African Americans were free in Du Bois’ time, but they were far from freedom. They had little chance to grow within their country and become better people. Negroes remained in this post-slavery slump for nearly another century, trying to find ways to be accepted, and almost giving up completely. The transition between being property and people proved to be a difficult maneuver for whites and blacks to truly accept.
Du Bois explained with great detail how free Blacks often continued to work at their former slave owner’s plantation. Oftentimes, this is where they could do their best. While on the plantation, they were fed and guaranteed a home, but they could leave whenever they wanted. If a slave were to look for a job elsewhere however, he would be discriminated against and left struggling for life. The pathos behind this fact is magnified by Du Bois’ story of his own youth. While growing up, he realized that he was different from the other children, but only by color. Because of this he resolved to work harder and do better to earn what they naturally received. His plans never worked in his youth. The audience must feel pity and sorry for a young Du Bois who, as a child, had to deal with such discrimination. The tone of this story grows increasingly sad, as Du Bois realizes there is nothing he can do to completely bridge the racial gap.
The pathos used throughout was enough to make someone feel sorry for the race in whatever they did. Negroes strived to be come successful in voting, school and farming. But never at the same time. After repeated discrimination, they eventually decided to give up. But on the brink of defeat, Du Bois makes a statement. He realizes that Blacks should involve themselves in work, culture, and liberty at all times. And not only for the betterment of the negro race, but the betterment of the country as a whole. He resolved that both of the races needed to give and take from each other. By shifting this emotion into action, Du Bois could easily make an audience want to react in a good way.
The tone throughout carried the emotion beautifully, to the point where the audience felt the same way the negroes did in the story. A dark tone was revealed in several areas, and I too felt very bad. When Du Bois wrote on defeat, I too felt defeated. Even still, when Du Bois wrote on movement and change, I felt a feeling to help. I feel that he easily captured the audience, and could have captured them in any subject with his level of tone. Tone and pathos establishes how involved the reader becomes in the writing. If a poor job is done, the reader will get nothing from the story. But if someone does an excellent job giving a story tone and pathos, then that story will easily affect future generations, and inspire them to be their best. Du Bois realized this and took the time to focus not only the topic and what was needed to fix it, but also the mechanics behind the writing. We all know the struggles that blacks had to go through post-slavery, but Du Bois tells it in a new, refreshing way. Overall, his work is more than enough to capture the audience, keep them, and help them understand the point he is trying to make.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Signs of Progress Among the Negroes
Washington’s observations on the progress of blacks was well written in his address “Signs of Progress Among the Negroes.” He used an almost flawless pathos appeal when, in the beginning, he described the story of a boy who was able to work his way to Alabama in search of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute. This was a school that gave colored people the opportunity to both get an education and learn hands-on. The boy was able to use money from the former master and other blacks to make his long journey. But still, he was very low on funds and walked a great deal. Because of his goal and ambition, however, some gave him a free ride closer to his destination. The boy, William, soon was able to make it and grew to be a fantastic student in a short amount of time. Though his former master was hesitant to do so at first, he sent William money. When William one day came back and paid Mr.S---- back, the plantation owner was impressed. Together they built a great school much like the Tuskegee institute.
This appeal at emotion is perfect in this context, it narrates Washington’s reasoning behind this address completely. The reader can easily understand the emotion and complications involved in a young black boy going that great distance alone, but for him to come back and help the white plantation owner that helped him was unheard of at the time. Washington aimed to change the opinions of those that doubted the freedom for everyone. He wanted to explain how many more events like this would take place if only blacks and whites were willing to work together and move forward.
This story also appealed to Washington’s ethos as well, and gave him a lot of credit for research. Because of this story and it’s peaceful results, we know that Washington was a man of speech and not violence. Unlike those willing to kill for their rights, he was willing to compromise and persuade. His argument left little to be argued against, and it appeared to be reasonable. One could not accuse Washington of hostile behavior or views, he made himself too difficult to dislike. Anyone that went against him would immediately be seen as the wrong one.
Washington’s story even provided a reliable source of logos. It was only right to give free blacks a fair chance, as they had been working loyally for whites for many years before. What would make them betray anyone now that they were free? Because blacks looked for the best interest of everyone, all they wanted was to get educations and grow in their nation. Washington made this argument very well. He described the school that William and the plantation owner built together as a haven for both races to unite and grow with one another. He explains how this ‘heaven on earth’ can be reached all over the nation.
Obviously the greatest appeal throughout Washington’s article was his appeal on emotion. It was used first to gain attention from the audience and then to keep it. Though Washington used several other appeals, this one stuck out more than anything. Washington had a way of saying things the exact way they needed to be said, whether it was heartfelt or frank. His way with words could convince the most stubborn of people and they would have no argument against it.
This appeal at emotion is perfect in this context, it narrates Washington’s reasoning behind this address completely. The reader can easily understand the emotion and complications involved in a young black boy going that great distance alone, but for him to come back and help the white plantation owner that helped him was unheard of at the time. Washington aimed to change the opinions of those that doubted the freedom for everyone. He wanted to explain how many more events like this would take place if only blacks and whites were willing to work together and move forward.
This story also appealed to Washington’s ethos as well, and gave him a lot of credit for research. Because of this story and it’s peaceful results, we know that Washington was a man of speech and not violence. Unlike those willing to kill for their rights, he was willing to compromise and persuade. His argument left little to be argued against, and it appeared to be reasonable. One could not accuse Washington of hostile behavior or views, he made himself too difficult to dislike. Anyone that went against him would immediately be seen as the wrong one.
Washington’s story even provided a reliable source of logos. It was only right to give free blacks a fair chance, as they had been working loyally for whites for many years before. What would make them betray anyone now that they were free? Because blacks looked for the best interest of everyone, all they wanted was to get educations and grow in their nation. Washington made this argument very well. He described the school that William and the plantation owner built together as a haven for both races to unite and grow with one another. He explains how this ‘heaven on earth’ can be reached all over the nation.
Obviously the greatest appeal throughout Washington’s article was his appeal on emotion. It was used first to gain attention from the audience and then to keep it. Though Washington used several other appeals, this one stuck out more than anything. Washington had a way of saying things the exact way they needed to be said, whether it was heartfelt or frank. His way with words could convince the most stubborn of people and they would have no argument against it.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
The Yellow Wallpaper Analysis
Charlotte, the author of the story, was not completely well. She suffered from a nervous disorder which caused her to hallucinate and imagine things that were far from true. Though she battled with these hallucinations, they eventually got the better of her. Luckily for Charlotte, this creativity works through her pen and gives her brilliant stories. Throughout this story, Gilman tells us about a certain part of her life where she lived in a large estate. Though this was supposed to make her better, in reality it worsened things.
Gilman uses an unintentional form of pathos throughout the narration, lulling the readers to believe what she is saying. For this reason, throughout the first half of the story she seems like a woman with a minor disorder. However, as events unfold, we see her to be well worse off. Her writing becomes more desperate and she seems obsessed with the wallpaper that she thinks confines her. With the diction, it was easy to see the transition between her being almost normal and changing into an insane woman. This tool of transition is very effective and keeps the reader interested, it makes us want to know what happens in the end.
Realism is displayed while describing the house, in particular the yellow wallpaper. She described it in so many ways, we can’t possibly decide on how it looked. From Gilman’s perspective, the wallpaper did look different at different times of the day. But as readers, we know that it is impossible for wallpaper to change as she describes it. Our thoughts are confirmed by her husband’s reaction. This is more proof that Charlotte is far from normal. Her description of the wallpaper once again shows how obsessed she becomes with it. Though at the beginning she would talk about her life and her husband, but near the end all she talked about was the wallpaper, the woman behind it, and how she would capture the woman. It is at this point where the story becomes even more interesting. Still, throughout the whole story, she makes a pathos appeal as though she were doing everything right, and everyone else was wrong.
Charlotte may not have made these appeals purposely, and she may not have been fully aware of her condition, but it resulted in an engaging story about a part of her life. She realistically explained her everyday life in a way we could understand, inviting us into her events and thoughts. We find out things about her before they are revealed to the characters of the story. This foreshadowed an odd ending, and that is what we got from it. By the end the reader could be positive that she was insane. But whether she was insane or not, a story can always be made better. Although she used an appeal of pathos very well, she had very little ethos or logos. This is most likely because she does not relate to most people that way. If she had used it, it may have been ineffective and taken away from the story.
The story was written very well overall. There are no obvious mistakes I can see, she attracts the readers and keeps them reading throughout. The story develops almost perfectly, where we can actually see the change in the main character. Charlotte uses realism in explaining both the wallpaper and her relationship with her husband. Because the reader is able to relate to her in these aspects, she keeps them interested in the story.
Gilman uses an unintentional form of pathos throughout the narration, lulling the readers to believe what she is saying. For this reason, throughout the first half of the story she seems like a woman with a minor disorder. However, as events unfold, we see her to be well worse off. Her writing becomes more desperate and she seems obsessed with the wallpaper that she thinks confines her. With the diction, it was easy to see the transition between her being almost normal and changing into an insane woman. This tool of transition is very effective and keeps the reader interested, it makes us want to know what happens in the end.
Realism is displayed while describing the house, in particular the yellow wallpaper. She described it in so many ways, we can’t possibly decide on how it looked. From Gilman’s perspective, the wallpaper did look different at different times of the day. But as readers, we know that it is impossible for wallpaper to change as she describes it. Our thoughts are confirmed by her husband’s reaction. This is more proof that Charlotte is far from normal. Her description of the wallpaper once again shows how obsessed she becomes with it. Though at the beginning she would talk about her life and her husband, but near the end all she talked about was the wallpaper, the woman behind it, and how she would capture the woman. It is at this point where the story becomes even more interesting. Still, throughout the whole story, she makes a pathos appeal as though she were doing everything right, and everyone else was wrong.
Charlotte may not have made these appeals purposely, and she may not have been fully aware of her condition, but it resulted in an engaging story about a part of her life. She realistically explained her everyday life in a way we could understand, inviting us into her events and thoughts. We find out things about her before they are revealed to the characters of the story. This foreshadowed an odd ending, and that is what we got from it. By the end the reader could be positive that she was insane. But whether she was insane or not, a story can always be made better. Although she used an appeal of pathos very well, she had very little ethos or logos. This is most likely because she does not relate to most people that way. If she had used it, it may have been ineffective and taken away from the story.
The story was written very well overall. There are no obvious mistakes I can see, she attracts the readers and keeps them reading throughout. The story develops almost perfectly, where we can actually see the change in the main character. Charlotte uses realism in explaining both the wallpaper and her relationship with her husband. Because the reader is able to relate to her in these aspects, she keeps them interested in the story.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
The Pit and the Pendulum 2 page Lit Response
The Pit and the Pendulum, a story by Edgar Allen Poe, is about a criminal sentenced to the death penalty. After the method of death by drowning failed, his enemies tried to cut him with a swinging pendulum, not only affecting his body, but his mind as well. Poe wrote this story very well, his details were descriptive and pulled the reader in from the very beginning. As I read, I found myself becoming more involved in the story, I felt myself to be in the same predicament as the prisoner. Though Poe didn’t give valuable information about the main character, he described him enough for the reader to understand his demeanor. I saw him as a character that had been in similar situations before, liked a challenge, and thought things out carefully. He was calm most of the time, and that allowed him to escape with his life. Poe understood that character develop would lead to a good story, and he focused on this almost perfectly.
Annotations often help authors with their work. They are a response to the author’s good work and their shortcomings. Many eventually bring the author to be a better writer. As pointed out by Malloy, Poe used a few bible verses at the beginning of his story to convey “apocalyptic imagery.” This introduced us to the nightmare world of the main character. Malloy also pointed out several mistakes as well. One was the rescue of the main character, it wasn’t “foreshadowed in the tale nor congruent with its overwhelming oppression.” We must believe this to be true, because no one in reality would believe that the man in the dungeon would be saved. However, Malloy then points out that in the bible verses Poe himself alluded to, in the end was salvation. More mistakes were found in Poe’s writing. Hirsch found that the rescue represented “transcendental hope….inconsistent with the themes of many of Poe’s other stories…” With this inconsistence it is often difficult to understand an author. The reader doesn’t know what to expect from them at all. Hirsch then provided justification for this in a way. Still, the reader can understand the point Hirsch makes. An unpredictable author is sometimes unsuccessful, as faithful readers expect the same kind of work from a writer. Malloy goes on to speak of the psyche of the character and how effective Poe was at capturing emotion.
As there is always something missing from a story, there is always something missing from one of its reviews. I observed that Malloy appears to have made assumptions about Poe’s writing. She noticed he had an allusion to a bible verse, and based his whole story on mercy and salvation. I don’t believe Poe gave enough information for Malloy to base the conclusion of this story on anything. She took what she found first and used it throughout her whole review, possibly comparing it to things Poe may not have intended his story to be compared to. She compared the rescue of the main character by Lasalle as the Second Coming of Christ. Grand statements like this can’t be made by someone who did not write the story. Though Malloy uses some thoughts of other readers, Hirsch for example, she did not use enough. Most of the review was from her perspective, and the reader couldn’t get enough of someone else’s point of view.
Overall, the review was well done. Malloy used plenty of examples to back up her statement. She used a lot of context outside of the story itself, showing she did her research. As stated before, no piece of writing is perfect, not even the review of writing. An author is bound to make mistakes every once in a while because not everything they write will appeal to every reader. Reviews are meant to reveal the author’s mistake to them and make them better, and I feel that Malloy did this job very well.
Annotations often help authors with their work. They are a response to the author’s good work and their shortcomings. Many eventually bring the author to be a better writer. As pointed out by Malloy, Poe used a few bible verses at the beginning of his story to convey “apocalyptic imagery.” This introduced us to the nightmare world of the main character. Malloy also pointed out several mistakes as well. One was the rescue of the main character, it wasn’t “foreshadowed in the tale nor congruent with its overwhelming oppression.” We must believe this to be true, because no one in reality would believe that the man in the dungeon would be saved. However, Malloy then points out that in the bible verses Poe himself alluded to, in the end was salvation. More mistakes were found in Poe’s writing. Hirsch found that the rescue represented “transcendental hope….inconsistent with the themes of many of Poe’s other stories…” With this inconsistence it is often difficult to understand an author. The reader doesn’t know what to expect from them at all. Hirsch then provided justification for this in a way. Still, the reader can understand the point Hirsch makes. An unpredictable author is sometimes unsuccessful, as faithful readers expect the same kind of work from a writer. Malloy goes on to speak of the psyche of the character and how effective Poe was at capturing emotion.
As there is always something missing from a story, there is always something missing from one of its reviews. I observed that Malloy appears to have made assumptions about Poe’s writing. She noticed he had an allusion to a bible verse, and based his whole story on mercy and salvation. I don’t believe Poe gave enough information for Malloy to base the conclusion of this story on anything. She took what she found first and used it throughout her whole review, possibly comparing it to things Poe may not have intended his story to be compared to. She compared the rescue of the main character by Lasalle as the Second Coming of Christ. Grand statements like this can’t be made by someone who did not write the story. Though Malloy uses some thoughts of other readers, Hirsch for example, she did not use enough. Most of the review was from her perspective, and the reader couldn’t get enough of someone else’s point of view.
Overall, the review was well done. Malloy used plenty of examples to back up her statement. She used a lot of context outside of the story itself, showing she did her research. As stated before, no piece of writing is perfect, not even the review of writing. An author is bound to make mistakes every once in a while because not everything they write will appeal to every reader. Reviews are meant to reveal the author’s mistake to them and make them better, and I feel that Malloy did this job very well.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
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