Nikki-Rosa is a matured black woman who is reminiscing on her childhood. She identifies that not many people are going to understand that the poverty did not worry her or "no inside toilet" (4) but the fact that "white biographers" are not going to capture the essence of her childhood and the happiness that she felt while "living in Woodlawn" (3).
There is no prevalent rhyme in this poem; it is more of an ongoing thought, something that has been building up inside of her for years and she is suddenly able to exhale and get every last word out before she loses it.
"Nikki-Rosa" has a soulful style to it, breaking into shorter and longer sentences that make it have smooth manner and almost give it a beat in the reader's head.
Nikki Giovanni did an amazing job letting readers see another side of being poor and a minority, that it is not this insurmountable hardship, but it is full of plenty of happiness. And if you look anywhere long enough, you will be capable of seeing that beauty.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Nikki-Rosa (293) Devices
The only word that is capitalized throughout the entire poem is the word Black. This shows the pride she possesses regarding her heritage. She is not going to let anything bring her down, and she will not be embarrassed for the color of her skin or feel inferior because of the way God created her and her family. She is proud of the way she looks and the life she led, and if anyone has a problem with her being Black she will bravely defy them.
Also, the only punctuation found in the poem is the period found at the very end. It seems like this was just run-on thought, a continuation of pent-up frustration and annoyance at the common arrogance of society. "childhood remembrances are always a drag...all the while I was quite happy" (1 & 27) the first and last lines of the poem connect flawlessly together; I think this was done intentionally to show that everything is connected and comes full circle. That maybe at one point in Nikki-Rosa's life she was upset with being handed the short end of the stick, but through time she realized how lucky she was to have the life and love she experienced. No one will understand her and her family, but that does not matter because they do; all the difficulties she faced-the poverty, the alcoholism-none of it mattered because it molded her into the person she is, and through it all, " everybody is together and you and your sister have happy birthdays and very good christmasses" (22-23).
Also, the only punctuation found in the poem is the period found at the very end. It seems like this was just run-on thought, a continuation of pent-up frustration and annoyance at the common arrogance of society. "childhood remembrances are always a drag...all the while I was quite happy" (1 & 27) the first and last lines of the poem connect flawlessly together; I think this was done intentionally to show that everything is connected and comes full circle. That maybe at one point in Nikki-Rosa's life she was upset with being handed the short end of the stick, but through time she realized how lucky she was to have the life and love she experienced. No one will understand her and her family, but that does not matter because they do; all the difficulties she faced-the poverty, the alcoholism-none of it mattered because it molded her into the person she is, and through it all, " everybody is together and you and your sister have happy birthdays and very good christmasses" (22-23).
Niki-Rosa (p. 293) Reflection
This deals with the life of a black girl growing up and how she can never be understood by those that have had a privileged life because, in their view of her, no one with so little could possess so much.
She gives the impression that she has some hostility toward white people, in general, which is understandable because in the time period in which she grew up there was much more racism and prejudice. Seeing the hardships her own family, herself and her parents had to endure, made her more cynical of the world, and rightfully so.
She is not afraid to tell the audience of everything she did not have, but she is just as proud to share all that her family was blessed enough to be given "Black love is Black wealth" (24).
Nikki-Rosa feels that if she had become a person that was famous and well-known they would be too preoccupied with describing her hardships, instead of revealing all the happiness she had in her life. This was the way that she grew up, that was the lifestyle that she was familar with, so to her and her family it was not bad, it was just another day in the Nikki-Rosa household.
Even though this focuses on a young black girl, I think it is easy to relate to because it emphasizes the strong ties of family and that unbreakable bond that is shared. It crosses color barriers because any family that does not come from much is able to identify with the concept that life is what you make of it.
Nikki-Rosa does not want to waste her time concentrating on all that could have been and all that she could have had had she been a different color or if her family had been different. Instead, she is happy to have had the family and life she was born into, and all she wants is for outsiders to recognize this fortune of hers as well.
She gives the impression that she has some hostility toward white people, in general, which is understandable because in the time period in which she grew up there was much more racism and prejudice. Seeing the hardships her own family, herself and her parents had to endure, made her more cynical of the world, and rightfully so.
She is not afraid to tell the audience of everything she did not have, but she is just as proud to share all that her family was blessed enough to be given "Black love is Black wealth" (24).
Nikki-Rosa feels that if she had become a person that was famous and well-known they would be too preoccupied with describing her hardships, instead of revealing all the happiness she had in her life. This was the way that she grew up, that was the lifestyle that she was familar with, so to her and her family it was not bad, it was just another day in the Nikki-Rosa household.
Even though this focuses on a young black girl, I think it is easy to relate to because it emphasizes the strong ties of family and that unbreakable bond that is shared. It crosses color barriers because any family that does not come from much is able to identify with the concept that life is what you make of it.
Nikki-Rosa does not want to waste her time concentrating on all that could have been and all that she could have had had she been a different color or if her family had been different. Instead, she is happy to have had the family and life she was born into, and all she wants is for outsiders to recognize this fortune of hers as well.
Money (279) Analysis
The speaker appears to be a man that has seen or has experienced for himself the negative power of money. He wants the readers to realize that in the end the money will win "There will be no pain/ but in thirty seconds/ the poison will reach your heart" (27-29).
He keeps his sentences and stanzas short, direct and straight to the point. There are periods at the end of each stanza, finishing a thought, but within that stanza it is a gentle flow describing each stage that the money encounters. Originating from a tamed beast, to a nesting creature, to a friendly play boy, a regenerating organism, an attention seeking plant, then finally showing its true venomous teeth.
I like how it is not drawn out, but Contoski uses images and language that any reader can connect with. He uses the title to show his main focus, but he never has to reuse that word, yet the reader is still capable of fully understanding his ultimate message and idea of the poem. To be able to write an entire poem on a single matter and not even have to use that word to explain it, takes an immense amount of talent and just an universal understanding on the subject he is referring to.
He keeps his sentences and stanzas short, direct and straight to the point. There are periods at the end of each stanza, finishing a thought, but within that stanza it is a gentle flow describing each stage that the money encounters. Originating from a tamed beast, to a nesting creature, to a friendly play boy, a regenerating organism, an attention seeking plant, then finally showing its true venomous teeth.
I like how it is not drawn out, but Contoski uses images and language that any reader can connect with. He uses the title to show his main focus, but he never has to reuse that word, yet the reader is still capable of fully understanding his ultimate message and idea of the poem. To be able to write an entire poem on a single matter and not even have to use that word to explain it, takes an immense amount of talent and just an universal understanding on the subject he is referring to.
Money (279) Devices
Contoski uses personification to show the power and influence of money. The only time the word money is mentioned is in the title. Since the first stanza, Contoski references money as "it." The money takes on the role of a wild animal, that an owner believes can be controlled, but with time, its real and dangerous nature will shine through, "At first it will seem tame/ willing to be domesticated" (1-2) that it is willing to change for a short period of time but it will resort to its instinctive ways.
In addition to the personification, the diction is provoking because these are not words normally associated with money; "nest in your pocket" opposed to folded in your wallet, nested is similar to having a home, having deeper connection with the owner of the money. "Like a dog and lick/ the legs of women" (10-11) shows the idea of seduction, how sex and money tend to go hand in hand. It is not written in a vulgar manner, but it seems as though that is the hidden meaning behind the line; that different kinds of women become attracted to the presence of money and certain men become more attractive to those types of women. "Water it every three days" (18) taking on the role of being attended and cared for, that without nurturing it will not grow and prosper. Watering it will make it multiply and bring more happiness to the proprietor of the money. "Bite" (25) displays the negative and ill-temperateness of money, that no matter how tried they try, it will always have the upper hand.
In addition to the personification, the diction is provoking because these are not words normally associated with money; "nest in your pocket" opposed to folded in your wallet, nested is similar to having a home, having deeper connection with the owner of the money. "Like a dog and lick/ the legs of women" (10-11) shows the idea of seduction, how sex and money tend to go hand in hand. It is not written in a vulgar manner, but it seems as though that is the hidden meaning behind the line; that different kinds of women become attracted to the presence of money and certain men become more attractive to those types of women. "Water it every three days" (18) taking on the role of being attended and cared for, that without nurturing it will not grow and prosper. Watering it will make it multiply and bring more happiness to the proprietor of the money. "Bite" (25) displays the negative and ill-temperateness of money, that no matter how tried they try, it will always have the upper hand.
Money (p. 279) Reflection
"Money" begins innocently, that having a little bit of it will bring no harm to the holder and those surrounding him. Each stanza explaining a new property and trait that money will possess the longer it is kept, and the longer the money is kept, the more importance it has the holder because no longer is money just currency to pay for the necessities of life, but instead it becomes the reason to live.
The idea of having money and maintaining it becomes increasingly important and each line takes on a new persona of importance, and that money is steadily taking over the existence of the owner. However, the entire time the possessor of the money believes that they are in control, when in reality, the money has had the power, "Then one day when you think/ you are its master/ it will turn its head/ as if for a kiss/ and bite you gently/ on the hand" (21-26).
People become obsessed with material things that they forget how to appreciate the small things in life. Every person has selfish tendencies, it is human nature to think about yourself, there is nothing wrong with putting yourself first at times; however, when you become so wrapped up in yourself and what you can get out of people that is when it becomes a problem. Money appears to be a wonderful thing because you think it will solve all your problems, when money just enhances the all ready existing dilemmas.
It is not that money is always bad. Money can bring about goodness, however, goodness is capable of coming about through money when the intentions are noble. Victor Contoski is just stating that this "disease" and addiction does not care what race, gender or religion the beholder may be, greed can rot any person to the core. Greed is a silent killer that is capable of tearing friends and families apart and changing the owner for the worse without having them ever realize their drastic transformation.
Wealth can be found in so many other things opposed to the object of money; wealth is found in good health, happy families and just being lucky to be breathing.
The idea of having money and maintaining it becomes increasingly important and each line takes on a new persona of importance, and that money is steadily taking over the existence of the owner. However, the entire time the possessor of the money believes that they are in control, when in reality, the money has had the power, "Then one day when you think/ you are its master/ it will turn its head/ as if for a kiss/ and bite you gently/ on the hand" (21-26).
People become obsessed with material things that they forget how to appreciate the small things in life. Every person has selfish tendencies, it is human nature to think about yourself, there is nothing wrong with putting yourself first at times; however, when you become so wrapped up in yourself and what you can get out of people that is when it becomes a problem. Money appears to be a wonderful thing because you think it will solve all your problems, when money just enhances the all ready existing dilemmas.
It is not that money is always bad. Money can bring about goodness, however, goodness is capable of coming about through money when the intentions are noble. Victor Contoski is just stating that this "disease" and addiction does not care what race, gender or religion the beholder may be, greed can rot any person to the core. Greed is a silent killer that is capable of tearing friends and families apart and changing the owner for the worse without having them ever realize their drastic transformation.
Wealth can be found in so many other things opposed to the object of money; wealth is found in good health, happy families and just being lucky to be breathing.
If thou must love me (276) Analysis
The speaker seems to be an older woman who has experienced life. A young girl does not know the depth of love and would be overjoyed with a man she is interested in being attracted to her smile and overall grace; however, a woman that has more experience under her belt, dealing with life, peers, society and men, knows what she wants a guy to be interested in, and knows that all those little things that they may find appealing are not going to make love real. She recognizes these qualities may be endearing, however, love is more powerful than that.
Browning's poem does rhyme throughout with an ab pattern "Except for love's sake only. Do not say/ "I love her for her smile - her look - her way"" (2-3). The manner in which it is written, reminds the reader of love because it is lyrical and flows from line to line. When someone thinks of love, they normally think of beauty and a steady course to follow and Browning does that with her writing. The language is older and makes the reader think of classic love, when it was more sacred and special to share.
Love should be shared between people that genuinely care for one another, and for no other reason. The time period in which it was written shows her desire to partake in this untainted love.
Browning's poem does rhyme throughout with an ab pattern "Except for love's sake only. Do not say/ "I love her for her smile - her look - her way"" (2-3). The manner in which it is written, reminds the reader of love because it is lyrical and flows from line to line. When someone thinks of love, they normally think of beauty and a steady course to follow and Browning does that with her writing. The language is older and makes the reader think of classic love, when it was more sacred and special to share.
Love should be shared between people that genuinely care for one another, and for no other reason. The time period in which it was written shows her desire to partake in this untainted love.
If thou must love me (276) Devices
Browning uses repetition with the words "to love me." She really wants the reader to recognize her aspiration is to truly be loved, not infatuated with, or lusted after, but to experience the purity of love. Love is a special and rare thing to come by, and she does not want her message to be mistaken for being wanted or admired, but instead to be held preciously in the heart of her significant other.
The author also uses a dash ( - ) throughout the poem. I think this portrays her sudden bursts of inspiration, like as she is writing another idea pops into her head and she has to capture that moment and thought. She feels so strongly on the subject of love, that she has an abundance of examples of what she desperately wants out of a relationship and what she could not bear to endure.
Browning is aware of how much she has to offer and she does not want that to go unnoticed, however, she does not want to be loved for the wrong reasons, or be under the impression that what they feel is love, when they are really mistaken. These devices just add to the poem because it emphasizes her message of love and her desire to experience true love, but her strong will not to sacrifice and settle for what society believes is the right thing to do.
The author also uses a dash ( - ) throughout the poem. I think this portrays her sudden bursts of inspiration, like as she is writing another idea pops into her head and she has to capture that moment and thought. She feels so strongly on the subject of love, that she has an abundance of examples of what she desperately wants out of a relationship and what she could not bear to endure.
Browning is aware of how much she has to offer and she does not want that to go unnoticed, however, she does not want to be loved for the wrong reasons, or be under the impression that what they feel is love, when they are really mistaken. These devices just add to the poem because it emphasizes her message of love and her desire to experience true love, but her strong will not to sacrifice and settle for what society believes is the right thing to do.
If thou must love me (p. 276) Reflection
Elizabeth Barrett Browning's poem is striking because it is so straightforward. She is a woman that does not want her heart played with, and would rather the man be upfront on his feelings than trying to appease her with fluffy compliments. Although every woman has the desire of being adored, she wants his attention for "love's sake only" (2). Appreciating her smile, or laugh, her tone of voice, or her overall look is of little importance to her because she knows those qualities are capable of changing or fading away. She wants the man that is interested with her to love her out of love, because love is able to last for eternity if it is real.
Browning does not describe love, like the feeling she expects him or herself to get when they see each other, but she expects them to just know that it is love because it just is. There should be no reason why they feel this way for each other; the love just exists. She is telling this man that she will allow him the time to be with her only if he is able to feel this way, She is aware that love is a difficult thing and it cannot be contrived or controlled and she does not want the love that she experiences to be bent and construed so that it fits the mold of what love should be.
I admire how Browning is taking initiative, and she is not allowing the guy to manipulate the situation, instead she is setting the ground rules and if the guy that is interested cannot meet these standards, he is obviously not the right man for her because the ideal man for her will easily understand these goals.
Browning does not describe love, like the feeling she expects him or herself to get when they see each other, but she expects them to just know that it is love because it just is. There should be no reason why they feel this way for each other; the love just exists. She is telling this man that she will allow him the time to be with her only if he is able to feel this way, She is aware that love is a difficult thing and it cannot be contrived or controlled and she does not want the love that she experiences to be bent and construed so that it fits the mold of what love should be.
I admire how Browning is taking initiative, and she is not allowing the guy to manipulate the situation, instead she is setting the ground rules and if the guy that is interested cannot meet these standards, he is obviously not the right man for her because the ideal man for her will easily understand these goals.
Woman Work (271) Analysis
The speaker of this poem seems to be a slave, as well as, taking on the role of being a caregiver for her own family. She has the responsibility of taking care of everyone in the household, while holding down the entire home. It is her job to take care of everyone else, but she does not have the slightest of time to even think about what she wants out of life.
The first stanza has a rhyming scheme, "children to tend/clothes to mend/ cane to be cut/clean up this hut" (1-12). It is a sing-song approach because she takes on the identity of her chores. The reader does not see her behind the list of things to do, it is just a continuation of the day; sunrise to sunset of her working. The title "Woman Work" is derogatory because it seems that what she does is of little importance, that only a woman, in the eyes of a slave owner, only a woman of color, would be capable of doing such a tedious task because it involves little thinking. However, the work she is doing is the hardest work to do. The title seems to put woman below men, that their status could never be equal to that of a man.
The last three stanzas do not have a rhyme scheme; they instead focus on nature and the elements it includes. This is the speaker's desire to be seen as an individual opposed to the work that she must complete everyday. This could be her inner aspiration to break free of this monotonous lifestyle, and be one with nature and herself and her own thoughts. Nature has no rules or barriers and that is what the speaker wants to experience out of life because she has always had a responsibility and a duty to uphold. "Sun, rain, curving sky/ Mountain, oceans, leaf and stone/ Star shine, moon glow/You're all that I can call my own" (27-30). If she is unable to experience the freedom of work, she at least wants the opportunity to see the beauty of nature unfold and just be.
The first stanza has a rhyming scheme, "children to tend/clothes to mend/ cane to be cut/clean up this hut" (1-12). It is a sing-song approach because she takes on the identity of her chores. The reader does not see her behind the list of things to do, it is just a continuation of the day; sunrise to sunset of her working. The title "Woman Work" is derogatory because it seems that what she does is of little importance, that only a woman, in the eyes of a slave owner, only a woman of color, would be capable of doing such a tedious task because it involves little thinking. However, the work she is doing is the hardest work to do. The title seems to put woman below men, that their status could never be equal to that of a man.
The last three stanzas do not have a rhyme scheme; they instead focus on nature and the elements it includes. This is the speaker's desire to be seen as an individual opposed to the work that she must complete everyday. This could be her inner aspiration to break free of this monotonous lifestyle, and be one with nature and herself and her own thoughts. Nature has no rules or barriers and that is what the speaker wants to experience out of life because she has always had a responsibility and a duty to uphold. "Sun, rain, curving sky/ Mountain, oceans, leaf and stone/ Star shine, moon glow/You're all that I can call my own" (27-30). If she is unable to experience the freedom of work, she at least wants the opportunity to see the beauty of nature unfold and just be.
Woman Work (271) - Devices
Angelou uses repetition of the words "rest," "Til I can rest again/Let me rest tonight" (22-26) to show her exhaustion. It is not that she needs sleep or a nap to give her the energy to continue her work, but the necessity for her body, mind and spirit to be given the opportunity to be at peace. Every day she must follow the mundane schedule of cleaning, cooking, caring, fixing, making - not only for her own family, but it seems for her master's family as well. She wants the earth, from which she came, to give her that peace of mind and that rest that will give her the strength to continue her labor.
Angelou uses the senses of the seasons, having the reader feel the sun, the rain, and the "Cold icy kisses" (25) of the snow. She wants to be freed by these elements of nature. She feels connected to the land because she understands the burden mother nature must hold in providing shelter for all its living creatures. Nature is the only thing she truly feels bonded with "You're all that I can call my own" (30).
By using the repetition and the senses and imagery of nature, the reader is able to understand the stress the speaker must endure since everyday she is held to the same high standards of work.
Angelou uses the senses of the seasons, having the reader feel the sun, the rain, and the "Cold icy kisses" (25) of the snow. She wants to be freed by these elements of nature. She feels connected to the land because she understands the burden mother nature must hold in providing shelter for all its living creatures. Nature is the only thing she truly feels bonded with "You're all that I can call my own" (30).
By using the repetition and the senses and imagery of nature, the reader is able to understand the stress the speaker must endure since everyday she is held to the same high standards of work.
Woman Work (p. 271) - Reflection
This is such a strong and influential poem. Maya Angelou is writing about a subject matter that many people tend to overlook as being a job or being work. The job as mother and caregiver is, in my opinion, the toughest and most demanding role a person could have. They sacrifice so much for their family and it very often goes unnoticed, at times it may seem like a thankless job, however, children that come from a home where they have a mother that really loves and cares for them, know how blessed they are to be so privileged to have a mother who is willing to give and love unconditionally.
Angelou is just trying to have her readers appreciate all the small things that woman must do, the first stanza just focusing on how she must care for the children and the house becomes overwhelming when she is listing everything that must be done in the course of a day. It stretches from tending to the children to picking the cotton; there is never a moment of rest. Seeing the work that must be done, it is amazing how a single person is able to accomplish all the tasks at hand; especially when it is assumed she will not receive any help because it is only mere "woman's work;" when it really should entail an entire an army to complete everything.
The speaker shows her vulnerability "cool my brow again" (line 18) because she is just reinstating that she is only human, and as one person, she can handle only so much; every person has a breaking point where, they too, just need a moment to themselves to regain their thoughts.
I do not think she is resentful toward the work she must complete because she is doing it out of love and selflessness; however, she is making a statement that even though she may only be a woman, and a woman of color, she takes on the workload and the responsibility of a superhero. That even though the chores of a housewife may seem meager, it takes a special, strong and secure woman to maintain such a role.
Angelou is just trying to have her readers appreciate all the small things that woman must do, the first stanza just focusing on how she must care for the children and the house becomes overwhelming when she is listing everything that must be done in the course of a day. It stretches from tending to the children to picking the cotton; there is never a moment of rest. Seeing the work that must be done, it is amazing how a single person is able to accomplish all the tasks at hand; especially when it is assumed she will not receive any help because it is only mere "woman's work;" when it really should entail an entire an army to complete everything.
The speaker shows her vulnerability "cool my brow again" (line 18) because she is just reinstating that she is only human, and as one person, she can handle only so much; every person has a breaking point where, they too, just need a moment to themselves to regain their thoughts.
I do not think she is resentful toward the work she must complete because she is doing it out of love and selflessness; however, she is making a statement that even though she may only be a woman, and a woman of color, she takes on the workload and the responsibility of a superhero. That even though the chores of a housewife may seem meager, it takes a special, strong and secure woman to maintain such a role.
Portrait - theme
James Joyce references flight throughout the duration of his novel. Within the character of Stephen Dedalus, there is always a longing to escape his contrived life in Ireland and project himself into a world where is able to challenge his mind as well as others around him. Stephen identifies as being entrapped in a society that does not understand him, and with every chance they get, they try drawing him in closer to their world with the appearance of good; "The preacher began to speak in a quiet friendly tone. His face was kind and he joined gently the fingers of each hand, forming a frail cage by the union of their tips" (137). Not agreeing with the church and their idea of sin puts Stephen at constant odds. He once believed in their teachings, but through maturation, he was able to conjure his own ideas about life and religion. Although this may not seem like an important action created by the Preacher, he is symbolizing through his hands the entrapment of Stephen. The Preacher is aware of his authority and his influence over Stephen, and he tries using that to "scare" him into accepting the ways of the church opposed to Stephen embracing and accepting that mentality.
By Stephen recognizing a "cage" created by the tips of the Preacher's fingers, it also confirms how he identifies with flight through birds. "An ecstasy of flight made radiant his eyes...His throat ached with a desire to cry aloud, the cry of a hawk or eagle on high, to cry piercingly of his deliverance to the winds. This was the call of life to his soul not the dull gross voice of the world of duties and despair, not the inhuman voice that had called him to the pale service of the altar. An instant of wild flight had delivered him and the cry of triumph which his lips withheld cleft his brain" (183-184). Stephen does not want to escape, he needs to. He recognizes himself as a caged bird that is being held back from his capabilities, being held captive by his own doing because he must take the necessary steps in order to free himself. Through growing and living, he is able to see that he will only accomplish what he limits himself to, if he just frees himself from that captivity, his achievements will be endless. With each new stage of the book, Stephen is breaking further and further away, spreading his wings like Daedalus.
By Stephen recognizing a "cage" created by the tips of the Preacher's fingers, it also confirms how he identifies with flight through birds. "An ecstasy of flight made radiant his eyes...His throat ached with a desire to cry aloud, the cry of a hawk or eagle on high, to cry piercingly of his deliverance to the winds. This was the call of life to his soul not the dull gross voice of the world of duties and despair, not the inhuman voice that had called him to the pale service of the altar. An instant of wild flight had delivered him and the cry of triumph which his lips withheld cleft his brain" (183-184). Stephen does not want to escape, he needs to. He recognizes himself as a caged bird that is being held back from his capabilities, being held captive by his own doing because he must take the necessary steps in order to free himself. Through growing and living, he is able to see that he will only accomplish what he limits himself to, if he just frees himself from that captivity, his achievements will be endless. With each new stage of the book, Stephen is breaking further and further away, spreading his wings like Daedalus.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Portrait-quote
"Her image had passed into his soul for ever and no word had broken the holy silence of his ecstasy. Her eyes had called him and his soul had leaped at the call. To live, to err, to fall, to triumph, to recreate life out of life!" (186)
This is one of the turning points for Stephen; a poignant revelation for him to recognize his calling to become a writer for his deep appreciation for words, language and beauty. A random girl wading in the water ignited a fire within his soul. In this passage, Stephen was capable of seeing the beauty of life, and a young, innocent girl made him realize the purity that love and women can possess. She was no longer an object of lust or desire that generated sinful thoughts, instead she was a mere person that evoked natural, untouched beauty.
As the scene continues, it becomes evident that Stephen is undergoing a life altering experience; a rebirth from the ground and world that produces his inspiration; he mentions awakening from "languor of sleep" (187) and it is from this sleep that a new outlook toward life was formed. He is enjoying each sensation and sense, and with that appreciation he is transforming into a matured man and artist. This sleep is allowing him to finally see magnificence of natural beauty, and how as an author, those beautiful images make all the difference.
He is recreating his own "life out of life." The only way for him to flourish as a writer is to accept and acknowledge the beauty within everything, and this clarifying moment allows him to realize that he will be capable of reaching his potential as a writer.
As Joyce is describing the experience, he uses words like "leaped" and "ecstacy" and this just shows Stephen's eagerness to start his journey in becoming one of the great writers he has always envied and admired.
This is one of the turning points for Stephen; a poignant revelation for him to recognize his calling to become a writer for his deep appreciation for words, language and beauty. A random girl wading in the water ignited a fire within his soul. In this passage, Stephen was capable of seeing the beauty of life, and a young, innocent girl made him realize the purity that love and women can possess. She was no longer an object of lust or desire that generated sinful thoughts, instead she was a mere person that evoked natural, untouched beauty.
As the scene continues, it becomes evident that Stephen is undergoing a life altering experience; a rebirth from the ground and world that produces his inspiration; he mentions awakening from "languor of sleep" (187) and it is from this sleep that a new outlook toward life was formed. He is enjoying each sensation and sense, and with that appreciation he is transforming into a matured man and artist. This sleep is allowing him to finally see magnificence of natural beauty, and how as an author, those beautiful images make all the difference.
He is recreating his own "life out of life." The only way for him to flourish as a writer is to accept and acknowledge the beauty within everything, and this clarifying moment allows him to realize that he will be capable of reaching his potential as a writer.
As Joyce is describing the experience, he uses words like "leaped" and "ecstacy" and this just shows Stephen's eagerness to start his journey in becoming one of the great writers he has always envied and admired.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Portrait - Reflection
A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man is unlike any book I have ever read. James Joyce truly focused on the stream of consciousness within a person and how each thought process is different and beautiful. This novel was challenging because opposed to becoming easier as it continued, it instead, became more complex and intricate, and its form and material became increasingly advanced. There were numerous occasions where I would have to re-read a paragraph to try and grasp what his message was. Because Stephen was maturing as a man, writer and artist, his writing mirrored that transformation, and Joyce utilized his growth by evolving his writing and the concepts he would question and philosophize about.
Originally I really enjoyed the novel because it was different and the structure was interesting because it just jumped from each thought that Stephen had. For instance, the opening paragraphs he skips from telling a childhood story, to singing a song, to wetting the bed, and to the smell of his mother (3); with each new memory, it triggers another impacting moment in his life, and with little to no transition, he starts discussing that occasion. And once he was done, he would pick up from where he previously left off.
As the book continued, I did not lose my appreciation for it, however, it became ever more challenging because the subject matter was becoming more in-depth. No longer were Stephen (as well as Joyce's) points of emphasis on the surface, but rather made to look further into the writing. He desperately wanted the readers to see the true and natural beauty hidden in everything, and he was not willing to lower his standards for the average reader.
Overall, I enjoyed Joyce's novel because of its unique style and its challenging nature. It demonstrated that the societal norms do not have to be accepted, and an individual is capable of testing the waters around him and achieving his inner potential.
Originally I really enjoyed the novel because it was different and the structure was interesting because it just jumped from each thought that Stephen had. For instance, the opening paragraphs he skips from telling a childhood story, to singing a song, to wetting the bed, and to the smell of his mother (3); with each new memory, it triggers another impacting moment in his life, and with little to no transition, he starts discussing that occasion. And once he was done, he would pick up from where he previously left off.
As the book continued, I did not lose my appreciation for it, however, it became ever more challenging because the subject matter was becoming more in-depth. No longer were Stephen (as well as Joyce's) points of emphasis on the surface, but rather made to look further into the writing. He desperately wanted the readers to see the true and natural beauty hidden in everything, and he was not willing to lower his standards for the average reader.
Overall, I enjoyed Joyce's novel because of its unique style and its challenging nature. It demonstrated that the societal norms do not have to be accepted, and an individual is capable of testing the waters around him and achieving his inner potential.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)