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UA Top Executives Recive Bloated Salaries
By Forest Kvasnikoff | Juneau Empire My Turn Piece February 10, 2010
As a life-long Alaskan and a graduate of the University of Alaska system, I want to express my great concern at the salaries of the university president and its three chancellors.
While the decisions on these salaries are made by the Board of Regents, as the Alaska Legislature reviews the University of Alaska's budget, I urge legislators, as well as every constituent, to consider the following.
First, the university is moving to ever-larger classes and several students, particularly at University of Alaska Southeast, cannot graduate in four years because of the lack of faculty to teach classes. It was only through the generosity of faculty, willing to provide independent study classes, that I was able to graduate.
To reduce the president's and chancellor's salaries by $100,000 would enable needed faculty to be employed and move to achieving the outright objective of the university -teaching and graduating students.
It appears, in fact, that top administrators would be willing to work for much less. In 2003, President Mark Hamilton commented to Sen. John Cowdery after the senator complained about his salary, "If that (my salary) is standing in the way of funding the university, I will work for a dollar next year and be proud of it."
At the time of Hamilton's comment to Cowdery his base salary was $250,000. Despite his bravado in 2003, the following fiscal year Hamilton's base salary was increased by $6,500 and by 2006 he was awarded a $100,000 bonus for fulfilling a three-year contract.
Second, Hamilton is currently one of the highest-paid Alaska executives, with a price tag in 2009 of $300,000 - and that is not including $9,250 for a car, $70,000 in deferred compensation, $34,847 worth in retirement pay or the price for the house in which Hamilton lives that is financed by the state. The running total for Hamilton alone for 2009 amounts to more than $531,144.
Third, UA chancellors throughout the system since 2006 have been making more than $200,000, not including benefits for cars, a house and bonuses. Chancellor John Pugh, for instance, who administers about 80 full-time faculty members and under 1000 full-time students at UAS, pulled in $204,570 in 2008, and that is not including his benefits or the car provided at state expense.
For comparison sake, consider that the chancellor at the University of California Berkeley, Robert J. Birgeneau, received $467,556 in total compensation for 2008-09. This means that Birgeneau, with a total enrollment of 35,396 Students (97 percent of them were full-time) can be said to be "earning" $13.21 for each student who enters U.C. Berkeley.
Comparatively, Chancellor Pugh hypothetically earns $69.25 (26 percent of them were full-time in 2008-09) for every student entering the University of Alaska Southeast.
Pugh, then, is making approximately five times more per student than the chancellor at the University of California Berkeley - a well-established and fairly prestigious university. Keep in mind, also, the fact that in June 2009, the Juneau Empire ran an article which indicated that Chancellor Pugh was facing a vote of "no confidence" from faculty members at the University of Alaska Southeast. Apparently, the size of one's salary isn't indicative of administrative tact.
Finally, expenditures for administrative purposes have risen sharply throughout the UA system. One has to wonder why the UA system hasn't made concerted internal efforts to trim the fat a bit concerning administrative costs. Perhaps, no one notices or cares that President Hamilton is making nearly 3.5 times as much as Alaska's governor, and the chancellor, at the smallest campus in the UA system, is making about $75,000 more?
Make no mistake: I am certainly aware that administrative costs for top university executives have been on the rise and will likely continue. But, it is difficult to pretend that Alaska legislators and their constituents would support a public system, ostensibly dedicated towards the noble goal of higher education, which irrespective of its size and purpose, irrationally rewards a few at the expense of expanding and improving purely educational ventures.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Online Flash-Cards!
Flashcardexchange.com has flash cards for pretty much any subject you could imagine, but its cards for 'AP lit terms' have especially high ratings.
Here is the link for a set of digital flash cards that I liked:
http://www.flashcardexchange.com/flashcards/view/466521
When you get the this web-page, click the link that says 'Study', to access the cards. Very neat little site.
It's a very extensive set (102 card), with very basic terms (like irony, novella, narrator) as well as more challenging terms (like 'in medias res', euphony, frame story, cacophony, hubris)
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Poetry Term Quiz!
Famous-Poems.org has created an awesome little quiz to test our knowledge of poetry terms- such as Anaphora, Hyperbole, Idyll, Assonance, Alliteration, Epizuexis...and a kazillion other poetical terms that we either NEED to know, or would be IMPRESSIVE to use on the AP exam.
You should give it a try: http://www.famous-poems.org/quiz
You should give it a try: http://www.famous-poems.org/quiz
| I took the Poetry Terminology Quiz at Famous Poems.org |
My results:Super Poetry Expert!My Score Average How's that for a poetry expert? |
| Think you can do better? Head to the Famous Poems Library and Take the Quiz! |
Friday, April 24, 2009
Renaissance: A Rebirth
During the Middle Ages, books were expensive and few people were even able to read. Those who were educated and literate, generally clergy men, ignored 'pagan' works by the romans and greeks and focused primarily on biblical texts.
The renaissance represented a break from the medieval pattern of thought. Economic prosperity and relative peace inspired a growth in literature and a rediscovering of ancient 'classical' texts. The idea that the church should only be conerned with people's spirituality and not their civic lives rose in popularity, and art flourished. Literature appearing this age of science and creation is considered to be part of the 'Renaissance Literary Movement'.
Major Influences:
* classic Greek and Roman literature * art and ideology of Italy * quattrocento architecture and symmetry * protestantism *
Reoccuring themes:
* the value of Chivalry * humanism vs. church * struggle for moral purity * freewill of men * search for 'truth' *
Common Literary Devices:
* symmetrical verse and metre * harmonic alliteration and rhyming * 'poems within poems', short, concise sections * Imagery and depictions of art *
Other Stylistic Devices:
* philosophy and ideology that reflected developing science of the period * love stories, or romantic dramas * tragic stories of struggling heroes *
Representative Poets and Authors:
* Shakespear * Christopher Marlowe * Edmund Spencer * Aemilia Lanyer * Mary Herbert * Sir Walter Ralegh *
Sonnet by Sir Thomas Wyatt
Some fowls there be that have so perfect sight Again the sun their eyes for to defend; And some because the light doth them offend Do never 'pear but in the dark or night. Other rejoice that see the fire bright And ween to play in it, as they do pretend, And find the contrary of it that they intend. Alas, of that sort I may be by right, For to withstand her look I am not able And yet can I not hide me in no dark place, Remembrance so followeth me of that face. So that with teary eyen, swollen and unstable, My destiny to behold her doth me lead, Yet do I know I run into the gleed.
Major Influences:
* classic Greek and Roman literature * art and ideology of Italy * quattrocento architecture and symmetry * protestantism *
Reoccuring themes:
* the value of Chivalry * humanism vs. church * struggle for moral purity * freewill of men * search for 'truth' *
Common Literary Devices:
* symmetrical verse and metre * harmonic alliteration and rhyming * 'poems within poems', short, concise sections * Imagery and depictions of art *
Other Stylistic Devices:
* philosophy and ideology that reflected developing science of the period * love stories, or romantic dramas * tragic stories of struggling heroes *
Representative Poets and Authors:
* Shakespear * Christopher Marlowe * Edmund Spencer * Aemilia Lanyer * Mary Herbert * Sir Walter Ralegh *
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Augustan Literature
This movement draws its title from the Roman Emperor Augustus who ruled during the time of Virgil and Horace- two poets who heavily influenced writers in the eighteenth century. Augustan poets both held Virgil and Horace in high esteem, and said of the writing:"Those rules of old discovered, not devised, Are nature still, but nature methodized."
Meaning, that roman epic poetry was the purest, natural, form of writing. However, at the same time they mocked that style and used exagerated versions of 'epic poetry' to create comedic satire and comment of current events and human nature. These parodies often mocked the achievements of men and the idea of ambition.
Major themes:
- Human Frailty
- Order in the universe
- The providential design of God
- Standards of human potential
- Satire, irony, and brevity
- Parody
- Allusions to Epic roman poetry
- Political commentary and Allegory
- Heroic couplets
- Mundane, or painfully ordinary, non-eventful, plots
- Mock Epic
- Criticism of the 'ambiguity' of Metaphysical poets
- Harmony and precision in diction and syntax
- Alexander Pope
- John Dryden
- Johnathan Swift
- Joseph Addison
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Piety of 1984: Virgil and Orwell
It has just crossed my mind, that perhaps Orwell drew or grew from a prior writing, the Aenied, in the same way Virgil expanded from Homer's epic poems.
Like the Aenied, and all epic poems, 1984 begins in the middle of things. Winston's character is modeled off of an historic leader (Winston Churchill). He has experience great hardships and losses. His actions seem out of his control.
Like the Aenied, and all epic poems, 1984 begins in the middle of things. Winston's character is modeled off of an historic leader (Winston Churchill). He has experience great hardships and losses. His actions seem out of his control.
Augustus Ceasar
"In extreme danger, fear feels no pity."
It's clear that Virgil modeled Aeneas, in many aspects, off of the Roman leader Augustus, who transformed a crumbling republic into the powerful empire. So, in order to have a better understanding of Virgil's text, I've begun some research on this Roman emperor. Here are some of the more interesting or helpful sites I've encountered thus far:
De Imperatoribus Romanis
This site is great! It includes both a brief summary of Augustus, his life and role, and an indepth biography.
Kids Net- Augustus Ceasar
Why is it that children's websites are the most interactive and engaging? that it is assumed adults no longer need colors and graphics to maintain interest?
The Bust of Augustus Ceasar
Uhhh...I'm only posting this because someone might find it funny. I don't really get it. It's short video, supposedly about Augustus Ceasar.
In the Middle
Interesting blog by a child about Augustus Ceasar- also kind of wierd and scary.
Augustus Quotes
and finally some Augustus Quotes. Some enlightening, others, not so much.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Dido in the Underworld
Throughout the Aeneid, depictions of women can easily be interpreted as sexist and degrading, but in the final scene with Dido, she is endowed with an amount of honor and dignity that no other charater, leastly Aeneas, has yet to display.
Although much of the descriptions of the underworld are horrific and disgusting (mutlilated limbs, wailing infants), the scene of Dido is fairly placid. She is wandering, drifting like a fog, not suffering or wailing. Her appearance is compared to that of a raising moon. In this sense the tone associated with her is calm, and new. Moon is also a symbol of femininity, and while it was the control of her heart and emotions by a man that lead to her suicide, the moon could be symbolic of her independence from men and passions. This seems to enforce the idea that she has achieved redemption in death.
While Aeneas is crying, throwing a tangent, utterly unstoic in her presence, she maintains her control. Her 'fiery glance' is doubtfully due to an angry grudge, but disappointment in his new appearance. Compared to the Aeneas that arrived on her shores, so full of purpose, and stole her heart, this blubbering child-like mound of pity must be a disgrace, and insult to the dignity she still retains. Forests are traditionally places of mystic freedom, the uncontrolled. The fact that Dido returns to the forest, as stoic as marble, enforces the idea that in the underworld she has achieved freedom at last. She is not doomed to infinite suffering, but subjected to a final place of peace.
Although much of the descriptions of the underworld are horrific and disgusting (mutlilated limbs, wailing infants), the scene of Dido is fairly placid. She is wandering, drifting like a fog, not suffering or wailing. Her appearance is compared to that of a raising moon. In this sense the tone associated with her is calm, and new. Moon is also a symbol of femininity, and while it was the control of her heart and emotions by a man that lead to her suicide, the moon could be symbolic of her independence from men and passions. This seems to enforce the idea that she has achieved redemption in death.
While Aeneas is crying, throwing a tangent, utterly unstoic in her presence, she maintains her control. Her 'fiery glance' is doubtfully due to an angry grudge, but disappointment in his new appearance. Compared to the Aeneas that arrived on her shores, so full of purpose, and stole her heart, this blubbering child-like mound of pity must be a disgrace, and insult to the dignity she still retains. Forests are traditionally places of mystic freedom, the uncontrolled. The fact that Dido returns to the forest, as stoic as marble, enforces the idea that in the underworld she has achieved freedom at last. She is not doomed to infinite suffering, but subjected to a final place of peace.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Funeral Games for Anchises
The most prominent feature of this chapter is of course, the competitions and Aeneas' awards. What stands out about these awards is how generous Aeneas is with them. In the end, everyone seems to be a winner. Even in the boat competition, the captain of the losing vessel is given a beautiful slave girl! This is extremely ironic, because has been shown through the history and hardships of the Trojans, in the end, the all are losers, they all will die, and they all will suffer. Actually, I find it freaking hillarious. For a moment they are all comforted and then...THEIR BOATS GET LIT ON FIRE!---by their WIVES!! HAHAHA. It seems this situation speaks to the pattern of this book. Happiness is just the preparation for suffering.
Also, while this chapter fulfills its purpose of giving Roman citizens an anniversary, a tradition, a right to celebrate, it also, again, mocks all human purpose. The games seem miniature reenactments of what has happened (boat race) and what is to become (other competitions). All their achievements are nothing but a game. And as is proven in even single game that takes place, it matters not how hard you work, or how certain your success may seem, anything can tip at any given moment, and you have no power over your own success.
I really don't think Virgil bought into the whole 'destiny of Rome'. Also, he was probably a pessimist.
Also, while this chapter fulfills its purpose of giving Roman citizens an anniversary, a tradition, a right to celebrate, it also, again, mocks all human purpose. The games seem miniature reenactments of what has happened (boat race) and what is to become (other competitions). All their achievements are nothing but a game. And as is proven in even single game that takes place, it matters not how hard you work, or how certain your success may seem, anything can tip at any given moment, and you have no power over your own success.
I really don't think Virgil bought into the whole 'destiny of Rome'. Also, he was probably a pessimist.
The Tragic Queen of Carthage
Something that this Chapter has made clear for me, and that I find quite interesting, is that Virgil writes from the perspective of the Gods. It makes sense that if this book is to become the history of Rome, readers should be endowed with a sense of god-like authority in the text.
From the point of view of the narrator, Gods are given credit for all that takes place on earth. Humans are but the pawns that gods utilize in their affairs.
So, on the surface, Dido's love for Aeneas is created entirely from cupids arrow, at least that's how the narrators tells it. But if one looks deeper, and has any faith in human souls and self-control, it seems Dido fell for Aeneas before Cupid ever entered the scene. Having experienced hardships herself, hearing Aeneas' tale of suffering evokes compassion towards him. Although hesitant to pursue him, it is because she does not want to attach herself to him and lose dedication to her duty as queen. What seems to differ Dido from Aeneas is that she perceives her duty to be self-determined, to have some control over her own fate. Aeneas on the other hand, can feel free of obligation and responsibility because all of his actions he feels are 'dictated by the gods'. He has the mind-set that control belongs only to the gods, and accepts whatever fate they may bestow on him.
After the two become unofficially married, and Dido becomes deeply attached, Aeneas is able to console himself in leaving by saying, he has a fate predetermined by the Gods. This makes Dido's story far more tragic. In her final attempt to control her fate and be free from the twisted, tortuous games of the gods, she throws herself into death. Of course, this fits exactly into the plans of Venus, and proves that she has no control.
What are the gods anyway? This chapter seems to represent them as nothing but an array of emotions. Any human being overcome with any emotion, has been employed by a god for some purpose. Is freedom, to have absolute control of ones emotions? Is this even possible? If Dido had accepted her fate, controlled her emotions, and thus destroyed Venus' plan, would she have been at all free? It certainly would not have made a better story if she had.
*I hope this made sense...
From the point of view of the narrator, Gods are given credit for all that takes place on earth. Humans are but the pawns that gods utilize in their affairs.
So, on the surface, Dido's love for Aeneas is created entirely from cupids arrow, at least that's how the narrators tells it. But if one looks deeper, and has any faith in human souls and self-control, it seems Dido fell for Aeneas before Cupid ever entered the scene. Having experienced hardships herself, hearing Aeneas' tale of suffering evokes compassion towards him. Although hesitant to pursue him, it is because she does not want to attach herself to him and lose dedication to her duty as queen. What seems to differ Dido from Aeneas is that she perceives her duty to be self-determined, to have some control over her own fate. Aeneas on the other hand, can feel free of obligation and responsibility because all of his actions he feels are 'dictated by the gods'. He has the mind-set that control belongs only to the gods, and accepts whatever fate they may bestow on him.
After the two become unofficially married, and Dido becomes deeply attached, Aeneas is able to console himself in leaving by saying, he has a fate predetermined by the Gods. This makes Dido's story far more tragic. In her final attempt to control her fate and be free from the twisted, tortuous games of the gods, she throws herself into death. Of course, this fits exactly into the plans of Venus, and proves that she has no control.
What are the gods anyway? This chapter seems to represent them as nothing but an array of emotions. Any human being overcome with any emotion, has been employed by a god for some purpose. Is freedom, to have absolute control of ones emotions? Is this even possible? If Dido had accepted her fate, controlled her emotions, and thus destroyed Venus' plan, would she have been at all free? It certainly would not have made a better story if she had.
*I hope this made sense...
Landfalls, Ports of Call
While the Aenied was ordered to be written for a singular purpose (to provide the roman empire with divine right through literature), it seems Virgil wrote with another intent.
On the surface, the Aenied is achieving its goal by seemingly giving the Romans a sense of purpose, a dignified and tragic history, especially in book 3. Here, the Trojans suffer greatly. Any roman would swell with pride knowing the obstacles overcome, the hardships faced, the suffering experienced. Also, this books makes the path for Italy very rigid. Every location the trojans land, rejects them. Thus, the idea of Italy being the one spot to rebuild is reenforced. For Romans inhabiting italy, this chapter is effective in proving why Italy must be the homeland, why it is their divine right to inhabit it.
However, on a deeper level, this Chapter begins a process of mocking divinity, purpose, fortune, and fate. While the hero, Aeneas seems to be battling bravely on, if one looks at the chapter deeply, what is happening? He is being tossed around like a worthless toy! No god fully protects the Trojans, every god in some way abandons them. After the loss of his father, Aeneas has simply gone mad with avengance. While often referred to proudly as 'stoic', its clear that Aeneas is led by nothing but emotions and prayers.
Jove, observing the plight of Aeneas and the Trojans.
On the surface, the Aenied is achieving its goal by seemingly giving the Romans a sense of purpose, a dignified and tragic history, especially in book 3. Here, the Trojans suffer greatly. Any roman would swell with pride knowing the obstacles overcome, the hardships faced, the suffering experienced. Also, this books makes the path for Italy very rigid. Every location the trojans land, rejects them. Thus, the idea of Italy being the one spot to rebuild is reenforced. For Romans inhabiting italy, this chapter is effective in proving why Italy must be the homeland, why it is their divine right to inhabit it.
However, on a deeper level, this Chapter begins a process of mocking divinity, purpose, fortune, and fate. While the hero, Aeneas seems to be battling bravely on, if one looks at the chapter deeply, what is happening? He is being tossed around like a worthless toy! No god fully protects the Trojans, every god in some way abandons them. After the loss of his father, Aeneas has simply gone mad with avengance. While often referred to proudly as 'stoic', its clear that Aeneas is led by nothing but emotions and prayers.
Jove, observing the plight of Aeneas and the Trojans.Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Interactive Moby-Dick Map!
The Voyage of the Pequod from Moby-Dick.
For all those studying Melville's classic Moby-Dick in school, or simply reading it for pleasure, this website is a delight! It allows you to visually see the voyage of the Pequod, from launching to capsizing. You can also follow a short time-line complete with illustrations.
To see the sight, click the link above or go to this URL: http://awesome.goodmagazine.com/features/011/Wanderlust/
For all those studying Melville's classic Moby-Dick in school, or simply reading it for pleasure, this website is a delight! It allows you to visually see the voyage of the Pequod, from launching to capsizing. You can also follow a short time-line complete with illustrations.
To see the sight, click the link above or go to this URL: http://awesome.goodmagazine.com/features/011/Wanderlust/
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Moby-Dick: Ch. 107
Chapter 107: The Carpenter
"If he did not have a common soul in him, he had a subtle something that somehow anoalously did its duty."
Most of Melville's novel has seemed dedicated to redefining religion and religious practices. Many allusions have been made to Jesus and many characters display characteristics that seem representative of Jesus- Pequod launching on his birthday, Moby-Dick's seeming rebirth and immortality, Ishmael's lack of parental information, Queequeg's 'miracles' and heroic saviors, and Ahab's sense of higher power. This chapter, in a sense, define's what Ishmael percieve's Jesus (the greatest carpenter) to be. A humble man who was 'no duplicate', and simply followed out his orders and purpose willingly and succesfully. Hey, perhaps every character in Moby-Dick corresponds to a character from the bible? Melville did call this a 'wicked text'...did he rewrite- maybe even mock- the holy book?
"If he did not have a common soul in him, he had a subtle something that somehow anoalously did its duty."
Most of Melville's novel has seemed dedicated to redefining religion and religious practices. Many allusions have been made to Jesus and many characters display characteristics that seem representative of Jesus- Pequod launching on his birthday, Moby-Dick's seeming rebirth and immortality, Ishmael's lack of parental information, Queequeg's 'miracles' and heroic saviors, and Ahab's sense of higher power. This chapter, in a sense, define's what Ishmael percieve's Jesus (the greatest carpenter) to be. A humble man who was 'no duplicate', and simply followed out his orders and purpose willingly and succesfully. Hey, perhaps every character in Moby-Dick corresponds to a character from the bible? Melville did call this a 'wicked text'...did he rewrite- maybe even mock- the holy book?
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Moby-Dick: Chapters 82-106
Chapter 82: The Honor and Glory of Whaling
Throughout this novel, Ishmael has implied that whales are immortal, Gods. Now he takes a new approach, detailing the whalers as heroes, Gods. If whalers are the Gods, then what are the whales? This chapter emphasizes the idea of whales as the hunted mortal beings. Do Gods worship the worshippers? Is whaling a battle of the Gods? Are are there no Gods at all?
Chapter 83: Jonah Historically Regarded
The validity of myths is something debated to this very day. But his chapter seems to make clear that the myths themselves are the source of wonder, and they are capable of creating miracles.
Chapter 84: Pitch Poling
"Annointing" the Pequod is evidently a ritual for certain sailors. Like most forms of worship viewed objectively, it neither hurts nor benefits in any particular way. Yet for Queequeg, it satisfies the soul. Perhaps that is the 'soul' purpose of worship, and has nothing to do with the Gods above.
Chapter 85: The Fountain
How is that that which creates rainbows, can also be poisonous in nature? This is Double-think to the extreme. But wait, Ishmael also observes that a whale's spout is 'nothing but mist'. It inspires goodness, evil, and nuetrality. Triple-think? ...or the Holy Trinity?
Chapter 86: The Tail
In legend, it was the provocative tail of the Mermaid that drew men to their deaths. Ishmael seems as entranced by the tale of this whale as any sailor was to a siren.
Chapter 87: Grand Armada
The calm before the storm. The calm within the storm.
The plot of this book has remained fairly flat throughout. Here it is foreshadowed, that this is the point of rest before the plot begins to rise. At the same time, it mentions that within every storm there is a center of stillness. It seems that the plot of this book is like a storm. Circling around and around, tossing the reader from place to place without obvious direction. It can be exhausting and chaotic. However, at its center remains the same stillness, the same message and purpose, that there is in any storm. It is perhaps the same stillness found int he motivation of each sailors, whose lives are like storms.
Chapter 88: Schools and School-Master
The men on the Pequod are, in a sense, very feminine. It is traditionally believed that only females can share close, intimate friendship, and that masculine men must be indepdent and without attachment. That would be the reason you don't often see men hugging in public. However, aboard the Pequod, all the men show open affection for one another. Not neccessarily in a sexual way, but friendly and affeciontately. Ahab, on the other hand, lacks that sense of femininity, and is disconnected from the other men. Is the Pequod a Harem? Like the schools of whale's which they pass? Is Ahab the great Leviathan?
Chapter 89: Fast-Fish and Loose-Fish
The ownership of whales is an illusion. The chapter makes ownership of a whale seem only a conception of the human-mind. It concludes saying that the reader is both a fast-fish and a loose-fish. The soul of any human being is both trapped and free.
Chapter 90: Heads or Tails
Tails- haha, what artificial victory. The title itself is interesting, because in a coin-toss 'Heads or tails' determines whether one 'wins or loses'. The idea of presenting the tail of a leviathan to a queen- a sign that the have conquered that which tries to lure them to their death- is a complete scam. It is a false front. What the leviathan is, will never be conquered.
Chapter 91: The Pequod meets the Rosebud
Gold from the rotten. One man's decayed flesh is another man's pay-day.
Chapter 92: Ambergris
Interesting, that only man create's the tarnished/smelly image of the whale. Only when man interferres, harvests blubber, and allows it to rot, that whale's produce a disgusting scent. Otherwise, they smell good, and their oil is pure.
Chapter 93: The Cast Away
Perhaps you must be on the verge of death before you can truly see God- Like Ishmael before heading out for Nantucket- Like Ahab when he lost his leg. Oh, Pip will grow to be a great sailor I predict.
Chapter 94: A Sqeeze of the Hand
Again, Matrimony found through cooperation. Is love synonymous with bliss? This chapter makes it seems so. Why do children play with mud? dream of swimming through spaghetti? squich Pla-doh in their hands? Is it any different a reason than why Ishmael find such happiness and affection squeezing sperm?
Chapter 95: The Cassock
The greatest example of 'maleness' aboard the Pequod. For a ship which attempts to exclude all things feminine, and believes it has found perfect relationships without the presence of women, it makes perfect sense they would use the penis of whale's as protective gear. It is much the same as men using the whaling vessel to protect them from the outside world.
Chapter 96: The Try-Works
Madness is only one state of wisdom.
Chapter 97: The Lamp
In perfect rhythm with the rest of the novel, whaler are depicted in a holy way. The ship itself seems to be an alter in the lamp light, or a sacrfice. Or the whalers, seems blessed by the light of whales, the light of God.
Chapter 98: Slowing Down and Clearing Up
Moby-Dick must be arriving soon. It is predicted that the Pequod will be crushed by the whale- obliterated. Now, in a ritualistic manner, it is clean and purified. Prepared for sacrifice. It is a 'death bath'.
Chapter 99: The Doubloon
Haha, Pips interpretation is best! The coin, symbolic of the whale quest, is in actuality nonsensical. Crazy, Loony. They have been warned about whats coming to them for pursueing the White Whale- crows unfaltered by the scarecrow. Caw Caw!
Chapter 100: Leg and Arm
I had at first assumed that Ahabs madness and obsession were driven fully from his encounter with Moby-Dick. Now we see that the White Whale does not consume everyone in the same sense that it has consumed Ahab. Because it is made quite clear that the other ship is English, and that Samuel is from Longon, perhaps this is a commentary on American and its independence- the pilgrims did afterall leave England in search of religious freedom. The english are spiritually dead :)
Chapter 101: The Decanter
Ishmael goes further to discuss the glutonous characteristics of English vessels, particularly their love for alcohol. Oh how effective subtle insults can be.
Chapter 102: A Bower in the Arsacides
A mock of credibility. While he begins attempting to justify himself as an expert on whales, taking measurement of bones, and telling a story that enforces his position- the story is completely false. For all we know, so is the descriptions of whale bone measurements. Concluding the chapter by discussing how he was going to tattoo a poem on his body only further mocks the credibility he was 'trying' to establish. But I do like the idea that your identity, your body, is a poem waiting to be written.
Chapter 103: Measurement of the Whale's Skeleton
Again, Ishmael uses the most mortal aspect of a whale, it's physical bones, to make it immortal. Perhaps whales are like Hercules and Tea Cake, half gods.
Chapter 104: The Fossil Whale
Moby-Dick, the novel, is a Leviathan. Perhaps Melville's entire purpose was to recreate the enormity of a Sperm Whale, in text. The blood of it is certainly as old as the whales'.
Chapter 105: Does the Whale's Magnitude Diminish?- Will He Perish?
Immortality is claimed not in the everlastingness of an individual, but in a species. Ishmael knows humans could be wiped of the face of the earth at God's hand, and the species will eventually cease. However, Whale's will be the creatures which survive Armegeddon. This is where man and whale differ.
Chapter 106: Ahab's Leg
How ironic that Ahab would consider the bone of any whale a trustworthy leg. Ahab's command for a new lege seems remiscent of a command for the preparation of battle, assigning all mens to their posts. It seems that the new leg could serve as battle armor. Is the battle with Moby-Dick to happen soon?
Throughout this novel, Ishmael has implied that whales are immortal, Gods. Now he takes a new approach, detailing the whalers as heroes, Gods. If whalers are the Gods, then what are the whales? This chapter emphasizes the idea of whales as the hunted mortal beings. Do Gods worship the worshippers? Is whaling a battle of the Gods? Are are there no Gods at all?
Chapter 83: Jonah Historically Regarded
The validity of myths is something debated to this very day. But his chapter seems to make clear that the myths themselves are the source of wonder, and they are capable of creating miracles.
Chapter 84: Pitch Poling
"Annointing" the Pequod is evidently a ritual for certain sailors. Like most forms of worship viewed objectively, it neither hurts nor benefits in any particular way. Yet for Queequeg, it satisfies the soul. Perhaps that is the 'soul' purpose of worship, and has nothing to do with the Gods above.
Chapter 85: The Fountain
How is that that which creates rainbows, can also be poisonous in nature? This is Double-think to the extreme. But wait, Ishmael also observes that a whale's spout is 'nothing but mist'. It inspires goodness, evil, and nuetrality. Triple-think? ...or the Holy Trinity?
Chapter 86: The Tail
In legend, it was the provocative tail of the Mermaid that drew men to their deaths. Ishmael seems as entranced by the tale of this whale as any sailor was to a siren.
Chapter 87: Grand Armada
The calm before the storm. The calm within the storm.
The plot of this book has remained fairly flat throughout. Here it is foreshadowed, that this is the point of rest before the plot begins to rise. At the same time, it mentions that within every storm there is a center of stillness. It seems that the plot of this book is like a storm. Circling around and around, tossing the reader from place to place without obvious direction. It can be exhausting and chaotic. However, at its center remains the same stillness, the same message and purpose, that there is in any storm. It is perhaps the same stillness found int he motivation of each sailors, whose lives are like storms.
Chapter 88: Schools and School-Master
The men on the Pequod are, in a sense, very feminine. It is traditionally believed that only females can share close, intimate friendship, and that masculine men must be indepdent and without attachment. That would be the reason you don't often see men hugging in public. However, aboard the Pequod, all the men show open affection for one another. Not neccessarily in a sexual way, but friendly and affeciontately. Ahab, on the other hand, lacks that sense of femininity, and is disconnected from the other men. Is the Pequod a Harem? Like the schools of whale's which they pass? Is Ahab the great Leviathan?
Chapter 89: Fast-Fish and Loose-Fish
The ownership of whales is an illusion. The chapter makes ownership of a whale seem only a conception of the human-mind. It concludes saying that the reader is both a fast-fish and a loose-fish. The soul of any human being is both trapped and free.
Chapter 90: Heads or Tails
Tails- haha, what artificial victory. The title itself is interesting, because in a coin-toss 'Heads or tails' determines whether one 'wins or loses'. The idea of presenting the tail of a leviathan to a queen- a sign that the have conquered that which tries to lure them to their death- is a complete scam. It is a false front. What the leviathan is, will never be conquered.
Chapter 91: The Pequod meets the Rosebud
Gold from the rotten. One man's decayed flesh is another man's pay-day.
Chapter 92: Ambergris
Interesting, that only man create's the tarnished/smelly image of the whale. Only when man interferres, harvests blubber, and allows it to rot, that whale's produce a disgusting scent. Otherwise, they smell good, and their oil is pure.
Chapter 93: The Cast Away
Perhaps you must be on the verge of death before you can truly see God- Like Ishmael before heading out for Nantucket- Like Ahab when he lost his leg. Oh, Pip will grow to be a great sailor I predict.
Chapter 94: A Sqeeze of the Hand
Again, Matrimony found through cooperation. Is love synonymous with bliss? This chapter makes it seems so. Why do children play with mud? dream of swimming through spaghetti? squich Pla-doh in their hands? Is it any different a reason than why Ishmael find such happiness and affection squeezing sperm?
Chapter 95: The Cassock
The greatest example of 'maleness' aboard the Pequod. For a ship which attempts to exclude all things feminine, and believes it has found perfect relationships without the presence of women, it makes perfect sense they would use the penis of whale's as protective gear. It is much the same as men using the whaling vessel to protect them from the outside world.
Chapter 96: The Try-Works
Madness is only one state of wisdom.
Chapter 97: The Lamp
In perfect rhythm with the rest of the novel, whaler are depicted in a holy way. The ship itself seems to be an alter in the lamp light, or a sacrfice. Or the whalers, seems blessed by the light of whales, the light of God.
Chapter 98: Slowing Down and Clearing Up
Moby-Dick must be arriving soon. It is predicted that the Pequod will be crushed by the whale- obliterated. Now, in a ritualistic manner, it is clean and purified. Prepared for sacrifice. It is a 'death bath'.
Chapter 99: The Doubloon
Haha, Pips interpretation is best! The coin, symbolic of the whale quest, is in actuality nonsensical. Crazy, Loony. They have been warned about whats coming to them for pursueing the White Whale- crows unfaltered by the scarecrow. Caw Caw!
Chapter 100: Leg and Arm
I had at first assumed that Ahabs madness and obsession were driven fully from his encounter with Moby-Dick. Now we see that the White Whale does not consume everyone in the same sense that it has consumed Ahab. Because it is made quite clear that the other ship is English, and that Samuel is from Longon, perhaps this is a commentary on American and its independence- the pilgrims did afterall leave England in search of religious freedom. The english are spiritually dead :)
Chapter 101: The Decanter
Ishmael goes further to discuss the glutonous characteristics of English vessels, particularly their love for alcohol. Oh how effective subtle insults can be.
Chapter 102: A Bower in the Arsacides
A mock of credibility. While he begins attempting to justify himself as an expert on whales, taking measurement of bones, and telling a story that enforces his position- the story is completely false. For all we know, so is the descriptions of whale bone measurements. Concluding the chapter by discussing how he was going to tattoo a poem on his body only further mocks the credibility he was 'trying' to establish. But I do like the idea that your identity, your body, is a poem waiting to be written.
Chapter 103: Measurement of the Whale's Skeleton
Again, Ishmael uses the most mortal aspect of a whale, it's physical bones, to make it immortal. Perhaps whales are like Hercules and Tea Cake, half gods.
Chapter 104: The Fossil Whale
Moby-Dick, the novel, is a Leviathan. Perhaps Melville's entire purpose was to recreate the enormity of a Sperm Whale, in text. The blood of it is certainly as old as the whales'.
Chapter 105: Does the Whale's Magnitude Diminish?- Will He Perish?
Immortality is claimed not in the everlastingness of an individual, but in a species. Ishmael knows humans could be wiped of the face of the earth at God's hand, and the species will eventually cease. However, Whale's will be the creatures which survive Armegeddon. This is where man and whale differ.
Chapter 106: Ahab's Leg
How ironic that Ahab would consider the bone of any whale a trustworthy leg. Ahab's command for a new lege seems remiscent of a command for the preparation of battle, assigning all mens to their posts. It seems that the new leg could serve as battle armor. Is the battle with Moby-Dick to happen soon?
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Insights on 'The Whale': Ch. 78-81
Chapter 78- Cistern and Buckets
"Only one sweeter end can readily be recalled- the delicious death of an Ohio honey-hunter, who seeking honey in the crotch of a hollow tree, found such exceeding store of it, that leaning too far over, it sucked him in, so that he died embalmed. How many, think ye, have likewise fallen into Plato's honey head, and sweetly perished there? "
The oil cavern in he head of a Sperm whale, while not veiwed as the brain or mind necessarily, represents the most valuable part of the whale. Perhaps Tashtego's near-death experience slipping into that 'honey-comb' is symbolic of how easily sailors are sucked into whaling. How easy that which you desire can overtake and destroy you. From Ishmael, who was saved from suicide by the sea, to Queequeg, who was drawn to the whaling ships since the first time he saw them, to Ahab, whose future is inextricibly twined with that of the White Whale, all men on board are captured in the vortex of the whaling industry. Of course, when you spend upwards of 3 years at sea at a time, how could you not be?
Chapter 79- The Prairie
Again, Ishmael nominates himself as the great whale expert. Like a priest, he interprets and dictates meaning, sometimes finding a greater truth, othertimes making a great fool of himself. As he discusses the nature of a whale's genius, the question is posed "What would we humans be without tongues?" Ishmael seems to argue that genius and communication, in its purest form, is found in the whale, although it has never written a book or spoken a speech. Is this how humna society determines 'genius'?
Chapter 80- The Nut
"It is plain, then, that phrenologically the head of this Leviathan, in the creature's living intact state, is an entire delusion. As for his true brain, you can then see no indications of it, nor feel any. The whale, like all things that are mighty, wears a false brow to the common world. "
Discussion of the Whale's skull seems to compliment the potential of high-intelligence in a whale, adding power to the malicious stories of Moby Dick. However, the whale has no immediatly apparent brain, also encouraging the idea that whale's are powered by a higher force. Moby Dick, powered by a darker force.
Chapter 81- The Pequod Meets the Virgin
"But still more curious was the fact of a lance-head of stone being found in him, not far from the buried iron, the flesh perfectly firm about it. Who had darted that stone lance? And when? It might have been darted by some Nor' West Indian long before America was discovered. "
The great whale harpooned in this chapter emphasizes the potential age of a whale. A stone harpoon found embedded in the skin implies the whale may have lived before the discovery of iron. It almost like he existed from the beginning of time. This inturn emphasizes the immortal nature of whales. How old could Moby Dick be? Or is he, and what he represents, ageless?
"Only one sweeter end can readily be recalled- the delicious death of an Ohio honey-hunter, who seeking honey in the crotch of a hollow tree, found such exceeding store of it, that leaning too far over, it sucked him in, so that he died embalmed. How many, think ye, have likewise fallen into Plato's honey head, and sweetly perished there? "
The oil cavern in he head of a Sperm whale, while not veiwed as the brain or mind necessarily, represents the most valuable part of the whale. Perhaps Tashtego's near-death experience slipping into that 'honey-comb' is symbolic of how easily sailors are sucked into whaling. How easy that which you desire can overtake and destroy you. From Ishmael, who was saved from suicide by the sea, to Queequeg, who was drawn to the whaling ships since the first time he saw them, to Ahab, whose future is inextricibly twined with that of the White Whale, all men on board are captured in the vortex of the whaling industry. Of course, when you spend upwards of 3 years at sea at a time, how could you not be?
Chapter 79- The Prairie
"But how? Genius in the Sperm Whale? Has the Sperm Whale ever written a book, spoken a speech? No, his great genius is declared in his doing nothing particular to prove it. It is moreover declared in his pyramidical silence. And this reminds me that had the great Sperm Whale been known to the young Orient World, he would have been deified by their child-magian thoughts."
Again, Ishmael nominates himself as the great whale expert. Like a priest, he interprets and dictates meaning, sometimes finding a greater truth, othertimes making a great fool of himself. As he discusses the nature of a whale's genius, the question is posed "What would we humans be without tongues?" Ishmael seems to argue that genius and communication, in its purest form, is found in the whale, although it has never written a book or spoken a speech. Is this how humna society determines 'genius'?
Chapter 80- The Nut
"It is plain, then, that phrenologically the head of this Leviathan, in the creature's living intact state, is an entire delusion. As for his true brain, you can then see no indications of it, nor feel any. The whale, like all things that are mighty, wears a false brow to the common world. "
Discussion of the Whale's skull seems to compliment the potential of high-intelligence in a whale, adding power to the malicious stories of Moby Dick. However, the whale has no immediatly apparent brain, also encouraging the idea that whale's are powered by a higher force. Moby Dick, powered by a darker force.
Chapter 81- The Pequod Meets the Virgin
"But still more curious was the fact of a lance-head of stone being found in him, not far from the buried iron, the flesh perfectly firm about it. Who had darted that stone lance? And when? It might have been darted by some Nor' West Indian long before America was discovered. "
The great whale harpooned in this chapter emphasizes the potential age of a whale. A stone harpoon found embedded in the skin implies the whale may have lived before the discovery of iron. It almost like he existed from the beginning of time. This inturn emphasizes the immortal nature of whales. How old could Moby Dick be? Or is he, and what he represents, ageless?
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Moby-Dick Commentary: Ch.21-22
Going Aboard
Melville has dictated an entire chapter simply for the act of boarding the Pequod. Why? On the surface, it seems a chapter that easily could have been an extension on the chapter before or combined with the one following. Perhaps it is meant to emphasize the point of no return. Entering the rabbit hole.
Pg. 95 "Unless its before the Grand Jury."
Meaning God?
Merry Christmas
The title of this is peculiar to me, for I don't recall any indication that it was in fact Christmas or even the holiday season. There is no celebration, and only one comment about the date in the whole chapter. Christmas = Birth of Christ. Who is christ? What does christ symbolize in this novel? The launching of the ship = Birth of Christ? Who does it save, from what sins?
Melville has dictated an entire chapter simply for the act of boarding the Pequod. Why? On the surface, it seems a chapter that easily could have been an extension on the chapter before or combined with the one following. Perhaps it is meant to emphasize the point of no return. Entering the rabbit hole.
Pg. 95 "Unless its before the Grand Jury."
Meaning God?
Merry Christmas
The title of this is peculiar to me, for I don't recall any indication that it was in fact Christmas or even the holiday season. There is no celebration, and only one comment about the date in the whole chapter. Christmas = Birth of Christ. Who is christ? What does christ symbolize in this novel? The launching of the ship = Birth of Christ? Who does it save, from what sins?
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Moby-Dick Commentary: Ch. 19-20
The Prophet
Pg. 90 "And nothing about his losing his leg last voyage according to the prophecy."
A prophecy implies the unalterable will of God. Enforces the idea of whaling as religion.
Pg. 91 "Elijah."
A 'prophet and hero', known for his courageous act of standing up to King Ahab, for introducing an idol to the Jewish Kingdom. Like King Ahab, captain Ahab, and all the sailors who follow him, treat whaling like worship. Elijah the prophet was also known for bringing turmbulent weather; foreshadow?
All Astir
Pg. 93 "never did any woman better deserve her name...Aunt Charity"
From a feminist perspective of the novel, Aunt Charity is a deeply respected and needed member of the Pequod. While she herself doesn't sail, she provides all the neccessary items and goods for the crew before sailing. She seems empowered and confident.
Pg. 94 "I said nothing and tried to think nothing"
Is this blind following, act of trust the same as 'faith'?
Pg. 90 "And nothing about his losing his leg last voyage according to the prophecy."
A prophecy implies the unalterable will of God. Enforces the idea of whaling as religion.
Pg. 91 "Elijah."
A 'prophet and hero', known for his courageous act of standing up to King Ahab, for introducing an idol to the Jewish Kingdom. Like King Ahab, captain Ahab, and all the sailors who follow him, treat whaling like worship. Elijah the prophet was also known for bringing turmbulent weather; foreshadow?
All Astir
Pg. 93 "never did any woman better deserve her name...Aunt Charity"
From a feminist perspective of the novel, Aunt Charity is a deeply respected and needed member of the Pequod. While she herself doesn't sail, she provides all the neccessary items and goods for the crew before sailing. She seems empowered and confident.
Pg. 94 "I said nothing and tried to think nothing"
Is this blind following, act of trust the same as 'faith'?
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
WWI Reflected in 'The Big Two-Hearted River'
The First World War was the greatest, most horrific war mankind had ever seen up until that point. A war fought over morals of justice, equality, freedom, it served as one of the most immoral periods in man's history as civilians became targets and mass-bloodshed became common. By some, it was called "La Guerre du Droit (the War for Justice)"; by others "The War to End All Wars". In this way, WWI was a "Two-Hearted River". Also, as soldiers serving in the War felt patriotic, proud, and righteous, many returned home experiencing extreme shell shock (now known as post-traumatic stress syndrome) and were never able to recover. In this way, military service and role of a soldier was a "Two-Hearted River".
Nick is a soldier. This is seen in his ability to bear heavy loads and his extreme physical endurance. It is seen also in his lack of luxury needs, his desire for silence and solitude, and his appreciation of a cigarette.
The black and burnt landscape which he returns home to in reminiscent of a bombed and exploited landscape. Like the aftermath of war, the aftermath of the fire has left the area lifeless, empty. What was once lush, is now charred. It also reinforces the idea of shell-shock experienced by soldiers at war, who often return home and cannot appreciate and reconnect with it. After their traumatic experiences at war, home for them becomes a lifeless landscape.The trout, like politicians and, more often than not, the enemies, they are unharmed by the massive fire, protected by the cool river. The insects in the story seem to represent civilians in the face of war. While Nick pities a blackened one trying to reestablish life at one point, he ruthlessly fashions them for fish bait at another. Like most soldiers at war, Nick was able to eradicate feelings of pity when a job needed to be done, and lives had to be sacrificed to achieve that. This again reinforces the 'Two-Hearted" nature of soldiers in war.
"The Sun Also Rises" is arguably written in a similar fashion as this short story: dancing around the theme of war, while keeping its presence entirely implied. Reading "The Big Two-Hearted River" can help one prepare for Hemingway's novel by training the mind to see references to war when they aren't directly stated. Perhaps characters in the novel share the same 'two-hearted nature' as the character in this short story. By reading this short story before hand, the nature may be more easily identifiable in the characters of the novel.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Dialectical Journal: Their Eyes Were Watching God (Pages 80-193)
Pg. 89 "In search of things"
The disallusion of material items.
Pg. 90 "Mislove"
Mistaken Love. Was that the emotions and actions of Janie's Grandma? Or has Janie misconstrued her Grandma's love in such a way to make it sound less than it was. What is love?
Pg. 96 "He was jumping her king"
Janie's king is this false front that she worked so hard to establish; the mastered disconnection between her appearance and true emotions. This fellowis playing at more than just a game of chess. He knocking down more than her hard won kings.
Pg. 99 "quenching the thirst of the day"
Do we live for rest? How much of the world that Janie lives in works in the day only to sleep at night?
Pg. 100 "Fact is, she decided to treat him...around there again."
Playing hard to get? For a woman complaining about how old she has grown, she sure is acting like a school girl. If she really did't care for him, she wouldn't intentionally treat him one way or another, just laugh off his advances like she does all the rest. She must like him.
Pg. 101 "Crazy Thing!...beaming out with light"
So much for treating him coldly. Amazing how simple kindness can overcome negativity.
Pg. 102 "they made a lot of laughter out of nothing"
Janie is loving life now, at this moment, with Tea Cake. The speaker has created a great connection between happyness, laughter, and love. For Janie at least, one cannot exist without the other.
Pg. 102 "Tea Cake went out to the lemon tree..had lemonade too"
The fruit motif. Life literally gave Janie lemons and she made lemonade. Metaphorically, too.
Pg. 116 "Hurry up and come...never could be mad with you!"
Sounds just too good to be true. I don't think that this bliss can last much longer.
Pg. 128 "she tooks things the way he wanted her to"
Maybe its innocent, but it seems that Tea Cake is getting a little too much control over her.
Pg. 132 "they made good money, even to the children...up with the present"
Foreshadow: perfection never lasts long.
Pg. 141 "Us oughta class off."
Mrs. Turner, human in her aspirations, and human in her flaws. Her close association with Janies proves that 'class' is only an illusion created in the mind.
Pg. 141 "You reckon?...We'se too poor"
Janie has grown.
Pg. 145 "all gods who recieve homage are cruel"
Interesting. We give gods the power to be cruel over us. Like Janie's grandma who saw material wealth as the end all of end alls. And how Janie saw Jody. The bodies Janie returned from at the begining of the story, mindless people "with their eyes thrown wide in Judgement", are those who worship at unattainable alters. Their eyes were watching God.
Pg. 145 "Half gods are worshipped...require blood."
Tea Cake...a half god? What blood will God soon be demanding?
Pg. 156 "If I never see you no mo' on earth, Ah'll meet you in Africa."
This was a phrase originally used by those slaves brought to America from Africa, by people who dreamed of returning to their home, freedom. These characters are still enslaved, although law declares them free. Slaves to class and to economics.
Pg. 156 "Others hurried east like...snakes and coons."
Formal education and money keep Janie and Tea Cake planted while others leave, which seems to be a bad descision of the part of Tea Cake and Janie. Again, we see people compared with animals. Only, in the case I predict that these natural instincts will be more valuable than anything taught in school. Books won't save you from a Hurricane.
Pg. 157 "Don't care how good anybody sould play a harp, God woudl rather to hear a guitar."
This speaks mountains about these characters. I have to say, I love this line. A guitar can capture the sorrow, soul, and spirit of these people in a way no refined, eloquent instrument could. If God's require blood, they demand a sacrifice of yourself. He wants the suffering, pleasure, and soul of these people. Pompous wealth means little to Him.
Pg. 159 "If you kin see de light at day break, you don't keer if you die at dusk."
Like all great saints, Janie has found the true meaning of purpose and God. When Moses saw the burning bush, he didn't care what he had to risk to get his people free.
Pg. 163 "swim, man. Dat's all."
This author has a sick sense of humor, naming him 'Motor Boat'.
Pg. 172 "De ones de white man knows...laughed with her"
Janie and Tea Cake fell in love making 'laughter out of nothing'. Is that what they are doing here? Finding humor in the empty anger and prejudice of people, that really amounts to nothing.
Pg. 184 "Tea Cake crumpled...teeth from her arm"
Has he gone to Africa?
Pg. 192 "Lawd! Pheoby breathed...about livin' fuh themselves"
So, Janie may free her people after all. She ain't no moses, and her people are slaves in a different way. But god is guiding her all the same.
Pg. 193 "Tea Cake, with sun for a shawl"
He is her burning bush. Tea Cake showed Janie the word of god.
Pg. 193 "She pulled in her horizon like a great fish-net...over her shoulders"
A tree preparing for winter, pulling the nutrients from its leaves into its roots, and then dropping the golden leaves to the ground to create soil for others. Winter is coming in Janie's lifetime. She never had children, but one can already see rebirth in others. Pheoby 's won't be the only eyes Janie opens.
The disallusion of material items.
Pg. 90 "Mislove"
Mistaken Love. Was that the emotions and actions of Janie's Grandma? Or has Janie misconstrued her Grandma's love in such a way to make it sound less than it was. What is love?
Pg. 96 "He was jumping her king"
Janie's king is this false front that she worked so hard to establish; the mastered disconnection between her appearance and true emotions. This fellowis playing at more than just a game of chess. He knocking down more than her hard won kings.
Pg. 99 "quenching the thirst of the day"
Do we live for rest? How much of the world that Janie lives in works in the day only to sleep at night?
Pg. 100 "Fact is, she decided to treat him...around there again."
Playing hard to get? For a woman complaining about how old she has grown, she sure is acting like a school girl. If she really did't care for him, she wouldn't intentionally treat him one way or another, just laugh off his advances like she does all the rest. She must like him.
Pg. 101 "Crazy Thing!...beaming out with light"
So much for treating him coldly. Amazing how simple kindness can overcome negativity.
Pg. 102 "they made a lot of laughter out of nothing"
Janie is loving life now, at this moment, with Tea Cake. The speaker has created a great connection between happyness, laughter, and love. For Janie at least, one cannot exist without the other.
Pg. 102 "Tea Cake went out to the lemon tree..had lemonade too"
The fruit motif. Life literally gave Janie lemons and she made lemonade. Metaphorically, too.
Pg. 116 "Hurry up and come...never could be mad with you!"
Sounds just too good to be true. I don't think that this bliss can last much longer.
Pg. 128 "she tooks things the way he wanted her to"
Maybe its innocent, but it seems that Tea Cake is getting a little too much control over her.
Pg. 132 "they made good money, even to the children...up with the present"
Foreshadow: perfection never lasts long.
Pg. 141 "Us oughta class off."
Mrs. Turner, human in her aspirations, and human in her flaws. Her close association with Janies proves that 'class' is only an illusion created in the mind.
Pg. 141 "You reckon?...We'se too poor"
Janie has grown.
Pg. 145 "all gods who recieve homage are cruel"
Interesting. We give gods the power to be cruel over us. Like Janie's grandma who saw material wealth as the end all of end alls. And how Janie saw Jody. The bodies Janie returned from at the begining of the story, mindless people "with their eyes thrown wide in Judgement", are those who worship at unattainable alters. Their eyes were watching God.
Pg. 145 "Half gods are worshipped...require blood."
Tea Cake...a half god? What blood will God soon be demanding?
Pg. 156 "If I never see you no mo' on earth, Ah'll meet you in Africa."
This was a phrase originally used by those slaves brought to America from Africa, by people who dreamed of returning to their home, freedom. These characters are still enslaved, although law declares them free. Slaves to class and to economics.
Pg. 156 "Others hurried east like...snakes and coons."
Formal education and money keep Janie and Tea Cake planted while others leave, which seems to be a bad descision of the part of Tea Cake and Janie. Again, we see people compared with animals. Only, in the case I predict that these natural instincts will be more valuable than anything taught in school. Books won't save you from a Hurricane.
Pg. 157 "Don't care how good anybody sould play a harp, God woudl rather to hear a guitar."
This speaks mountains about these characters. I have to say, I love this line. A guitar can capture the sorrow, soul, and spirit of these people in a way no refined, eloquent instrument could. If God's require blood, they demand a sacrifice of yourself. He wants the suffering, pleasure, and soul of these people. Pompous wealth means little to Him.
Pg. 159 "If you kin see de light at day break, you don't keer if you die at dusk."
Like all great saints, Janie has found the true meaning of purpose and God. When Moses saw the burning bush, he didn't care what he had to risk to get his people free.
Pg. 163 "swim, man. Dat's all."
This author has a sick sense of humor, naming him 'Motor Boat'.
Pg. 172 "De ones de white man knows...laughed with her"
Janie and Tea Cake fell in love making 'laughter out of nothing'. Is that what they are doing here? Finding humor in the empty anger and prejudice of people, that really amounts to nothing.
Pg. 184 "Tea Cake crumpled...teeth from her arm"
Has he gone to Africa?
Pg. 192 "Lawd! Pheoby breathed...about livin' fuh themselves"
So, Janie may free her people after all. She ain't no moses, and her people are slaves in a different way. But god is guiding her all the same.
Pg. 193 "Tea Cake, with sun for a shawl"
He is her burning bush. Tea Cake showed Janie the word of god.
Pg. 193 "She pulled in her horizon like a great fish-net...over her shoulders"
A tree preparing for winter, pulling the nutrients from its leaves into its roots, and then dropping the golden leaves to the ground to create soil for others. Winter is coming in Janie's lifetime. She never had children, but one can already see rebirth in others. Pheoby 's won't be the only eyes Janie opens.
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