The Human Abstract, is a sad but true poem. I find it funny that in this one short poem Blake explains how the world functions on a day to day bases. The human Abstract reminds me of a book that I have previously read. The entire poem refers to the human abstract but what stood out at me the most was the first stanza. Humanity has always been a struggle of give and take. When happiness is present there must be something sacrificed in order to obtain that happiness. The human abstract comes into play when human life is sacrificed. This is present in the history of Christianity and in many other religions.
“Pity would be no more,
If we did not make somebody poor
And mercy no more could be,
If all were as happy as we:
And mutual fears bring peace:” (Line 1-5)
Blake states that the human abstract is present in the human brain. I believe that he is referring to the longing for power, or to achieve better conditions and thrive. But the contrary is that someone is always hurt in the process wither it is directly or indirectly.
Although everyone wishes for world peace and a crime free society, If given that opportunity there are so many people whom would have nothing to do. There would be no system of discipline or even a drive to do better and advance as a whole.
Monday, June 28, 2010
" I wandered lonely as a cloud"
At times I find myself just daydreaming or find my mind wondering aimlessly, “I Wondered Lonely as a Cloud” reminds of those time where I need the ability to just wonder and clear my mid. The cloud in reference floats above the ground and the author is floating with the cloud above earthly things. Everything seems light and surreal.
“In such a jocund company:
I gazed and gazed but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought." (line 16-18)
The poem is written as Wordsworth gains admiration for his surroundings, it seems as if the poem was not planned but at the moment Wordsworth found himself amidst beauty and nature. In the above referenced stanza Wordsworth recognizes the wealth in beauty. This is something that a lot of people find themselves doing when they do not stop to take advantage of their surroundings. At time you find yourself with a different form of wealth.
“In such a jocund company:
I gazed and gazed but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought." (line 16-18)
The poem is written as Wordsworth gains admiration for his surroundings, it seems as if the poem was not planned but at the moment Wordsworth found himself amidst beauty and nature. In the above referenced stanza Wordsworth recognizes the wealth in beauty. This is something that a lot of people find themselves doing when they do not stop to take advantage of their surroundings. At time you find yourself with a different form of wealth.
Victorian Ladies and Gentlemen
Victorian Ladies and Gentlemen such as John Newman and Charlotte Bronte represented literature at the time. I found most of the pieces that I read to be confined. The authors wrote about society and every writing seemed to be so proper. From the readings I drew that Victorian ladies and gentlemen were social beings that lived to please their neighbors and their social ranks. The only writings which seems far fetched in the time period was that of Margret Fuller and Mary Wollstonecraft.
Of course when writing this I was tempted to only touch base on Fuller and Wollstonecraft however the represented the minority at that period in time and it seems as if they where actually radicals ahead of their time.
On the other hand however there was Carolina Norton and Isabella Beeton who more exemplified the mindset of the time. In both of their writings these women spoke of the roll of women in the household and a woman’s duties to her husband. It seems like the fear of being judged by others meant more to them than their individual happiness. Divorce was out of the question and it had to be granted through written permition. Beeton even writes of the first two years of marriage and how miserable she was, however with time she learnt to cope with married life. Things remained peaceful within households especially because women kept their place and men where satisfied as long as needs were meet and their women were submissive.
Although a little immature, and maybe far-fetched my interpretation of the Victorian Ladies in gentlemen is a comparison to an episode of real Housewives of New Jersey or a reality show of its kind. The women seem to be superficial Barbies and the men money hungry, egotistical, shovenist.
Of course when writing this I was tempted to only touch base on Fuller and Wollstonecraft however the represented the minority at that period in time and it seems as if they where actually radicals ahead of their time.
On the other hand however there was Carolina Norton and Isabella Beeton who more exemplified the mindset of the time. In both of their writings these women spoke of the roll of women in the household and a woman’s duties to her husband. It seems like the fear of being judged by others meant more to them than their individual happiness. Divorce was out of the question and it had to be granted through written permition. Beeton even writes of the first two years of marriage and how miserable she was, however with time she learnt to cope with married life. Things remained peaceful within households especially because women kept their place and men where satisfied as long as needs were meet and their women were submissive.
Although a little immature, and maybe far-fetched my interpretation of the Victorian Ladies in gentlemen is a comparison to an episode of real Housewives of New Jersey or a reality show of its kind. The women seem to be superficial Barbies and the men money hungry, egotistical, shovenist.
William Yeats "A Prayer for My Daughter"
Although the poem is entitled “A Prayer for My Daughter”, it seems to me like the mother is also having an indirect conversation with her daughter through the prayer. She prays for her daughter’s beauty but like so many other mothers, she wants what is best for her daughter. With beauty she knows that there are certain life lessons that her daughter must also learn. However this mother does not pray to make her daughter humble. Beauty does only takes a woman so far, but the ability to be humble enhances her beauty. I remember my parents praying for me however I find it strange that this particular mother prays for her child’s beauty. Of all things why not pray for well-being.
“May she be granted beauty and not yet
Beauty to make a stranger’s eye distraught
Or hers before a looking-glass, for such
Being made beautiful over much” (Line 17-20)
The mother prays that her daughter is not made too beautiful in order to save someone else feelings. This makes me worry about the mother’s sanity because she tends to be a little confused. I am reminded of a man who raped a woman and says that she was asking for it because of her looks. By doing this the mother shows the ideals of what the woman’s place was at that time.
“May she be granted beauty and not yet
Beauty to make a stranger’s eye distraught
Or hers before a looking-glass, for such
Being made beautiful over much” (Line 17-20)
The mother prays that her daughter is not made too beautiful in order to save someone else feelings. This makes me worry about the mother’s sanity because she tends to be a little confused. I am reminded of a man who raped a woman and says that she was asking for it because of her looks. By doing this the mother shows the ideals of what the woman’s place was at that time.
Oscar Wilde- "Symphony in Yellow"
Symphony in Yellow was a short poem but yet I imagined a big symphony orchestra with a lot of crescendos. Although the only word in the poem that actually refers to music was the word symphony, I still felt the presence of tons of big instruments and a section of first and second violins. This poem took me back to my days in orchestra class. Many times when music is played and you really start to feel the beat and the emotion you find yourself following the music wither it is in your mind or with your hand. Your body always responds to the difference in the tone, volume, harmony or even the director’s movements.
I find it interesting that Wilde uses the color yellow to symbolize the symphony. Not only are some instruments gold in color but, the color yellow brings a feeling of warmth, liveliness, and happiness.
“An omnibus across the bridge
Crawls like a yellow butterfly,
And, here and there, a passer-by
Shows like a little restless midge” (Line 1-4)
Like the yellow butterfly described by Wilde a symphony usually starts off slow. There are many ups and downs and as an audience member sitting in your seat it is hard to control your fingers and keep yourself from moving to the music. A feeling of restlessness overcome you and you suddenly feel like getting up from your seat. you try to fight the feeling until suddenly the music ends and the symphony come to a crash landing. The "rod of ripples jade" has suddenly fallen and the piece is over.
I find it interesting that Wilde uses the color yellow to symbolize the symphony. Not only are some instruments gold in color but, the color yellow brings a feeling of warmth, liveliness, and happiness.
“An omnibus across the bridge
Crawls like a yellow butterfly,
And, here and there, a passer-by
Shows like a little restless midge” (Line 1-4)
Like the yellow butterfly described by Wilde a symphony usually starts off slow. There are many ups and downs and as an audience member sitting in your seat it is hard to control your fingers and keep yourself from moving to the music. A feeling of restlessness overcome you and you suddenly feel like getting up from your seat. you try to fight the feeling until suddenly the music ends and the symphony come to a crash landing. The "rod of ripples jade" has suddenly fallen and the piece is over.
The Subjection of Women
The Subjection of Women, gave me chill bumps as I read it, maybe its because I have not heard a man express his interpretation of women on paper in such a well organized, admirable and motivational manner. The fact that Mill compares the subjection of women to the oppression of slaves is a leveling ground. He then explains that the oppression of both divisions were unjust but on a logical level it not fair no logical to claim oppression of two groups that are both alike and have equal representation intellectually as their oppressors. Mill then touches on the subject of social and religious oppression. I liked that fact that he emphasized that woman were just as equal as men who treated them as if they were their masters. Yet, tradition has repeated itself over and over again that the role of women is under a man and within her place.
The reading is well organized. The fact that Wilde represents this belief as a timeline in history through his references, he proves that there has been a tradition of the subjection of woman that has not been justifiable. It seems as if Wilde has studied woman as his life’s profession because he even understands that every woman is not the same and this is what makes the woman race interesting. Every woman has quality and quantity however each has something unique to her that gives her the essence to contribute to man. However I believe that Wilde understands in order to understand this essence and truly stand equally with women, men should not subject women. To fully understand a woman’s equality to that of a man, men must put away their pride and their notions of superiority to truly level with women.
The reading is well organized. The fact that Wilde represents this belief as a timeline in history through his references, he proves that there has been a tradition of the subjection of woman that has not been justifiable. It seems as if Wilde has studied woman as his life’s profession because he even understands that every woman is not the same and this is what makes the woman race interesting. Every woman has quality and quantity however each has something unique to her that gives her the essence to contribute to man. However I believe that Wilde understands in order to understand this essence and truly stand equally with women, men should not subject women. To fully understand a woman’s equality to that of a man, men must put away their pride and their notions of superiority to truly level with women.
Oscar Wilde- "Preface to the Picture of Dorian Gray"
Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder! Oscar Wilde expressed this in “ Preface to the Picture of Dorian Gray”. I love the fact that Wilde used words to express the interpretation of art. I believe that this poem serves as a median for artists and people who have not the slightest idea of the study of art. Although the preface was intended for a piece of art I feel like it can be applied to many other idealism in our society; those such as fashion, music, and even knowledge. Everyone has a different interpretation of beauty.
Wilde simply explains that no artist is morbid. Instead, they just bring their inner expressions to the surface. I found this to be interesting because there are times when a work of art is not as simple as pretty pastels on a canvas. Art can have depth, darkness and even symbolism however these non-traditional ways of expression are the artist’s ways of showing a difference in emotion within them. It is not fair for people who express themselves through the use of language to just see these particular pieces as “morbid”. Just like curse words and emotionally-charged language is used for a speaker or a poet, symbolism and color serves as the vice for artists.
Although everyone looks at the same canvas, there are many interpretations of exactly what is taking place. Wilde ends the preface by saying that all art is useless. However I disagree with him based on my interpretation of this piece, all art has meaning however the meaning is not concrete. Therefore Art is in the eye of the beholder, not only the artists.
Wilde simply explains that no artist is morbid. Instead, they just bring their inner expressions to the surface. I found this to be interesting because there are times when a work of art is not as simple as pretty pastels on a canvas. Art can have depth, darkness and even symbolism however these non-traditional ways of expression are the artist’s ways of showing a difference in emotion within them. It is not fair for people who express themselves through the use of language to just see these particular pieces as “morbid”. Just like curse words and emotionally-charged language is used for a speaker or a poet, symbolism and color serves as the vice for artists.
Although everyone looks at the same canvas, there are many interpretations of exactly what is taking place. Wilde ends the preface by saying that all art is useless. However I disagree with him based on my interpretation of this piece, all art has meaning however the meaning is not concrete. Therefore Art is in the eye of the beholder, not only the artists.
Lewis Carroll- "Through the Looking Glass"
Currently most college students are around the ages of nineteen to twenty-two and they are coming to grips with the fact that responsibility is upon them. Personally with having to work full-time while completing school full-time I am an expert on realizing one’s responsibility. When you recognize that you have responsibilities, time becomes very precious.
“A tale begun in other days,
When summer suns were glowing
A simple chime, that served to time
The rhythm of our rowing” (Line 13-16)
I remember my first summer that I realized that I could no longer sit and spend the whole summer days watching television or swimming spending my allowance carelessly. Lewis Carroll represents this same idea of the innocence of a child in his poem “Through the Looking Glass”.
“Child of the pure and unclouded brow
And threw dreaming eyes of wonder!
Though time be fleet, and I and thou
Are half a life asunder,
Thy loving smile will surely hail
The love-gift of a fairy-tale.” (Line 1-6)
I believe that Carroll based this poem from a longing for his own childhood and the feeling of innocence. He makes a comparison to himself and the child, however he states that their lives are half gone. Carroll is correct, your outlook of the world is clouded when you have no experience and you are a child. However, it seems that life is also more enjoyable at the time with the innocence of a child. Like myself, Carroll is envious of his childhood. I find it indulging that he refers to fairy tales as a love gift because children have such a vivid imaginations and they are able to see things and interpret stories in ways that adults are not able to because their judgments are crowded by logic.
“A tale begun in other days,
When summer suns were glowing
A simple chime, that served to time
The rhythm of our rowing” (Line 13-16)
I remember my first summer that I realized that I could no longer sit and spend the whole summer days watching television or swimming spending my allowance carelessly. Lewis Carroll represents this same idea of the innocence of a child in his poem “Through the Looking Glass”.
“Child of the pure and unclouded brow
And threw dreaming eyes of wonder!
Though time be fleet, and I and thou
Are half a life asunder,
Thy loving smile will surely hail
The love-gift of a fairy-tale.” (Line 1-6)
I believe that Carroll based this poem from a longing for his own childhood and the feeling of innocence. He makes a comparison to himself and the child, however he states that their lives are half gone. Carroll is correct, your outlook of the world is clouded when you have no experience and you are a child. However, it seems that life is also more enjoyable at the time with the innocence of a child. Like myself, Carroll is envious of his childhood. I find it indulging that he refers to fairy tales as a love gift because children have such a vivid imaginations and they are able to see things and interpret stories in ways that adults are not able to because their judgments are crowded by logic.
Gerald Manly Hopkins "Spring and Fall"
While reading this poem I went back and analyzed the symbolism in this poem. Spring and fall both symbolize change. Spring symbolizes birth, fresh new life, birth and to many people a new beginning. Autumn on the other hand symbolizes the beginning of the end, change, the coming of death. The fact that this poem is addressed to a young child makes me believe that this was Hopkins’ way of explaining death to a young child. Hopkins even compares man to leaves, which change with time. Like man, not only go through a change but they die as well.
“Leaves, like the things of man, you
With your fresh thoughts care for, can you?
Ah, as the heart grows older
It will come to such sights colder” (Line 3-6)
When I was younger I remember the first time that I realized that children could die as well. Like the poem, I connected death with change however I realized that this change not only happened to things that were old but my “fresh thoughts” were demolished with the death of another child.
The poem is so short but yet the way that it is presented to the child makes a simple connection from an everyday aspect that a child is able to comprehend to a subject that some adults still have difficult time dealing with. Hopkins even finds the correct position to touch on the subject of ghosts which frightens most children. By doing this she makes the subject more personable by referring to the death of a loved one.
“Leaves, like the things of man, you
With your fresh thoughts care for, can you?
Ah, as the heart grows older
It will come to such sights colder” (Line 3-6)
When I was younger I remember the first time that I realized that children could die as well. Like the poem, I connected death with change however I realized that this change not only happened to things that were old but my “fresh thoughts” were demolished with the death of another child.
The poem is so short but yet the way that it is presented to the child makes a simple connection from an everyday aspect that a child is able to comprehend to a subject that some adults still have difficult time dealing with. Hopkins even finds the correct position to touch on the subject of ghosts which frightens most children. By doing this she makes the subject more personable by referring to the death of a loved one.
John Staurt MIll "Of Individuality, as One of the Elements of Well-Being"
John Stuart Mill’s “ Of Individuality, as one of the Elements of Being” was very uplifting. This writing hit home for me because I have numerous times debated society’s idea of what is normal. Mill is absolutely correct that Individuality is what distinguishes a leader and helps them to rise and set themselves apart from the crowd. Individuality presents itself in an ongoing cycle in society. At first it seems that individuality, being different is weird. People who are individuals are seen as radicals and are sometimes shunned by society.
“ Towards which every human being must ceaselessly direct his efforts, and on which especially those who design to influence their fellow must ever keep their eyes, is individuality of power and development” (pg 715)
However the world has progressed and human nature as a whole has progressed due to the innovations and weird ideas of individuals. The turning point of individuality is the shift once other individuals validate your individuality. As long as an individual’s beliefs are validated by another individual, then what is weird becomes a fade or a trend. Over a period of time an Authority figure sees the ideas of an individual to be valid therefore making “weird” the “normal”.
“ Towards which every human being must ceaselessly direct his efforts, and on which especially those who design to influence their fellow must ever keep their eyes, is individuality of power and development” (pg 715)
However the world has progressed and human nature as a whole has progressed due to the innovations and weird ideas of individuals. The turning point of individuality is the shift once other individuals validate your individuality. As long as an individual’s beliefs are validated by another individual, then what is weird becomes a fade or a trend. Over a period of time an Authority figure sees the ideas of an individual to be valid therefore making “weird” the “normal”.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Alfred, Lord Tennyson- " Tears, Idle Tears"
Tennyson’s “Tears, Idle Tears” reminds me of different stages of emotion where at times you find yourself crying and have no clue as to why. Most people have even had the experience of having a so called frog in the throat before just bursting into tears. Personally is truly understand where Tennyson is coming from when he speaks of the depth of tears. It seems like when you are holding emotions within you and they stay bottled up there comes a time when those tears no longer have tags or specific experiences. They become idle and from a force that finds it way from within you.
“Tears from the depth of some divine despair
Rise in the heart, and gather in the eyes,
In looking on happy Autumn fields,
And days that are no more.” (Line 1-5)
At times these same tears may become tears of joy especially when they are shed due to the loss of a loved one who is put out of misery and pain. I believe that this is what Tennyson was referring to when he mentions Autumn fields and days that are no more. Autumn represents the beginning of death.
“Dear as remembered kisses after death,” (Line 16)
Even though the act of crying sometimes is done to express pain there are times when tears are expresses when reminiscing on the joyous moments of the past.
“Tears from the depth of some divine despair
Rise in the heart, and gather in the eyes,
In looking on happy Autumn fields,
And days that are no more.” (Line 1-5)
At times these same tears may become tears of joy especially when they are shed due to the loss of a loved one who is put out of misery and pain. I believe that this is what Tennyson was referring to when he mentions Autumn fields and days that are no more. Autumn represents the beginning of death.
“Dear as remembered kisses after death,” (Line 16)
Even though the act of crying sometimes is done to express pain there are times when tears are expresses when reminiscing on the joyous moments of the past.
Alfred, Lord Tennyson- "The Woman's Cause is Man's"
“The Woman’s Cause is Man’s” the title in this poem alone grabbed me. The shift in idealism that is present in this poem reminds me of the maturity of a young boy. I expected the poem to be chauvinistic however; Tennyson starts off by laying out the duties of womanhood and the delicate and pure expectations that are expected from a woman. However the poem make a shift from subservient to equality between men and women. I like the fact that Tennyson not only appreciates the strength and beauty of womanhood but also sees that womanhood does not lack in masculinity instead the essence of womanhood serves as the yin to the yang of manhood.
Tennyson’s poem matures like a young boy who realizes that his mother is not only there to answer his every beck and call. The poem moves from a childlike mentality to a mature appreciation for the strength of women and their ability to aid man and even serve as his equal. The poem became more clear to me at the end that both man and woman are each others cause.
“ Of equal; seeing either sex alone Is half itself,
and in true marriage lies Nor equal
nor unequal, each fulfills” (Line 283-285)
Tennyson’s poem matures like a young boy who realizes that his mother is not only there to answer his every beck and call. The poem moves from a childlike mentality to a mature appreciation for the strength of women and their ability to aid man and even serve as his equal. The poem became more clear to me at the end that both man and woman are each others cause.
“ Of equal; seeing either sex alone Is half itself,
and in true marriage lies Nor equal
nor unequal, each fulfills” (Line 283-285)
Industrializism
The Industrial Revolution has always been one of my favorite periods in history class. It is obvious to see how the revolution impacted Europe but it also had an impact on the rest of the world. The revolution had many pros and cons but it has been a controversial period in time because of the “survival of the fittest” attitudes that were present at the time. Authors such as Henry Mayhew took notice of the division of class and the rising importance of money.
As I previously mention there was “survival of the fittest” atmosphere present and mentioned in “A Boy Crossing Sweeper” even little children had to do whatever was possible in order to make ends meet this included stealing, begging and many other odds and ends. What was so different about this revolution is that those who where in the lower class now got the opportunity to move into better social status without the use of ordinary means such as marriage. Old money was out and new money was in.
When I compare the sense of nationality that was present during the time of World War 1 and World War 2, I compare the industrial Revolution to these periods in time literature wise. People expressed their sorrows from being overworked and under-payed through the use of literature. During this time specialization became a huge sector in the industry and the rise of unions occurred. The voice of factory workers and street cleaners are all present in literature.
As I previously mention there was “survival of the fittest” atmosphere present and mentioned in “A Boy Crossing Sweeper” even little children had to do whatever was possible in order to make ends meet this included stealing, begging and many other odds and ends. What was so different about this revolution is that those who where in the lower class now got the opportunity to move into better social status without the use of ordinary means such as marriage. Old money was out and new money was in.
When I compare the sense of nationality that was present during the time of World War 1 and World War 2, I compare the industrial Revolution to these periods in time literature wise. People expressed their sorrows from being overworked and under-payed through the use of literature. During this time specialization became a huge sector in the industry and the rise of unions occurred. The voice of factory workers and street cleaners are all present in literature.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Robert Browning "Porphyria's Lover"
Robert Browning’s “Porpyria’s Lover” reminded me of being on an emotional roller coaster of love. I found the poem to be very interesting as if a jealous love scene was taking place right in front of my eyes. The poem starts off calmly as love enters one’s life, as Porphria comes home. The vivid words used in the play painted a picture in my head of what was going on as Browning was imagining this as he put it on paper.
“She shut the cold out and the storm,
And kneeled and made the cheerless grate
Blaze up and all the cottage warm;” (Line 7-9)
The above cited lines even bring to my imagination the feelings that you have when a new love enters the room. It is like everything else that is wrong at the moment fades away. You even feel safe with your new love as if the troubles of the past cannot harm you at that instance. By Browning referencing a feeling of warmth it is easy to understand the shift in mood that is currently taking place.
As the poem continues however it seems as if the mood shifts again and tension fills the air between the two lovers. Like reading a romance novel the next events take place very quickly. Porphyria’s lover rejects her longing for his companionship and his jealousy is revealed as he continuously refers to her possessively. I find this to be a tragedy because she tries to show him her love yet that is not enough. He wants to posses her in all aspects. He even stated that he knew that she worshipped him. But the only way to make her his and only his was to kill her and have her as his puppet.
“She shut the cold out and the storm,
And kneeled and made the cheerless grate
Blaze up and all the cottage warm;” (Line 7-9)
The above cited lines even bring to my imagination the feelings that you have when a new love enters the room. It is like everything else that is wrong at the moment fades away. You even feel safe with your new love as if the troubles of the past cannot harm you at that instance. By Browning referencing a feeling of warmth it is easy to understand the shift in mood that is currently taking place.
As the poem continues however it seems as if the mood shifts again and tension fills the air between the two lovers. Like reading a romance novel the next events take place very quickly. Porphyria’s lover rejects her longing for his companionship and his jealousy is revealed as he continuously refers to her possessively. I find this to be a tragedy because she tries to show him her love yet that is not enough. He wants to posses her in all aspects. He even stated that he knew that she worshipped him. But the only way to make her his and only his was to kill her and have her as his puppet.
Felicia Hemans
The first thing that came to my mind when reading this poem was the saying that, “There is nothing like a woman scorned”. The pain and anguish within this woman comes alive through Hemans words. She points out the strength and multi-faceted capabilities of women.
“Mightier than death, untamable by fate.
Waves like a warrior floating plumage round;
Flush is her cheek, inspired her haughty mien,
She seems th’ avenging goddess of the scene.” (Lines 28-32)
It is funny that when you find yourself in a situation that makes you frustrated or causes you pain you become very aware of your inner strengths and your anguish tends to motivate you. I believe that this is very evident through the previously cited lines because the wife of Asdrubal is so much in pain that she is not afraid of the one thing of which she has to fear the most, death. To make matters even worse her purpose in life was motherhood and due to the death of her children she has no purpose therefore no reason for living. Her drive is strengthened even more now giving her an illusion of an unearthly Goddess.
“It comes, --- the power
Within me born, flows back; my fruitless dower” (Line 26 -27)
Although the same anguish is not present I relate the feeling of emptiness in “Properzia Rossi” to a mother who has been a home maker and whose sole purpose is to provide for her family until the one day that all the children go away to college or move out of the house. What does one do when they have no purpose in life? This is something that drives a lot of people not only women, crazy on a day to day bases.
“Mightier than death, untamable by fate.
Waves like a warrior floating plumage round;
Flush is her cheek, inspired her haughty mien,
She seems th’ avenging goddess of the scene.” (Lines 28-32)
It is funny that when you find yourself in a situation that makes you frustrated or causes you pain you become very aware of your inner strengths and your anguish tends to motivate you. I believe that this is very evident through the previously cited lines because the wife of Asdrubal is so much in pain that she is not afraid of the one thing of which she has to fear the most, death. To make matters even worse her purpose in life was motherhood and due to the death of her children she has no purpose therefore no reason for living. Her drive is strengthened even more now giving her an illusion of an unearthly Goddess.
“It comes, --- the power
Within me born, flows back; my fruitless dower” (Line 26 -27)
Although the same anguish is not present I relate the feeling of emptiness in “Properzia Rossi” to a mother who has been a home maker and whose sole purpose is to provide for her family until the one day that all the children go away to college or move out of the house. What does one do when they have no purpose in life? This is something that drives a lot of people not only women, crazy on a day to day bases.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning "Aurora Leigh"
Elizabeth Barrett Browning used the use of words to vividly explain a self-portrait of her life in “Aurora Leigh”. The poem was so inspirational and true at the same time. The loss of her mother brought a longing for motherly love. Although she still had her father in the picture the love he gave her could not compare to the love and tenderness from a woman. The beauty in this is that she began to feel this love from nature and from her surrounding. This really stood out to me because the love of a woman is soft. It is delicate and in many ways a woman’s love can be compared to one’s relationship with nature.
Personally I believe that nature has a way of settling someone while still providing a valuable life lesson at the same time. Wither it is just learning to appreciate the simple things in life such as the feeling that you get once you have cleared a patch of fog. This allows you to appreciate what is ahead of you. Unlike a woman the fact is that nature will continue to be there, it is immortal. And the lessons that we learn from nature empower us to strive beyond mortal standards as if we too can imitate nature.
“ The June was in me, with its multitude of nightingales all singing in the dark, and rosebuds reddening where the calyx split. I felt to young, so strong, so full of God” (9-13)
Although Browning sought to explain her life she also uplifted the essence of being a woman at the same time.
“ I alas, a wild bird scarcely fledged, was brought to her cage. And she was here to meet me. Very Kind. Bring out the clean water, give out the fresh seed” (310-312)
Women have always represented life and new beginnings and I find it very fitting that Browning attributed meeting this woman to be a cleansing experience.
Personally I believe that nature has a way of settling someone while still providing a valuable life lesson at the same time. Wither it is just learning to appreciate the simple things in life such as the feeling that you get once you have cleared a patch of fog. This allows you to appreciate what is ahead of you. Unlike a woman the fact is that nature will continue to be there, it is immortal. And the lessons that we learn from nature empower us to strive beyond mortal standards as if we too can imitate nature.
“ The June was in me, with its multitude of nightingales all singing in the dark, and rosebuds reddening where the calyx split. I felt to young, so strong, so full of God” (9-13)
Although Browning sought to explain her life she also uplifted the essence of being a woman at the same time.
“ I alas, a wild bird scarcely fledged, was brought to her cage. And she was here to meet me. Very Kind. Bring out the clean water, give out the fresh seed” (310-312)
Women have always represented life and new beginnings and I find it very fitting that Browning attributed meeting this woman to be a cleansing experience.
Friday, June 4, 2010
The world is Too Much With Us-William Wordsworth
Wordsworth captured the entire poem with the title. He presents the beauty of nature as an everyday experience that is currently being taken for granted. However, Wordsworth's way of expressing this is by allowing himself to step out of the picture and perceive nature as an onlooker. The world is described vividly however the beauty of the world is all around but the title gives implications that we are not in accordance with the world.He acknowledges the fact that there is great power in the beauty of nature but we overlook the amount of beauty that is right in front of our eyes.
"The world is too much with us; late and soon,Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers;Little we see in Nature that is ours;We have given our hearts away, a sordid boon!"
I also infered that Wordsworth believes that wealth has a major roll in the way that we perceive the beauty of the world. I believe that simplicity has an effect on the way that nature. By accepting nature with all of our senses then we hear and feel all aspects that nature has to offer us.
"The world is too much with us; late and soon,Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers;Little we see in Nature that is ours;We have given our hearts away, a sordid boon!"
I also infered that Wordsworth believes that wealth has a major roll in the way that we perceive the beauty of the world. I believe that simplicity has an effect on the way that nature. By accepting nature with all of our senses then we hear and feel all aspects that nature has to offer us.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Dorothy Wordsworth- Thoughts On My Sick-bed
Dorothy pulls readers into her emotions as she vividly describes all aspects of life as she views it from her bed. Although she is confined to her bed she uses her obstacles as a way for her to appreciate life and her surrounding past the surface. Dorothy does take into account that she is limited as she describes her home to be a precinct, "When loving Friends an offering brought,The first flowers of the year,Culled from the precincts of our home,From nooks to Memory dear." However she reminisces on the little thing such as the flowers as they bloom.More importantly she takes the good times and stores it to memory in order to see past the precincts at all times. I find it empowering that she refers to herself as being hidden. She does not have the physical capabilities of helping herself but her memory and vivid imagination overpower her inabilities and allow her to experience the beauty of life on her own terms.
When she refers to the power that she instantly feels through the use of her memory it draws a reference back to romanticism. The feeling or description of the beauty and it's details make a false experience seem real and enables her to overcome her present.
When she refers to the power that she instantly feels through the use of her memory it draws a reference back to romanticism. The feeling or description of the beauty and it's details make a false experience seem real and enables her to overcome her present.
Definition of Romantic
When used in the form of an adjective or noun romantic still has a the same connotation of being suggestive. Romance is referred to as a characteristic or something that is not set in stone however at the same time is has a good air. It adds some type of luxury or even in some cases romance can be associated with good feelings or even a specific look that is enhanced through the use of romance. In all cases even when romance is referred to as an adjective it is not perminent however it is still positive. This plays into the universal use of the word, whenever it is used the universal connotation is either classical or is looked upon positivley.
William Blake - "There is No Natural Religion"
When reading this entry what first stood out to me was that Blake is addressing one of mankind's ongoing wonders, religion. I found it interesting that Blake compares man's perception of religion to a craving. A craving that can not be satisfied only by mere education but the craving is fueled by the senses.
"Man's perceptions are not bounded by organs of perception. He percieves more than
sense (tho' ever so acute) can discover reason or the ratio of all we have already
known is not the same that it shall be when we know more."
Blake makes a very good point for his argument of using the senses to help increase perception of religion. When it is percieved that you only have what you currently have proof or knowledge of then it is hard to think outside of the present. As Blake states when one has 3 senses and 3 elements it is hard to comprehend the thought of there being a fourth. Therefore, in order for man to have greater knowledge of religion man should not limit himself through perception. This way of thinking is not only used by Blake but I have also heard many sermons on the power of perception and having " faith the size of a mustard seed". Therefore there Blake may be right there is no natural religion because, its power and presence is manifested through the perception and craving of the individual.
"Man's perceptions are not bounded by organs of perception. He percieves more than
sense (tho' ever so acute) can discover reason or the ratio of all we have already
known is not the same that it shall be when we know more."
Blake makes a very good point for his argument of using the senses to help increase perception of religion. When it is percieved that you only have what you currently have proof or knowledge of then it is hard to think outside of the present. As Blake states when one has 3 senses and 3 elements it is hard to comprehend the thought of there being a fourth. Therefore, in order for man to have greater knowledge of religion man should not limit himself through perception. This way of thinking is not only used by Blake but I have also heard many sermons on the power of perception and having " faith the size of a mustard seed". Therefore there Blake may be right there is no natural religion because, its power and presence is manifested through the perception and craving of the individual.
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