1. This poem left me with many questions mainly, especially ones that questioned if Yeats had any friends growing up. It is quite difficult for me to be drawn into a poem that first of all deals with the situation of rape let alone having it be told through this mythological figure. I guess I am one of those individuals that would rather read "happy" things, where there is happily ever after ending, but in this poem, you wouldn't find that. Putting aside my personal feelings, I think if an individual would read this, who enjoys fantasy and weird things they would think this poem was great, me however, I think this poem was horrible!
2. While I became acquainted with this poem in the way of trying to figure out its meaning and content I was astonished with Yeats' use of his portrayal of a rape from mythology. I feel his primary purpose was to create this predator vs victim portrayal, in which the victim was overcome with strength from her attacker that there was no way to "fight back." As a reader, we view mythological creatures as these "god-like" things that have all of the power in the world, and are inhuman with their powers. With this concept in mind Yeats was trying to draw a dramatic affect within a rape, by showing how powerful this specific attacker was. What I found interesting while reading was the theme in which this poem reveals the present through its portrayal of the past. Today when we analyze rape victims or these situations, people often question why it happened or why didn't the individual fight back. This is often so incomprehensible for individuals, however within Yeats' poem we are able to realize why a girl would not fight back as this huge creature with wings is rapping her, who overwhelms her both physically and mentally. This situation is similar to the past because individuals did not have freedom to do as they please, with this, it relates to today in the way of things happening that are beyond our control.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Hughes vs. Whitman. . .
Question: What is the relationship between Hughes's "I, too" and Whitman's "I hear America Singing"? How does Hughes respond to Whitman's conception of America?
1. While reading I felt a sense of connection towards these two particular readings. This semester I am also taking HIS411, which is African American Women in history. Both of these readings allowed me to apply it to both history and English in the sense of capturing the era of slavery. However, both White and African American views were seen within these separate readings that made me become more drawn into their underlying meanings. Within my reaction to these readings, I was overwhelmed with the feeling that these two readings, are a portrayal of life even today as we base our socio economic status on our future success. With this concept, today it is believed that if you are born into poverty the likelihood of you staying within poverty remains high, whereas back then if you are born into slavery you remain in slavery.
2. The relationship between Hughes's "I too" and Whitman's "I Hear America," was viewed as achieving the American Dream. Whitman basically is saying that everyone can achieve this goal as individuals sing there own individual dreams. However, Hughes contradicts this view as he is stating "You are right, you can achieve the American Dream and your people, however today my people and I can not, tomorrow yes but not today." Both individuals are stating that the "American Dream" is obtainable however based on race it is more obtainable to some then others. Again, this reverts to the slavery era, in which Hughes compares the American dream to eating at a table, which he is not allowed to do based on race. Within this American Dream concept, we strive as individuals to move forward in our lives as we prosper within our occupations. However, how can we move forward in our lives if we are simply constricted through our society. The interest within these two readings were found through its connection through today, no longer are we slaves, but we can be viewed as slaves through society in which we can not overcome the physical domains that do not allow us to obtain this American Dream. But, like Hughes said "tomorrow I'll be at the table when company comes. . ., besides they'll see how beautiful I am and be ashamed.
1. While reading I felt a sense of connection towards these two particular readings. This semester I am also taking HIS411, which is African American Women in history. Both of these readings allowed me to apply it to both history and English in the sense of capturing the era of slavery. However, both White and African American views were seen within these separate readings that made me become more drawn into their underlying meanings. Within my reaction to these readings, I was overwhelmed with the feeling that these two readings, are a portrayal of life even today as we base our socio economic status on our future success. With this concept, today it is believed that if you are born into poverty the likelihood of you staying within poverty remains high, whereas back then if you are born into slavery you remain in slavery.
2. The relationship between Hughes's "I too" and Whitman's "I Hear America," was viewed as achieving the American Dream. Whitman basically is saying that everyone can achieve this goal as individuals sing there own individual dreams. However, Hughes contradicts this view as he is stating "You are right, you can achieve the American Dream and your people, however today my people and I can not, tomorrow yes but not today." Both individuals are stating that the "American Dream" is obtainable however based on race it is more obtainable to some then others. Again, this reverts to the slavery era, in which Hughes compares the American dream to eating at a table, which he is not allowed to do based on race. Within this American Dream concept, we strive as individuals to move forward in our lives as we prosper within our occupations. However, how can we move forward in our lives if we are simply constricted through our society. The interest within these two readings were found through its connection through today, no longer are we slaves, but we can be viewed as slaves through society in which we can not overcome the physical domains that do not allow us to obtain this American Dream. But, like Hughes said "tomorrow I'll be at the table when company comes. . ., besides they'll see how beautiful I am and be ashamed.
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