Sunday, March 14, 2010
A number of ideas seemed to re-appear in many of the blogs this section. Most people chose to write about the same writers; it's interesting to me how some texts seem more relevant and resonate more with us today than others do. I'm choosing to focus on the most blogged-about authors from this section on my carnival post (along with the John and Abigail Adams because their letters were my favorite text from this section).
Jonathon Edwards
There seems to be a mix of shock, anger, and appreciation for Edward's sermon, Sinners at the Hands of an Angry God. While initial reactions seem to be mostly anger and surprise at Edward's discussion of God's wrath, it seems like many of us had changed attitudes after our in-class discussion. There seems to be a difference in the tone of the posts written before that class and the ones posted afterwords. We seemed to gain understanding of his purpose and the point of his writing beyond fire and brimstone; however, many still didn't like the emphasis placed on God's wrath at the expense (or is it the seeming expense? There was defintely some debate about thsi idea, both in class and on our blogs) of God's grace and love. The pull between the uncomfortable acknowledgement of our own sin and the warm-fuzzy feeling brought on by profession of God's love for us despite our sin are what, I think, cause this extreme reaction.
Benjamin Franklin
Franklin definitely the most blogged-about author from this section. Perhaps this is because of the role he played in creating and defining America during the Revolution. Overall, there seems to be respect and admiration for Franklin as achieving the American Dream by overcoming meager beginnings to become a greatly respected and important man. Beyond simply improving his station in life, many people discussed the way that Franklin was focused on self-improvement. He worked to become a better writer, and also worked to improve as a virtuous person. Also discussed was Franklin's belief system. Some of us appreciated his belief in Diesm, others felt that his practices of faith leave something to be desired.
The Adams Family
Nevermind this unfortunate monicker (although in the chicken and egg debate, this set of Adams did come first), the letters of this husband and wife were well-enjoyed by our class. Most appreciated was the way the letters gave us insight into a loving 18th century marriage. The record they leave, regardless of whether it should be defined as literature, provides a valueable look at life at the time of the American Revolution. The biggest impact these letters had was allowing us to see the humanity (revealed in the discussions and love of this couple) in the life of a great American president.
Equiano
I was surprised at the overwhelming response of our class to this writer because I didn't enjoy this particular writer as much as many of the other works we studied. That said, Equiano was probably the second-most written about author of this section. His inside look into slavery, albeit somewhat more civilized slavery (if there is such a thing) than many of us had previously read about, captivated readers. The differences between American/European slavery and African slavery was one of the most discussed topics, with many coming to the conclusion that African slavery preserved the humanity of slaves in a way that European slavery did not.
There was also a great deal of suspicion for this text. Between the introduction's idea that Equiano may not have been born in Africa, to the way he portrays white masters and ideas in such an positive manner, we seem to be very skeptical of this author. How were his thoughts and feeling censored so that his work would be published and would sell copies to whites (many of whom still supported slavery)?
Phillis Wheatley
Wheatley was well-appreciated by our class. Side note: I've been finding that the poetry we study is often more blogged-about than the prose. This is interesting to me as I feel that people typically find prose more enjoyable and understandable than poetry.
We appreciate that she was able to rise above her cirmstances (I'm sensing a theme in American Literature fromt this time period here, anyone else?) to become the first Black American Female Poet. Her positive attitude and faith shines through in her work and almost everyone who wrote about her mentioned this. A common theme seems to be the amount of writing she accomplished during her short life, along with admiration for the quality of her poetry. Her work is extraordinary, and still resonates with us today; we all wish that she would have lived longer and wonder what she would have been able to accomplish if she had.
Jonathon Edwards
There seems to be a mix of shock, anger, and appreciation for Edward's sermon, Sinners at the Hands of an Angry God. While initial reactions seem to be mostly anger and surprise at Edward's discussion of God's wrath, it seems like many of us had changed attitudes after our in-class discussion. There seems to be a difference in the tone of the posts written before that class and the ones posted afterwords. We seemed to gain understanding of his purpose and the point of his writing beyond fire and brimstone; however, many still didn't like the emphasis placed on God's wrath at the expense (or is it the seeming expense? There was defintely some debate about thsi idea, both in class and on our blogs) of God's grace and love. The pull between the uncomfortable acknowledgement of our own sin and the warm-fuzzy feeling brought on by profession of God's love for us despite our sin are what, I think, cause this extreme reaction.
Benjamin Franklin
Franklin definitely the most blogged-about author from this section. Perhaps this is because of the role he played in creating and defining America during the Revolution. Overall, there seems to be respect and admiration for Franklin as achieving the American Dream by overcoming meager beginnings to become a greatly respected and important man. Beyond simply improving his station in life, many people discussed the way that Franklin was focused on self-improvement. He worked to become a better writer, and also worked to improve as a virtuous person. Also discussed was Franklin's belief system. Some of us appreciated his belief in Diesm, others felt that his practices of faith leave something to be desired.
The Adams Family
Nevermind this unfortunate monicker (although in the chicken and egg debate, this set of Adams did come first), the letters of this husband and wife were well-enjoyed by our class. Most appreciated was the way the letters gave us insight into a loving 18th century marriage. The record they leave, regardless of whether it should be defined as literature, provides a valueable look at life at the time of the American Revolution. The biggest impact these letters had was allowing us to see the humanity (revealed in the discussions and love of this couple) in the life of a great American president.
Equiano
I was surprised at the overwhelming response of our class to this writer because I didn't enjoy this particular writer as much as many of the other works we studied. That said, Equiano was probably the second-most written about author of this section. His inside look into slavery, albeit somewhat more civilized slavery (if there is such a thing) than many of us had previously read about, captivated readers. The differences between American/European slavery and African slavery was one of the most discussed topics, with many coming to the conclusion that African slavery preserved the humanity of slaves in a way that European slavery did not.
There was also a great deal of suspicion for this text. Between the introduction's idea that Equiano may not have been born in Africa, to the way he portrays white masters and ideas in such an positive manner, we seem to be very skeptical of this author. How were his thoughts and feeling censored so that his work would be published and would sell copies to whites (many of whom still supported slavery)?
Phillis Wheatley
Wheatley was well-appreciated by our class. Side note: I've been finding that the poetry we study is often more blogged-about than the prose. This is interesting to me as I feel that people typically find prose more enjoyable and understandable than poetry.
We appreciate that she was able to rise above her cirmstances (I'm sensing a theme in American Literature fromt this time period here, anyone else?) to become the first Black American Female Poet. Her positive attitude and faith shines through in her work and almost everyone who wrote about her mentioned this. A common theme seems to be the amount of writing she accomplished during her short life, along with admiration for the quality of her poetry. Her work is extraordinary, and still resonates with us today; we all wish that she would have lived longer and wonder what she would have been able to accomplish if she had.
Wheatley had advantages that were beyond the dreams of most slaves. She was taught how to read and write in English and learned to read Latin. Her education and thirst for knowledge enabled her to produce beautiful, eloquent poetry.
Wheatley's peom, To the University of Cambridge, was the poem I found the most interesting. Wheatley admonishes the students at the university to appreciate their privilege and social status; they are provided with opportunities as white males that she would never be afforded. I wonder if she was jealous of their opportunities; a woman as intelligent and well-studied as her must have felt trapped by her gender and race.
Most importantly, however, she reminds the students of the grace they have received in Jesus' death and encourages them to "Let sin, that baneful evil to the soul,/By you be shunned..." and to continue to follow God. This sentiment of the love, grace, and mercy of God flows through much of Wheatley's poetry. I also appreciated the spirit of admiration for the wondrous nature of God that shows up in many of Wheatley's poems.
"Arise, my soul, on wings enraptured, rise
To praise the monarch of the earth and skies"
These are the opening lines of Thoughts on Works of Providence; which, I think, encapsulate the spirit of the poem, and Wheatley's work in general. This poem is filled with praise, admiration, and awe-struck wonder of God. This line evokes images of a bird flying through the skies. I wonder if that was how Wheatley imagined herself - flying free through the skies, praising God.
Wheatley's peom, To the University of Cambridge, was the poem I found the most interesting. Wheatley admonishes the students at the university to appreciate their privilege and social status; they are provided with opportunities as white males that she would never be afforded. I wonder if she was jealous of their opportunities; a woman as intelligent and well-studied as her must have felt trapped by her gender and race.
Most importantly, however, she reminds the students of the grace they have received in Jesus' death and encourages them to "Let sin, that baneful evil to the soul,/By you be shunned..." and to continue to follow God. This sentiment of the love, grace, and mercy of God flows through much of Wheatley's poetry. I also appreciated the spirit of admiration for the wondrous nature of God that shows up in many of Wheatley's poems.
"Arise, my soul, on wings enraptured, rise
To praise the monarch of the earth and skies"
These are the opening lines of Thoughts on Works of Providence; which, I think, encapsulate the spirit of the poem, and Wheatley's work in general. This poem is filled with praise, admiration, and awe-struck wonder of God. This line evokes images of a bird flying through the skies. I wonder if that was how Wheatley imagined herself - flying free through the skies, praising God.
The Adams's letters reveal rare insight into an 18th century marriage. The love the couple shares is evident in their letters, even when they are occupied by the exciting details of revolution. The art of letter writing is so foreign to us today with instant messaging and texting, so I found the letters especially meaningful and interesting. The record they provide to us isn't the same type of record we'll leave for future generations.
In high school, I read John Adams, a biography of America's second president which spawned the HBO miniseries. I found it very interesting and enthralling to see how John Adams shared so many confidential details with his wife, Abigail. He clearly trusted her beyond what, it seems, many of his contemporaries trusted their wives.
John Adams' evaluation of Benjamin Franklin was also a very important record; Adams clearly had great respect for this man and thought him a good leader for the new country. He gives him high praise, saying, "I wish his Colleagues from this City were All like him…" (Pg. 303). No where else in the correspondence do we see Adams talk so highly of any other man.
Abigail Adams presents great strength in the midst of the sacrifice of being separated from her husband. She manages a household and cares for their children and even hesitates to tell her husband about the family's sickness lest it concern him unduly and distract him from the important business at hand.
My one complaint (although I'm not sure if this is the right term) is the use of random capitalization within the letters. However, the other elements provided by them and the devotion shown by the writers clearly outweighs any qualms I, or other readers, may have about punctuation and grammar.
In high school, I read John Adams, a biography of America's second president which spawned the HBO miniseries. I found it very interesting and enthralling to see how John Adams shared so many confidential details with his wife, Abigail. He clearly trusted her beyond what, it seems, many of his contemporaries trusted their wives.
John Adams' evaluation of Benjamin Franklin was also a very important record; Adams clearly had great respect for this man and thought him a good leader for the new country. He gives him high praise, saying, "I wish his Colleagues from this City were All like him…" (Pg. 303). No where else in the correspondence do we see Adams talk so highly of any other man.
Abigail Adams presents great strength in the midst of the sacrifice of being separated from her husband. She manages a household and cares for their children and even hesitates to tell her husband about the family's sickness lest it concern him unduly and distract him from the important business at hand.
My one complaint (although I'm not sure if this is the right term) is the use of random capitalization within the letters. However, the other elements provided by them and the devotion shown by the writers clearly outweighs any qualms I, or other readers, may have about punctuation and grammar.
Franklin was such an important figure in American history. He played an integral role in so many of the events that shaped the country: the Declaration of Independence, the Treaty of Paris in 1781, the Constitutional Congress. This man has, arguably, played a larger role in shaping America than almost any other leader during this time period.
Reading his autobiography allowed me to gain new insight into the life of this important American figure. I found some inconsistencies in his beliefs which intrigued me. At the beginning of his Autobiography, he says that he learned that "nothing was useful which was not honest," however, later he advises that appearance of traits is more important than the reality of actually possessing them. This makes me wonder what Franklin really thought, although I am tempted to believe he supported the latter idea.
It was also interesting to me to read that Franklin made a system of checks for improving his character. It seems to me that it would be somewhat counter-productive to work on one trait at a time, but then to move on to another one shortly after he felt that he had improved in it. Wouldn’t the progress made on the first trait evaporate as he quit focusing on it and became fixated with the next trait?
My skepticism of Franklin's method for personal change may have something to do with my feelings that true change within our character comes from God; goodness is naturally produced in the lives of believers through the work of the Holy Spirit. Those living in accordance with God's will will bear fruit as evidence of that. While a checklist might help one get there, I think there's more to building true character than marking off boxes on a tally sheet.
Reading his autobiography allowed me to gain new insight into the life of this important American figure. I found some inconsistencies in his beliefs which intrigued me. At the beginning of his Autobiography, he says that he learned that "nothing was useful which was not honest," however, later he advises that appearance of traits is more important than the reality of actually possessing them. This makes me wonder what Franklin really thought, although I am tempted to believe he supported the latter idea.
It was also interesting to me to read that Franklin made a system of checks for improving his character. It seems to me that it would be somewhat counter-productive to work on one trait at a time, but then to move on to another one shortly after he felt that he had improved in it. Wouldn’t the progress made on the first trait evaporate as he quit focusing on it and became fixated with the next trait?
My skepticism of Franklin's method for personal change may have something to do with my feelings that true change within our character comes from God; goodness is naturally produced in the lives of believers through the work of the Holy Spirit. Those living in accordance with God's will will bear fruit as evidence of that. While a checklist might help one get there, I think there's more to building true character than marking off boxes on a tally sheet.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
It was interesting to read about the changes taking place in American culture and ideology during this time period. The impact of the Enlightenment was clearly felt on American soil, and impacted religious, scientific, and political hemispheres.
One of the most interesting observations made in the introduction was the idea that emigrants to America were beginning "to realize that they had more in common as inhabitants of America than they did as emigrants from…Europe" (pg. 153). It seems that people are beginning to see themselves as countrymen banded together by their current circumstances, rather than by the homes and lives they left behind in Europe. This ideology will certainly have an impact on the texts we read in this section.
The American Revolution occurs during this period; it is a significant time for writers to develop the characteristic "American" voice in literature. The writings of the period contributed to the spread of ideas and gathered support for the revolution in the American public. I think it could be argued that writing will play a greater role within American culture than ever before.
Another significant change is the role that equality is playing in literature during this time period. "the right of women to be considered equals" and the realization of the injustice of slavery impact writing as many more works during this period discuss and promote these ideas than writers did in previous times.
The ideas during this time seem to be much closer to the commonly held ideas within America today. There are still obvious differences, but it seems that American ideals are beginning to shape the country in increasing important ways.
One of the most interesting observations made in the introduction was the idea that emigrants to America were beginning "to realize that they had more in common as inhabitants of America than they did as emigrants from…Europe" (pg. 153). It seems that people are beginning to see themselves as countrymen banded together by their current circumstances, rather than by the homes and lives they left behind in Europe. This ideology will certainly have an impact on the texts we read in this section.
The American Revolution occurs during this period; it is a significant time for writers to develop the characteristic "American" voice in literature. The writings of the period contributed to the spread of ideas and gathered support for the revolution in the American public. I think it could be argued that writing will play a greater role within American culture than ever before.
Another significant change is the role that equality is playing in literature during this time period. "the right of women to be considered equals" and the realization of the injustice of slavery impact writing as many more works during this period discuss and promote these ideas than writers did in previous times.
The ideas during this time seem to be much closer to the commonly held ideas within America today. There are still obvious differences, but it seems that American ideals are beginning to shape the country in increasing important ways.
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