise just makes us reflect upon ourselves and realize that at times we are not too far away from the mentality of Vonnegut's characters; but, we have the power to change that and challenge the system.
We have become so dependent on machines and technology, that we sometimes forget how to do the simple things in life. It's almost scary how much we depend on calculators, the Internet, phones and computers. Some kids cannot even get through a day without checking their MySpace page or updating their facebook. Books like PLAYER PIANO seem extreme, but machines are gradually replacing our ability to think. At times, just having the "right" answer is all that matters, and not the path and creativity used to get there. Everything becomes so structured and there are so many guidelines that when we are challenged with something that forces us to think outside the box and use our own intuition we fear it. At times thinking on our own isn't natural for us because we are so accustomed to having outside sources aid us. What should be so easy, making decisions for ourselves, is one of the hardest challenges because that is where the greatest risk lies; but, when we abandon responsibility for ourselves and depend on the advancement of technology to further us we feel safer.
We notice the human element being lost during Vonnegut's writing, the loss of beauty, art and life. This premise just makes us reflect upon ourselves and realize that at times we are not too far away from the mentality of Vonnegut's characters; but, we have the power to change that and challenge the system.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Player Piano-opinion
Vonnegut's PLAYER PIANO is not a work that I would read on my own. It is not a book that I was able to connect with, and maybe that was partially intended for not all the characters to connect with the readers because of the disengagement created by technology and machines.
I did appreciate Kurt Vonnegut's writing style. For instance, when he would emphasize a point regarding the overtaking of machines, he would use lists to illuminate their overwhelming nature. He also did this at the end of the book when he was detailing the destruction created after the big blow out with Finnerty, Proteus and the other key men against the higher powers of society, he listed everything that laid strewn upon the ground, all the gadgets and thingamajigs that are now useless in the eyes of these "doctors", but incredibly valuable to the people of "lesser intelligence" who think for themselves and create things with their hands instead of relying on computers to do the simplest of tasks.
Even with all the chaos and destruction that was occurring at the end of the novel, Vonnegut kept the structure of his main character; keeping his mental lists alphabetized despite the ongoing rebellion.
It was interesting how Vonnegut poked fun at the potential future of our society, that even with Proteus trying to create an uprising, structure and order are what seem to matter most, and that even with the greatest efforts, not all goals and ideals will be accomplished, and people will ultimately root back to the normality's and comforts of society, even if what they are used to is suppressing and corrupt.
I did appreciate Kurt Vonnegut's writing style. For instance, when he would emphasize a point regarding the overtaking of machines, he would use lists to illuminate their overwhelming nature. He also did this at the end of the book when he was detailing the destruction created after the big blow out with Finnerty, Proteus and the other key men against the higher powers of society, he listed everything that laid strewn upon the ground, all the gadgets and thingamajigs that are now useless in the eyes of these "doctors", but incredibly valuable to the people of "lesser intelligence" who think for themselves and create things with their hands instead of relying on computers to do the simplest of tasks.
Even with all the chaos and destruction that was occurring at the end of the novel, Vonnegut kept the structure of his main character; keeping his mental lists alphabetized despite the ongoing rebellion.
It was interesting how Vonnegut poked fun at the potential future of our society, that even with Proteus trying to create an uprising, structure and order are what seem to matter most, and that even with the greatest efforts, not all goals and ideals will be accomplished, and people will ultimately root back to the normality's and comforts of society, even if what they are used to is suppressing and corrupt.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)