Jonathan Harrison March 19, 2009

Emily Dickinson journal #2

"Dickinson was a prolific private poet, though fewer than a dozen of her nearly eighteen hundred poems were published during her lifetime.[1] The work that was published during her lifetime was usually altered significantly by the publishers to fit the conventional poetic rules of the time." (wikipedia)

This quote fits Emily like a glove for she spent 27 years locked up in her own room and one can't get much more private than this. Her work was very sexual, at times, and anything of this nature was bound to be censored. Overall Emily was private person robust with all the human emotions, and it is clear to see that these emotions spilled out into her writing.

The poem on page 632 is a celebration and mockery of the human mind all wrapped into one. It starts with the Brain being compared to the sky and continues on to be compared to the ocean. The comparisons continue as Emily sees no difference between sponges and our brains insinuating that we soak up knowledge all our life's. The poem than takes a turn as Emily mocks our brains for being so narcissistic that we created a god in the shape of our own. To Emily their is no difference between God and our brain itself.

The poem on page 598 or 632,depending on text. is a revelation about the human brain. There are comparisons made between the human brain and the sky and ocean. These comparison show the vast amounts of knowledge that the human brain can obtain. One only uses 10 percent of our brain and the incredible technologies invented out of this small percent are a tribute to the fact that we have so much untapped potential. Emily continues to praise our knowledge as she points out that we, as humans, have the ability to never stop learning. The comparison to a sponge does just this. The end of the poem mocks religion for it describes god as a figment of our imagination that the computers on our necks have created to ease our minds about death. The fact that our brain and God, according to Emily, are one in the same shows that Emily has a distaste for organized religion, and the arrogance of the human mind which made him up. Overall Emilie's poetry is moving and came from a vibrant young women full of passion and ideas, which is a far stretch from the buttoned old maid which Emily is often portrayed as.

Jonathan Harrison March 13, 2009

Walt Whitman

"Whitman's sexuality is often discussed alongside his poetry. Though he is usually labeled as either homosexual or bisexual,[4] it is unclear if Whitman ever had a sexual relationship with another man[5] and biographers continue to debate his sexuality."

This quote couldn't reigns true throughout the poem "Song of Myself" as homoerotic examples are given throughout the text. Whitman was clearly homosexual and the question of whether he actually hooked up with another man is almost comical and shows the stubbornness to this day of some ignorant critics.

The poem "Song of Myself" tells in detail of the experience that we call being American. It leads us to all types of places as we start in a bedroom parlor and soon led to be naked in the woods. The tale continues to depict an American experience as all ranges of people are described from the aristocrat to the negro as Whitman uses realism to clearly convey the message of what it was like to be an American.

The poem "Song of Myself" was a adventure that dealt with aspects of all human nature. There are still the strong patriotic influences in this piece of writing as Whitman again proclaims the greatness of America. The description of the streets, with details as fine as the hairy chested anvil worker, paint a vivid picture of what it was like to live in the U.S. The poem does not focuses solely on Realism though as it has a heavy dose of sexuality placed into it. Whitman flows from male heterosexuality to women's sexuality, all the way to homosexuality. The poem is discovery into what sexuality is itself and the different forms it can take. People may have been offended about this poem at the time, for it was pretty revealing for its time period, but it does a great job of dealing with issues that all men and women have to deal with, a little issue we call sex. The Realism is still quite evident throughout this poem as the reader again gets the sense that he or she are actually present in the events that are being described. It is no wonder that some writers have called this the greatest work in American history.

Jonathan Harrison

Walt Whitman

"Born on Long Island, Whitman worked as a journalist, a teacher, a government clerk, and a volunteer nurse during the American Civil War in addition to publishing his poetry. Early in his career, he also produced a temperance novel, Franklin Evans (1842). Whitman's major work, Leaves of Grass, was first published in 1855 with his own money. " (wikipedia)

This quote is a good representation of Walt Whitman's for he writes about the American experience, what it's like to be an American, and his multitude of jobs are examples that their may be no better man to tell that tale. His poetry touched the senses in a unique way opening the eyes of the reader to the Great country that is America.

The poem Crossing the Brooklyn Ferry is a tale about the daily lives of Americans. The story leads us around the streets of New york describing the many jobs and activities that are taking place. Whitman connects to all readers as he compares himself to future generations and the point is made when we are shown the fact that we will all be staring at the same bodies of water and same land. The point was that time goes on but humankind stays the same. The poem ends with triumphant descriptions about the U.S.A and one leaves the poem with a new sense of patriotism.

Crossing the Brooklyn Ferry is a poem about the American experience and the excitement that comes along with it . Their is a true sense of Realism in this poem and one can actually feel the Streets of New York coming alive. Whitman was proud to be an American and it showed as all the true beauty of America shines through in Whitman's elegant descriptions of everyday jobs that makes America seem more like a carnival than a city itself. It is hard for one not to get excited and even feel alive when reading this poem. Whitman does a masterful job of connecting to the people as we can all see ourselves in many of the situations that he depicts. The poem leave one with a sense of patriotism and it is clear to see why Whitman is considered by many to be the great American poet.

Jonathan Harrison

Kate Chopin

"As to be expected, Chopin found herself in a state of depression after the loss of both her husband and mother. Her obstetrician and family friend, Dr. Frederick Kolbenheyer, felt that writing would be a sort of therapeutic healing process for Kate during her hard times because he said, "He understood that writing could be a focus for her extraordinary energy, as well as a source of income".[7] (wikipedia)

The fact that Chopin was depressed is really obvious in all her writings. The storm could not be about a happy relationship for in truth one would not cheat on one they really loved. The story " The Awakening" is another depressing tale where upon reaching her Independence, Edna commits suicide believing that she has no place in the world.

The Awakening is a journey taken by a young lady, Edna, towards freedom and Independence from men. The story starts off with Edna and her husband on vacation, but instead of spending time with him she spend s it all with her beau Robert. Its clear from the beginning that Edna married her husband by mistake and longs to be free of this obligation and all the responsibilities that come along with it.Edna continues to fall in love with Robert, their desire for each still burning upon their arrival back at home. The story takes a twist as Robert moves to Mexico in search of fortune and happiness. Edna is heart broken at this occurrence and mopes around for a while. She grow more and more distant from her husband day by day and eventually moves out of the house all together. Edna purchases a cottage for herself with the paintings that she makes and is very happy and content with her new found freedom. She than continues party and even entertains another man as a be aux. Her heart is with Robert though and when he returns she feels as though that life has been given to her again. Robert explains that he left because he realized he could never have her for she was already married and somebody elses possession. Edna said that she would always love Robert and that it didn't matter that she was married. Edna was than called away to her friend's house who was giving birth for comfort and support. She told Robert to wait until she was back and than their life could go on happily. Upon returning from her friend's Edna is heart broken again to see that Robert has left as he feels that she is still a possession of her husband. Extremely distraught Edna goes to the beach and proceeds to commit suicide by walking into the ocean.

The story, "The Awakening" was a feminist look into a women's journey towards her freedom of owning her own self. One can see the progression throughout the story as it rises from a simple disagreement with her husband, to her eventual moving out to her own place. The story must have been very controversial for a women was supposed to be obedient and polite, talking back or opposing her husband was totally out of the question. Edna challenges these stereotypes by speaking her mind and doing as she pleases.l Her happiness was the main concern and this was a new concept for women who had traditionally been treated as someones property. Its a shame the story ended as it did for it leaves one with a sense that women will never be treated equally. If Someone so close and in tune with Edna's emotions couldn't understand her, than how would the rest of the world. The movement for women's rights is an important one and this story was a much better way to advocate its message in comparison to "The Storm" which was nothing more than soft core porn. The Awakening provided one with a situation that many young people feel trapped with and thus the message sent is more universal and easier conveyed. Kate Chopin is a great writer but I feel sorry for her for she must not have been that happy because one's true emotions expose themselves in the depths of one's writings.

Jonathan Harrison

Kate Chopin

"Kate Chopin (born Katherine O'Flaherty on February 8, 1850 – August 22, 1904) was an American author of short stories and novels, mostly of a Louisiana Creole background. She is now considered by some to have been a forerunner of feminist authors of the 20th century."

This quote is a prime example of Kate Chopin for she had a strong feminist view point witch overwhelmed her writing. "The Storm" is a classic example of the new found awareness of women's rights which Chopin investigated thoroughly.

The story, "The Storm" starts out with a father and his son out in the woods when a terrible when they realize that a terrible storm is about to hit. The father and his boy make way for shelter when the setting shifts to the home where the mother awaits. The mom pretends to be worried until an ex lover arrives at her home. This event completely obliterates the memories of her husband and son stuck out in the cold as she proceeds to partake in a night of passion with her ex lover. The two wake up the next morning all smiles and the ex lover goes on his way as the storm has passed. The child and his father return home and the wife proceeds to shower them with pleasantries completely concealing her adulterous ways and they all live happily ever after.

This story, " The Storm" is a definite change of pace from past writers. It is the awakening to the fact that women are not controlled by men, and can do as they please as individuals. Morals seem to have no concept in this story as the wife shows no regard towards her son and husbands feelings. The only explanation to this tale must be that Chopin is a bitter woman and it shows. She had six kids to raise all by her self and this must have taken a toll. I realize that this is a great feminist piece but I feel that it has no place in literature and should have remained in the unpublished vault it came from. It loses its power in a message that needed to be said by introducing the subject in a pornographic manner. The reader is meant to see how women are free to make their own decisions but instead the writing evokes feelings of hatred towards a women that none of us men want to meet.

Jonathan Harrison march 2 , 2009

Samuel Clemens

"While his reputation as a popular author overshadows his contributions as a social critic, Twain held strong views on the political topics of his day; his friend Helen Keller had her radicalism similarly neutralised by history. Through his wife's family, Twain had contact with many well-placed progressives. He spent the last twenty years of his life as an "outspoken anti-imperialist and anti-capitalist".[21] He did, however, make capital investments with the aim of profiting from them, albeit with little success" {wikipedia}

This quotes theme is bursting out of Twain's story, "Letters From the Earth" as Twain's disdain towards man in general is definitely present. He was born and raised in a time of constant turmoil and racism was a real factor in his life. One imagines that it must be hard to grow up and see slavery so present in everyday life. Twain sees man, at times, as a machine and his lack of regard towards human nature is apparent from the quote above.

"Letters From the Earth" starts out with God creating the universe, the planets, and Earth itself. God goes on to create man and invites his council of angels to admire his work. Satan is punished briefly and during his punishment he visits Earth to see God's creations. Satan proceeds to write letters back to the other angels where he chastises humans as dumb creatures who are stuck on themselves. Satan mocks humans and all our negative qualities till the story changes and we observe angels receiving negative prayers from earth. The prayers consist of outlandish acts such as the wish of a death towards a rival and treacherous acts such as that. The story reaches a sad conclusion ,as the tale of a women who needs 50 dollars to get buy yet only receives 15 from a wealthy millionaire, is told and the true negative nature that all humans own is revealed.

The story "Letters From the Earth" is a satirical look at Human nature and the high esteem with which we hold it to. From the beginning of the story man is made to look like a fool as we construct a heaven that no one would want to live in. This is a shot at human intelligence for how can man be so smart yet construct a heaven that is so poor. Twain even goes as far as to call Moral sense as the parent of all immoralities.This remark eludes to the fact that Twain thinks men are hypocrites allowing so many injustices and wrongs take place while still concluding that they won moral sense. The mere fact that nations go to war with each other is a contradiction to anything that is morally right. Twain nails down the coffin with his tale about a wealthy, greedy buisness man as the vile nature of man is revealed. When it comes down to the bottom line people will protect their pockets with no concern for right or wrong. This is the heart of Twain's argument against man and their nature and is the final argument towards the negative moral sense that all men are stricken with.