Yuen M. Ho
English 48B
January 31, 2007
Journal #18 Mark Twain
I. Quote
“The humorous story is strictly a work of art—high and delicate art—and only an artist can tell it; but no art is necessary in telling the comic and the witty story; anybody can do it. The art of telling a humorous story—understand, I mean by word of month, not print—was created in America, and has remained at home.”
II. Summary
Mark Twain tried to make a distinction between humorous stories, comic and witty stories in “How to Tell a Story.” In this particular quote, he referred humorous story as a form of art that can only be mastered by artist—not everyone can do it. But since the effect of both comic and witty stories depends on the content, not the way they are told, any average person is able to tell them with the same result.
Other than regarding humorous story as an art form, he also regarded it as a pure product of America. He mentioned in his article that no other country has shown their ability to master this art form, France and Britain not withstanding.
The third important point Twain has made is that a humorous story should be passed on orally, but not in written form like any other kind of story. That is why when Twain tried to present a humorous story in written form, he often adopted colloquial kind of writing to imitate the oral effect.
III. Response
While I have never been able to tell the difference between humorous, witty and comic, I agree with Twain on the distinction he is trying to make. I can easily relate these two kinds of stories and their tellers with people I have encountered; thus, I can also comprehend the points Twain tried to make.
Twain is really a brilliant writer. Even in written words, he is able to “tell” two kinds of stories and “show” their obvious differences. His language is vivid. There is no denying that he is the artist among the artists of humor stories.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
On Mark Twain's The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras County (1)
Yuen M. Ho
English 48B
January 31, 2007
Journal #17 Mark Twain
I. Quote
“But, by your leave, I did not think that a continuation of the history of the enterprising vagabond Jim Smiley would be likely to afford me much information concerning the Rev. Leonidas W. Smiley, and so I started away.”
II. Summary
When the narration comes to this point, the story has almost come to an end. Yet, as if Mark Twain was not sure whether readers have forgotten his original intent to meet Simon Wheeler, he reminded us again at the end of the story that he talked to Wheeler to inquire about Rev. Leonidas W. Smiley, but not to hear the story of Jim Smiley, whom Wheeler has been reminiscing without interruption for three written pages.
III. Response
The whole plot of “The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras County” in a nutshell is about Mark Twain coming up to Simon Wheeler to ask about a man named Leonidas W. Smiley, so as to do a favor for his friend. Yet, Wheeler did not seem to know anything about this guy, and decided to talk about another man with the same last name, Jim Smiley, instead.
The story undoubtedly has a simple plot. Nevertheless, Twain, like a magician, with his ward (words) was able to turn this plain plot into a humorous story. I was amused by the colloquial “conversation” between Wheeler and Twain; I was enthralled by the interesting betting stories of Jim Smiley. Twain has proven to us with his work that humor is a kind of art. It is not the matter that makes a story humorous, but the manner the author tells the story.
While the story does not seem to impose any moral implication, I relish reading it because it is casual and simply fun. The use of conversational language also makes the story heard, not read, as if I was Mark Twain talking face-to-face to a genuine, but garrulous man. It is one of those neighborhood tales that you want to share with your friends, and perk up their day too!
English 48B
January 31, 2007
Journal #17 Mark Twain
I. Quote
“But, by your leave, I did not think that a continuation of the history of the enterprising vagabond Jim Smiley would be likely to afford me much information concerning the Rev. Leonidas W. Smiley, and so I started away.”
II. Summary
When the narration comes to this point, the story has almost come to an end. Yet, as if Mark Twain was not sure whether readers have forgotten his original intent to meet Simon Wheeler, he reminded us again at the end of the story that he talked to Wheeler to inquire about Rev. Leonidas W. Smiley, but not to hear the story of Jim Smiley, whom Wheeler has been reminiscing without interruption for three written pages.
III. Response
The whole plot of “The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras County” in a nutshell is about Mark Twain coming up to Simon Wheeler to ask about a man named Leonidas W. Smiley, so as to do a favor for his friend. Yet, Wheeler did not seem to know anything about this guy, and decided to talk about another man with the same last name, Jim Smiley, instead.
The story undoubtedly has a simple plot. Nevertheless, Twain, like a magician, with his ward (words) was able to turn this plain plot into a humorous story. I was amused by the colloquial “conversation” between Wheeler and Twain; I was enthralled by the interesting betting stories of Jim Smiley. Twain has proven to us with his work that humor is a kind of art. It is not the matter that makes a story humorous, but the manner the author tells the story.
While the story does not seem to impose any moral implication, I relish reading it because it is casual and simply fun. The use of conversational language also makes the story heard, not read, as if I was Mark Twain talking face-to-face to a genuine, but garrulous man. It is one of those neighborhood tales that you want to share with your friends, and perk up their day too!
Friday, January 26, 2007
On Sarah Winnemucca (2)
Yuen M. Ho
English 48B
January 26, 2007
Journal #16 Sarah Winnemucca
I. Quote
“You would make war upon the whites. I ask you to pause and reflect. The white men are like the stars over your heads. You have wrongs, great wrongs, that rise up like those mountains before you; but can you, from the mountain tops, reach and blot out those stars? Your enemies are like the sands in the bed of your rivers; when taken away they only give place for more to come and settle there.”
II. Summary
This quote was actually prophecy made by Sarah Winnemucca’s cousin Numaga. Numaga objected the use of violence and wars for her tribe to express their resentment and anger. Although the Whites were the first to evoke war and break their friendly bond, there were just too many of them; they easily outnumbered their tribal troops in terms of fighters and weapons. Thus, she wisely suggested the adoption of peaceful means to handle conflicts with the Whites.
III. Response
This quote from Numaga prompted me to ponder over the eternal conflict between life and justice, and the question of the meaning of life. When one’s dignity of living is forfeited, should one continue to pursue a life without freedom, or should one fight for one’s deserved rights, even when there is great possibility that the outcome will be futile?
This is the question faced by the Native Americans. The whites were conquering their land and slaying their people—basically they were brutal murders and robbers taking away their property: life, family, and land. Nevertheless, since they came in great number and were exceedingly advanced, there was slim chance for Native tribes to fire back. While Numaga predicted that any effort would end in vain, I wondered whether it still deserved a try—they might not be able to get back their land, but at least they wouldn’t lose their dignity.
Some people call those who escape from the problem coward, while others may think they are heroes. Even though I would say I am more like the former type of people, I am grateful that some of the Natives managed to escape and accept the reality of defeat and surrender. Otherwise, their culture could not have been preserved un
English 48B
January 26, 2007
Journal #16 Sarah Winnemucca
I. Quote
“You would make war upon the whites. I ask you to pause and reflect. The white men are like the stars over your heads. You have wrongs, great wrongs, that rise up like those mountains before you; but can you, from the mountain tops, reach and blot out those stars? Your enemies are like the sands in the bed of your rivers; when taken away they only give place for more to come and settle there.”
II. Summary
This quote was actually prophecy made by Sarah Winnemucca’s cousin Numaga. Numaga objected the use of violence and wars for her tribe to express their resentment and anger. Although the Whites were the first to evoke war and break their friendly bond, there were just too many of them; they easily outnumbered their tribal troops in terms of fighters and weapons. Thus, she wisely suggested the adoption of peaceful means to handle conflicts with the Whites.
III. Response
This quote from Numaga prompted me to ponder over the eternal conflict between life and justice, and the question of the meaning of life. When one’s dignity of living is forfeited, should one continue to pursue a life without freedom, or should one fight for one’s deserved rights, even when there is great possibility that the outcome will be futile?
This is the question faced by the Native Americans. The whites were conquering their land and slaying their people—basically they were brutal murders and robbers taking away their property: life, family, and land. Nevertheless, since they came in great number and were exceedingly advanced, there was slim chance for Native tribes to fire back. While Numaga predicted that any effort would end in vain, I wondered whether it still deserved a try—they might not be able to get back their land, but at least they wouldn’t lose their dignity.
Some people call those who escape from the problem coward, while others may think they are heroes. Even though I would say I am more like the former type of people, I am grateful that some of the Natives managed to escape and accept the reality of defeat and surrender. Otherwise, their culture could not have been preserved un
On Sarah Winnemucca (1)
Yuen M. Ho
English 48B
January 26, 2007
Journal #15 Sarah Winnemucca
I. Quote
“You call my people bloodseeking. My people did not seek to kill them, nor did hey steal their horses—no, far from it. During the winter my people helped them. They gave them as much as they had to eat. They did not hold out their hands and say: -- ‘You can’t have anything to eat unless you pay me.’ No, -- no such word was used by us savages at that time.”
II. Summary
In the above quote, Sarah Winnemucca was trying to protest for her people by clearing out some stereotypes many White people might have at that time. Most White Americans had no understanding of Native Americans and deemed them as ferocious and primitive. Winnemucca felt very disappointed, or even furious at these labels and misunderstanding behind them. Therefore, she tried to present a true picture of her people by telling her story.
III. Response
I admire Sarah Winnemucca for her courage and strong conviction. As an ethnic minority living on foreign soil, sometimes I can also detect some unfriendly glances or meet with blank-faced rebuff when initiating a conversation. Instead of making an effort to help others better understand my culture, I tend to stay behind the curtain refraining myself from unnecessary social contact.
Stereotypes often arise from lack of understanding and knowledge. People tend to rely on what they have heard, rather than from their own experience. In the international community, Chinese are often labeled as being dirty and lousy. I do not demur that these labels reflect part of the reality. Nevertheless, there are many Chinese who are cultured, gentle and well-behaved. It is unfair if bad behavior from some Chinese is generalized to represent the image of all Chinese. There are also Whites who are dirty and lousy, but not all of them are, right?
The use of the word “savages” in this quote is notable because it implies a double meaning. Not just was Winnemucca using it to express her anger towards this untrue label, she was also being sarcastic by implicitly referring the White people who gave them this label as savages themselves, for some White people back at her grandfather’s time had cold-bloodedly killed her community.
English 48B
January 26, 2007
Journal #15 Sarah Winnemucca
I. Quote
“You call my people bloodseeking. My people did not seek to kill them, nor did hey steal their horses—no, far from it. During the winter my people helped them. They gave them as much as they had to eat. They did not hold out their hands and say: -- ‘You can’t have anything to eat unless you pay me.’ No, -- no such word was used by us savages at that time.”
II. Summary
In the above quote, Sarah Winnemucca was trying to protest for her people by clearing out some stereotypes many White people might have at that time. Most White Americans had no understanding of Native Americans and deemed them as ferocious and primitive. Winnemucca felt very disappointed, or even furious at these labels and misunderstanding behind them. Therefore, she tried to present a true picture of her people by telling her story.
III. Response
I admire Sarah Winnemucca for her courage and strong conviction. As an ethnic minority living on foreign soil, sometimes I can also detect some unfriendly glances or meet with blank-faced rebuff when initiating a conversation. Instead of making an effort to help others better understand my culture, I tend to stay behind the curtain refraining myself from unnecessary social contact.
Stereotypes often arise from lack of understanding and knowledge. People tend to rely on what they have heard, rather than from their own experience. In the international community, Chinese are often labeled as being dirty and lousy. I do not demur that these labels reflect part of the reality. Nevertheless, there are many Chinese who are cultured, gentle and well-behaved. It is unfair if bad behavior from some Chinese is generalized to represent the image of all Chinese. There are also Whites who are dirty and lousy, but not all of them are, right?
The use of the word “savages” in this quote is notable because it implies a double meaning. Not just was Winnemucca using it to express her anger towards this untrue label, she was also being sarcastic by implicitly referring the White people who gave them this label as savages themselves, for some White people back at her grandfather’s time had cold-bloodedly killed her community.
On Emily Dickinson's Poem #341
Yuen M. Ho
English 48B
January 24, 2007
Journal #14 Emily Dickinson
I. Quote
“After great pain, a formal feeling comes—
…
As freezing persons, recollect the snow—
First—Chill—then stupor—then the letting go—”
II. Summary
This poem is about the feeling of pain and its aftermath. Pain can represent physical pain, and can also symbolize pain in the heart—the feeling of being hurt or upset by a person, or an incident. She used the process of recollection of snow to explain a similar pain process. The first one is chill—meaning feeling painful. Then one will experience a period of stupor—meaning not being able to relieve but suffer greatly from the pain. After all, one will be able to let go—of chill or of the painful experience.
III. Response
The ability of Emily Dickinson to make connections between things that we are seldom able to relate in our daily life leaves me in awe after reading the poem. I could have never thought of relating the feeling of great pain with the recollection of snow. Yet, when Emily Dickinson connected the dots, I was inspired to discover more connections, especially implicit ones, between different objects, actions, feelings, places and people.
The poem demonstrates how Dickinson conceived and handled pain—she was not an optimistic person who regarded painful experience as a lesson earned. Yet, she saw it just as a natural process— any effort to manipulate or alter it will just end in vain.
She also delivered a positive message to all of us. We should not take incidents or people that cause us great pain too seriously, because the nature dictates that the feeling will go somehow. If that’s so, why don’t just chill out and let go?
English 48B
January 24, 2007
Journal #14 Emily Dickinson
I. Quote
“After great pain, a formal feeling comes—
…
As freezing persons, recollect the snow—
First—Chill—then stupor—then the letting go—”
II. Summary
This poem is about the feeling of pain and its aftermath. Pain can represent physical pain, and can also symbolize pain in the heart—the feeling of being hurt or upset by a person, or an incident. She used the process of recollection of snow to explain a similar pain process. The first one is chill—meaning feeling painful. Then one will experience a period of stupor—meaning not being able to relieve but suffer greatly from the pain. After all, one will be able to let go—of chill or of the painful experience.
III. Response
The ability of Emily Dickinson to make connections between things that we are seldom able to relate in our daily life leaves me in awe after reading the poem. I could have never thought of relating the feeling of great pain with the recollection of snow. Yet, when Emily Dickinson connected the dots, I was inspired to discover more connections, especially implicit ones, between different objects, actions, feelings, places and people.
The poem demonstrates how Dickinson conceived and handled pain—she was not an optimistic person who regarded painful experience as a lesson earned. Yet, she saw it just as a natural process— any effort to manipulate or alter it will just end in vain.
She also delivered a positive message to all of us. We should not take incidents or people that cause us great pain too seriously, because the nature dictates that the feeling will go somehow. If that’s so, why don’t just chill out and let go?
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
On Emily Dickinson's Poem #754
Yuen M. Ho
English 48B
January 24, 2007
Journal #13 Emily Dickinson
I. Quote
“My life had stood—a loaded gun—
In corners—till a day
The owner passed—identified—
And carried me away—
…
For I have but the power to kill,
Without—the power to die—”
II. Summary
The phrase of “loaded gun” strikes me. I ponder over its meaning, trying to comprehend the underlying message of the entire poem—whether it is discussing about her relationship with another man or is trying to bring about other implicit messages.
A loaded gun is ready to kill; it is destructive. It is a weapon ready to be used by anybody, but has no choice over its owner. In regard of the relationship between the gun and the owner, the latter has complete control of the gun. Besides, in other parts of the poem, the author also reflects her happiness in serving and working with her owner.
This can be a complicated relationship if the author was referring to her relationship with somebody. It can be someone she loved and enjoyed being with. That person might be a dominant person who had control of her. Nevertheless, she was willing to serve him/ her and make sacrifices.
This can be one method to understand this poem.
III. Response
Emily Dickinson is hard to read—I cannot but admit the truth in this statement. For over 30 minutes, I read the poem over and over, looked up in dictionary for every new word, and analyzed the meaning of “a loaded gun” so as to understand the feelings of Dickinson when she wrote this poem. Nevertheless, I failed to relate the characteristics of this object of description to Dickinson and her life—probably because I just know a smattering of her background, which remains largely as a mystery.
Yet, her poem can reflect her personality. She is emphatically more critical than romantic, as reflected by her choice of words, which are strong and piercing. They cut deeply into readers’ mind and hearts, leaving one startled, amazed and awaken.
English 48B
January 24, 2007
Journal #13 Emily Dickinson
I. Quote
“My life had stood—a loaded gun—
In corners—till a day
The owner passed—identified—
And carried me away—
…
For I have but the power to kill,
Without—the power to die—”
II. Summary
The phrase of “loaded gun” strikes me. I ponder over its meaning, trying to comprehend the underlying message of the entire poem—whether it is discussing about her relationship with another man or is trying to bring about other implicit messages.
A loaded gun is ready to kill; it is destructive. It is a weapon ready to be used by anybody, but has no choice over its owner. In regard of the relationship between the gun and the owner, the latter has complete control of the gun. Besides, in other parts of the poem, the author also reflects her happiness in serving and working with her owner.
This can be a complicated relationship if the author was referring to her relationship with somebody. It can be someone she loved and enjoyed being with. That person might be a dominant person who had control of her. Nevertheless, she was willing to serve him/ her and make sacrifices.
This can be one method to understand this poem.
III. Response
Emily Dickinson is hard to read—I cannot but admit the truth in this statement. For over 30 minutes, I read the poem over and over, looked up in dictionary for every new word, and analyzed the meaning of “a loaded gun” so as to understand the feelings of Dickinson when she wrote this poem. Nevertheless, I failed to relate the characteristics of this object of description to Dickinson and her life—probably because I just know a smattering of her background, which remains largely as a mystery.
Yet, her poem can reflect her personality. She is emphatically more critical than romantic, as reflected by her choice of words, which are strong and piercing. They cut deeply into readers’ mind and hearts, leaving one startled, amazed and awaken.
On Emily Dickinson's Poem #435
Yuen M. Ho
English 48B
January 24, 2007
Journal #12 Emily Dickinson
I. Quote
“Much madness is divinest sense—
To a discerning eye—
Much sense – the starkest madness—
‘Tis the majority
In this, as all, prevail—
Assent – and you are sane—
Demur—you’re straightway dangerous—
And handled with a chain—”
II. Summary
The poem revolves around two major themes of sense and madness. In Dickinson’s view, sense indeed represents madness; madness is really sense. If you agree with her, then you have sense; but if you disagree, then you are likely to be mad.
Emily Dickinson plays around with words related to these two concepts in this short poem consisting of merely eight lines. In line six, the word “sane”, which means rational, prompts readers to immediately relate to “sense.” In line seven and eight, the mentioning of “dangerous” and “handled with a chain” also reminds readers of the common treatment of people deemed to be mad.
III. Response
This short poem elicits my speculation with regard to the myth of why Dickinson stayed in her room all the time. One possible explanation is that Dickinson had certain kind of emotional or mental disorder. But there may also be possibility that she was suspected to have disorder, and was thus judged harshly and discriminated by the society, contributing to her solitary life. This latter assumption may shed some light to the understanding of this poem. She used her words as a way to resent the societal standard of madness. She was protesting against the label given to her, and in turn named those people, who regarded her as mad but they as sensible, as mad and “dangerous.” Few people understood her at that time, and she apparently wished to gain rapport and understanding from them.
English 48B
January 24, 2007
Journal #12 Emily Dickinson
I. Quote
“Much madness is divinest sense—
To a discerning eye—
Much sense – the starkest madness—
‘Tis the majority
In this, as all, prevail—
Assent – and you are sane—
Demur—you’re straightway dangerous—
And handled with a chain—”
II. Summary
The poem revolves around two major themes of sense and madness. In Dickinson’s view, sense indeed represents madness; madness is really sense. If you agree with her, then you have sense; but if you disagree, then you are likely to be mad.
Emily Dickinson plays around with words related to these two concepts in this short poem consisting of merely eight lines. In line six, the word “sane”, which means rational, prompts readers to immediately relate to “sense.” In line seven and eight, the mentioning of “dangerous” and “handled with a chain” also reminds readers of the common treatment of people deemed to be mad.
III. Response
This short poem elicits my speculation with regard to the myth of why Dickinson stayed in her room all the time. One possible explanation is that Dickinson had certain kind of emotional or mental disorder. But there may also be possibility that she was suspected to have disorder, and was thus judged harshly and discriminated by the society, contributing to her solitary life. This latter assumption may shed some light to the understanding of this poem. She used her words as a way to resent the societal standard of madness. She was protesting against the label given to her, and in turn named those people, who regarded her as mad but they as sensible, as mad and “dangerous.” Few people understood her at that time, and she apparently wished to gain rapport and understanding from them.
Friday, January 19, 2007
On Bret Harte's The Outcasts of Poker Flat (4)
Yuen M. Ho
English 48B
January 19, 2007
Journal #11 Bret Harte
I. Quote
“And pulse less and cold, with a Derringer by his side and a bullet in his heart, though still calm as in life, beneath the snow, lay he who was at once the strongest and yet the weakest of the outcasts of Poker Flat.”
II. Summary
This was the ending lines of the story of “The Outcasts of Poker Flat.” It aroused several different suspicions with regard to what had actually happened to Mr. Oakhurst. He was buried and the deuce of clubs with his name was pinned to the bark of pine tree. I can think of several possibilities: he killed himself to save himself from the remaining pitiful life or to save others, he was murdered by the Innocent, or he was killed by one of the girls. While I have read and read trying to figure out any more clues I may have left out, I cannot but come to the conclusion that probably there is no one definite answer Harte intended when he wrote, and this is the appeal of this story.
III. Response
Throughout the story, Harte has always been mocking about life and its contradictions. Even by the end of the story, he brought about the death of Mr. Oakhurst, who has been depicted as a heroic kind of person: calm, handsome and righteous. While the other outcasts were complaining about the condition or worrying about food and survival, he always remained silent and observed the reality as if he was a spectator. He was always strong, no matter in the world of gambling or in a difficult condition to strive for survival. Nevertheless, the strongest was also the weakest. If he chose to commit suicide, he had lost to life. If he was killed, he had lost to the murderer whom he must have trusted before his death.
The ending resonated with the theme the author had brought up earlier: life is full of uncertainties. The ending of this story (of Mr. Oakhurst’s life) is just as unpredictable as the reality we are living in.
English 48B
January 19, 2007
Journal #11 Bret Harte
I. Quote
“And pulse less and cold, with a Derringer by his side and a bullet in his heart, though still calm as in life, beneath the snow, lay he who was at once the strongest and yet the weakest of the outcasts of Poker Flat.”
II. Summary
This was the ending lines of the story of “The Outcasts of Poker Flat.” It aroused several different suspicions with regard to what had actually happened to Mr. Oakhurst. He was buried and the deuce of clubs with his name was pinned to the bark of pine tree. I can think of several possibilities: he killed himself to save himself from the remaining pitiful life or to save others, he was murdered by the Innocent, or he was killed by one of the girls. While I have read and read trying to figure out any more clues I may have left out, I cannot but come to the conclusion that probably there is no one definite answer Harte intended when he wrote, and this is the appeal of this story.
III. Response
Throughout the story, Harte has always been mocking about life and its contradictions. Even by the end of the story, he brought about the death of Mr. Oakhurst, who has been depicted as a heroic kind of person: calm, handsome and righteous. While the other outcasts were complaining about the condition or worrying about food and survival, he always remained silent and observed the reality as if he was a spectator. He was always strong, no matter in the world of gambling or in a difficult condition to strive for survival. Nevertheless, the strongest was also the weakest. If he chose to commit suicide, he had lost to life. If he was killed, he had lost to the murderer whom he must have trusted before his death.
The ending resonated with the theme the author had brought up earlier: life is full of uncertainties. The ending of this story (of Mr. Oakhurst’s life) is just as unpredictable as the reality we are living in.
On Ambrose Bierce's An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge (2)
Yuen M. Ho
English 48B
January 19, 2007
Journal #10 Ambrose Bierce
I. Quote
“As these thoughts, which have here to be set down in words, were flashed into the doomed man’s brain rather than evolved from it the captain nodded to the sergeant. The sergeant stepped aside.”
II. Summary
There were many thoughts surging in the man’s mind before the execution. These thoughts, when expressed in words, took readers more than minutes to read and generate their own ones. While we may think the moment of silence before death has lasted for minutes, the author, implicitly, told us the otherwise. The delay was indeed short. There are several pieces of evidence. A more apparent one is that the man had to await with impatience each stroke of “ticking of his watch.” Besides, when he saw a piece of driftwood moving along with the river current, which was supposed to be rapid, he regarded the movement to be sluggish and slow.
III. Response
These few paragraphs of “slow motion” have basically set stage for the ending of the story that the entire part three of the story was purely imaginary and did not actually happen. Yet, the part had actually taken my breath away. I was not able to notice before reading through the end that all the escape and bullet shooting happened merely in the man’s mind – probably he was too anxious to embrace his death with silence and dignity. It would be too harsh a consequence to accept if he did not indulge himself in these thoughts of possibility of escape. He was not able to escape from his fate in reality, but he was able to escape form the reality in his imaginary world.
The ending in my regard is sad. The man did not seem to be able to comprehend the cause of his death. He once thought he was going to make contributions. Yet, he did not seem to have accomplished anything except bringing about the end of his life.
Bierce has showcased his writing skills by capturing readers’ mind in a story that did not constitute a story in its original form – for the entire incident only lasted for minutes and if described in plain words, would just be an ordinary story of an execution scene.
English 48B
January 19, 2007
Journal #10 Ambrose Bierce
I. Quote
“As these thoughts, which have here to be set down in words, were flashed into the doomed man’s brain rather than evolved from it the captain nodded to the sergeant. The sergeant stepped aside.”
II. Summary
There were many thoughts surging in the man’s mind before the execution. These thoughts, when expressed in words, took readers more than minutes to read and generate their own ones. While we may think the moment of silence before death has lasted for minutes, the author, implicitly, told us the otherwise. The delay was indeed short. There are several pieces of evidence. A more apparent one is that the man had to await with impatience each stroke of “ticking of his watch.” Besides, when he saw a piece of driftwood moving along with the river current, which was supposed to be rapid, he regarded the movement to be sluggish and slow.
III. Response
These few paragraphs of “slow motion” have basically set stage for the ending of the story that the entire part three of the story was purely imaginary and did not actually happen. Yet, the part had actually taken my breath away. I was not able to notice before reading through the end that all the escape and bullet shooting happened merely in the man’s mind – probably he was too anxious to embrace his death with silence and dignity. It would be too harsh a consequence to accept if he did not indulge himself in these thoughts of possibility of escape. He was not able to escape from his fate in reality, but he was able to escape form the reality in his imaginary world.
The ending in my regard is sad. The man did not seem to be able to comprehend the cause of his death. He once thought he was going to make contributions. Yet, he did not seem to have accomplished anything except bringing about the end of his life.
Bierce has showcased his writing skills by capturing readers’ mind in a story that did not constitute a story in its original form – for the entire incident only lasted for minutes and if described in plain words, would just be an ordinary story of an execution scene.
On Ambrose Bierce's An Occurence at Owl Creek Bridge (1)
Yuen M. Ho
English 48B
January 19, 2007
Journal #9 Ambrose Bierce
I. Quote
“Death is a dignitary who when he comes announced is to be received with formal manifestations of respect, even by those most familiar with him. In the code of military etiquette silence and fixity are forms of deference.”
II. Summary
This quote was describing the moment when the man was soon going to be executed and the soldiers, including the spectators, were already prepared for the hanging. It was a moment of absolute silence. There were many people at the execution site at that time, but nobody eked out a sound.
In this quote Bierce associated this silent moment before the man’s death with the receiving of an elegant guest. He explained that the soldiers were showing respect for the man’s death.
III. Response
This quote is weird – I have never heard somebody relating death with dignitary. Even though death is a natural consequence of life, it is always received with fear and avoidance. Sometimes it can be associated with respect – when somebody sacrifices one’s life for others. Nevertheless, I speculate that at some point before death, even a brave person cannot avert some sense of panic.
I am always ambiguous about death penalty. Sometimes I regard it as a manifestation of justice. Yet, beneath its justified cause, it is after all a kind of murder. It sounds sarcastic to me that on one hand the executioners were trying to kill the man but on the other hand they showed respect for his death. If they show their reverence for death by silence and fixity, what have they done to show the respect for life?
I understand that death is not a time for celebration, laughter or lousiness. I believe that the author was just trying to make the scene appear to be more vivid by describing different forms of silence and fixity. Wouldn’t he be able to conceive that a simple line like this can provoke so many thoughts?
English 48B
January 19, 2007
Journal #9 Ambrose Bierce
I. Quote
“Death is a dignitary who when he comes announced is to be received with formal manifestations of respect, even by those most familiar with him. In the code of military etiquette silence and fixity are forms of deference.”
II. Summary
This quote was describing the moment when the man was soon going to be executed and the soldiers, including the spectators, were already prepared for the hanging. It was a moment of absolute silence. There were many people at the execution site at that time, but nobody eked out a sound.
In this quote Bierce associated this silent moment before the man’s death with the receiving of an elegant guest. He explained that the soldiers were showing respect for the man’s death.
III. Response
This quote is weird – I have never heard somebody relating death with dignitary. Even though death is a natural consequence of life, it is always received with fear and avoidance. Sometimes it can be associated with respect – when somebody sacrifices one’s life for others. Nevertheless, I speculate that at some point before death, even a brave person cannot avert some sense of panic.
I am always ambiguous about death penalty. Sometimes I regard it as a manifestation of justice. Yet, beneath its justified cause, it is after all a kind of murder. It sounds sarcastic to me that on one hand the executioners were trying to kill the man but on the other hand they showed respect for his death. If they show their reverence for death by silence and fixity, what have they done to show the respect for life?
I understand that death is not a time for celebration, laughter or lousiness. I believe that the author was just trying to make the scene appear to be more vivid by describing different forms of silence and fixity. Wouldn’t he be able to conceive that a simple line like this can provoke so many thoughts?
On Bret Harte' s The Outcasts of Poker Flat (3)
Yuen M. Ho
English 48B
January 19, 2007
Journal #8 Bret Harte
I. Quote
“He was too much of a gambler not to accept Fate. With him life was at best an uncertain game, and he recognized the usual percentage in favor of the dealer.”
II. Summary
This quote does not sound unusual or brilliant at its first glance, given the context that Mr. Oakhurst was a gambler facing deportation because he had won a considerable amount of money from Poker Flat. This quote may be just spelling out the uncertainty he felt at that time, despite his appearance of absolute calmness.
Nevertheless, by looking closely at the line “life was at best an uncertain game,” we may speculate that Harte was not just trying to describe the sharp turn of life faced by Mr. Oakhurst. He might be generalizing this story of a gambler to something bigger, and more significant – fate and life.
If life is game, we are all gamblers like Mr. Oakhurst. The dealer can be God, boss, parent, spouse, or even money and fame – it can symbolize anything that takes control of us and something that wins our heart and mind. We always want to win in this game. Yet, the nature of life is uncertain, and just like Mr. Oakhurst, even if we manage to gain a profit, we may not be able to secure it – life is always full of uncertainties and “the usual percentage” is “in favor of the dealer.”
III. Response
This quote prompted me to ponder over the question of life again. I am a religious person, and I always believe that the fate people always mention is indeed determined by God. If God is the dealer, we will always lose this game – feeling desperate, drained and hopeless – if we do not include God in our life, for he is in control of everything. Yet, if our fate has been long pre-determined, then we better accept it with the calmness Mr. Oakhurst has demonstrated.
While life is full of uncertainties, it is such a quality that makes life worth living. We may worry, but through these moments of worry we learn to surrender our control to something higher above.
Even for non-religious people, regarding life as a game can be a helpful attitude to help one to persevere through low points. There is never an absolute winner, so why not just enjoy the game and have some fun before it ends?
English 48B
January 19, 2007
Journal #8 Bret Harte
I. Quote
“He was too much of a gambler not to accept Fate. With him life was at best an uncertain game, and he recognized the usual percentage in favor of the dealer.”
II. Summary
This quote does not sound unusual or brilliant at its first glance, given the context that Mr. Oakhurst was a gambler facing deportation because he had won a considerable amount of money from Poker Flat. This quote may be just spelling out the uncertainty he felt at that time, despite his appearance of absolute calmness.
Nevertheless, by looking closely at the line “life was at best an uncertain game,” we may speculate that Harte was not just trying to describe the sharp turn of life faced by Mr. Oakhurst. He might be generalizing this story of a gambler to something bigger, and more significant – fate and life.
If life is game, we are all gamblers like Mr. Oakhurst. The dealer can be God, boss, parent, spouse, or even money and fame – it can symbolize anything that takes control of us and something that wins our heart and mind. We always want to win in this game. Yet, the nature of life is uncertain, and just like Mr. Oakhurst, even if we manage to gain a profit, we may not be able to secure it – life is always full of uncertainties and “the usual percentage” is “in favor of the dealer.”
III. Response
This quote prompted me to ponder over the question of life again. I am a religious person, and I always believe that the fate people always mention is indeed determined by God. If God is the dealer, we will always lose this game – feeling desperate, drained and hopeless – if we do not include God in our life, for he is in control of everything. Yet, if our fate has been long pre-determined, then we better accept it with the calmness Mr. Oakhurst has demonstrated.
While life is full of uncertainties, it is such a quality that makes life worth living. We may worry, but through these moments of worry we learn to surrender our control to something higher above.
Even for non-religious people, regarding life as a game can be a helpful attitude to help one to persevere through low points. There is never an absolute winner, so why not just enjoy the game and have some fun before it ends?
On Bret Harte's The Outcasts of Poker Flat (2)
Yuen M. Ho
English 48B
January 19, 2007
Journal #7 Bret Harte
I. Quote
“It’s agin justice,” said Jim Wheeler, “to let this yer young man from Roaring Camp – an entire stranger – carry away our money.” But a crude sentiment of equity residing in the breasts of those who had been fortunate enough to win from Mr. Oakhurst, overruled this narrower local prejudice.
II. Summary
These few lines caught my attention because of its use of the word “justice.” While the dealers seemed to be discussing about a universal, moral concept of justice and upholding it, after all, they were merely concerned about their money. Another interesting fact to take notice of is that there were certain people who could win from Mr. Oakhurst, meaning that even though Mr. Oakhurst might have won a big sum of money, he lost at times. This probably indicated that Mr. Oakhurst did not cheat, but was just professional or fortunate enough to get the overall balance tipped to his side.
As a gambling house, dealers should know well that in the world of gambling, there is always switch of fortune but no absolute winner. To be a fair dealer, one should accept loss just as swiftly and calmly as one receives profit. To uphold justice, it is the responsibility of dealer to enforce the policy of “fair trade,” meaning that no one cheats or is at a privileged position. Yet, the concept of “justice” in Poker Flat is the kind of self-centered and profit-oriented “justice” – anyone or anything disturbing the Flat from earning profit is not justified in their sense.
III. Response
The way Poker Flat perceived “justice” elicited a recall of figures or countries in history that seemed to stand firm on the benefit of the people but were indeed merely concerned about their own gain. A prominent example is Holocaust – an attempt to purify the race by slaying all Jews. Hitler pronounced the policy as a way to purify the German race and wash off the evilness. Nevertheless, the real motive behind this brutal attempt was to secure his power base and remove any opposition – shocking, just as any other truth.
While I have no understanding of the historical context of this story, I believe Harte was mocking some political figures who claimed to be altruistic, but was in reality the otherwise.
English 48B
January 19, 2007
Journal #7 Bret Harte
I. Quote
“It’s agin justice,” said Jim Wheeler, “to let this yer young man from Roaring Camp – an entire stranger – carry away our money.” But a crude sentiment of equity residing in the breasts of those who had been fortunate enough to win from Mr. Oakhurst, overruled this narrower local prejudice.
II. Summary
These few lines caught my attention because of its use of the word “justice.” While the dealers seemed to be discussing about a universal, moral concept of justice and upholding it, after all, they were merely concerned about their money. Another interesting fact to take notice of is that there were certain people who could win from Mr. Oakhurst, meaning that even though Mr. Oakhurst might have won a big sum of money, he lost at times. This probably indicated that Mr. Oakhurst did not cheat, but was just professional or fortunate enough to get the overall balance tipped to his side.
As a gambling house, dealers should know well that in the world of gambling, there is always switch of fortune but no absolute winner. To be a fair dealer, one should accept loss just as swiftly and calmly as one receives profit. To uphold justice, it is the responsibility of dealer to enforce the policy of “fair trade,” meaning that no one cheats or is at a privileged position. Yet, the concept of “justice” in Poker Flat is the kind of self-centered and profit-oriented “justice” – anyone or anything disturbing the Flat from earning profit is not justified in their sense.
III. Response
The way Poker Flat perceived “justice” elicited a recall of figures or countries in history that seemed to stand firm on the benefit of the people but were indeed merely concerned about their own gain. A prominent example is Holocaust – an attempt to purify the race by slaying all Jews. Hitler pronounced the policy as a way to purify the German race and wash off the evilness. Nevertheless, the real motive behind this brutal attempt was to secure his power base and remove any opposition – shocking, just as any other truth.
While I have no understanding of the historical context of this story, I believe Harte was mocking some political figures who claimed to be altruistic, but was in reality the otherwise.
On Bret Harte's The Outcasts of Poker Flat (1)
Yuen M. Ho
English 48B
January 19, 2007
Journal #6 Bret Harte
I. Quote
“As Mr. John Oakhurst, gambler, stepped into the main street of Poker Flat on the morning of the twenty-third of November, 1850, he was conscious of a change in its moral atmosphere from the preceding night.”
II. Summary
This first sentence of the short story “The Outcasts of Poker Flat” already demonstrates the wit and humor of Bret Harte. There are two words that catch my attention: “gambler” and “moral”. As Mr. Oakhurst is a gambler and Poker Flat is also obviously a gambling place, the use of the word “moral” to describe the atmosphere inside Poker Flat appears to be amusing and sarcastic.
Later in the story, Harte continued this kind of humor. In paragraph 3, it was said that “Poker Flat had lately suffered the loss of several thousand dollars, two valuable horses, and a prominent citizen.” It was surely inconceivable for any prominent citizen to be highly associated with the Poker House. Besides, in the same paragraph, it was mentioned that “A secret committee had determined to rid the town of all improper persons.” It is amusing to find out who these “improper persons” are: gamblers who have won a big sum of money from the flat. While we surely understand what Poker Flat was trying to do indeed – to get rid of people who make their Flat lose, Harte described their action as venturing to “sit in judgment” of these “standards of evil”.
III. Response
Before going to class when I first read the story, I did not notice that the choice of words was supposed to imply opposite meanings and create a sense of irony. I was just like one of those “eastern readers” described by the editor, thinking this story as a sad myth of gamblers in the West. But after digging between the lines and words, I can now grasp the true, underlying meaning and I admit that it is drop dead humorous!
The charm of Harte’s writing lies in that whether you take a story’s superficial meaning or the underlying one, you will enjoy reading it.
English 48B
January 19, 2007
Journal #6 Bret Harte
I. Quote
“As Mr. John Oakhurst, gambler, stepped into the main street of Poker Flat on the morning of the twenty-third of November, 1850, he was conscious of a change in its moral atmosphere from the preceding night.”
II. Summary
This first sentence of the short story “The Outcasts of Poker Flat” already demonstrates the wit and humor of Bret Harte. There are two words that catch my attention: “gambler” and “moral”. As Mr. Oakhurst is a gambler and Poker Flat is also obviously a gambling place, the use of the word “moral” to describe the atmosphere inside Poker Flat appears to be amusing and sarcastic.
Later in the story, Harte continued this kind of humor. In paragraph 3, it was said that “Poker Flat had lately suffered the loss of several thousand dollars, two valuable horses, and a prominent citizen.” It was surely inconceivable for any prominent citizen to be highly associated with the Poker House. Besides, in the same paragraph, it was mentioned that “A secret committee had determined to rid the town of all improper persons.” It is amusing to find out who these “improper persons” are: gamblers who have won a big sum of money from the flat. While we surely understand what Poker Flat was trying to do indeed – to get rid of people who make their Flat lose, Harte described their action as venturing to “sit in judgment” of these “standards of evil”.
III. Response
Before going to class when I first read the story, I did not notice that the choice of words was supposed to imply opposite meanings and create a sense of irony. I was just like one of those “eastern readers” described by the editor, thinking this story as a sad myth of gamblers in the West. But after digging between the lines and words, I can now grasp the true, underlying meaning and I admit that it is drop dead humorous!
The charm of Harte’s writing lies in that whether you take a story’s superficial meaning or the underlying one, you will enjoy reading it.
Friday, January 12, 2007
On Whitman's Once I Pass'd through a Populous City
Yuen M. Ho
English 48B
January 12, 2007
Journal #5 Walt Whitman
I. Quote
“Yet now of all that city I remember only a woman I casually met there who detain’d me
for love of me,
Day by day and night by night we were together – all else has long been forgotten by me,
I remember I say only that woman who passionately clung to me,
Again we wander, we love, we separate again,
Again she holds me by the hand, I must not go”
II. Summary
This poem in its original form was not about a woman but a man. Whitman revised this poem for publication. Significant changes were made – the gender of the person he met in a populous city was changed from a man to a woman. This is mostly done out of societal pressure. I believe that Whitman did that because he did not want to, in an explicit way, reveal his sexual orientation to the comparatively conservative society at that time.
III. Response
The poem and its revision brings about a question for readers, authors and poets nowadays to contemplate on – whether a writer should write for the audience, or for one’s own self. While I always regard writing as a way to express one’s own emotions and thoughts, sometimes part of the purpose of writing, especially for published writing, is to make your voice heard, of course by the public.
In such a case, writing to impress or to inspire becomes another indispensable element of the writing process. It is normal for writers to want to gain credit and reputation for their work, or to the minimal, not to be condemned.
Yet, while I understand the motive behind Whitman’s revision, I disagree to publishing work that was not written with a genuine heart. I regard genuineness to be the core of the beauty of literature. If there is a poem that is likely to elicit negative response, I regard not publishing it to be a better way than to publish it with its content largely altered.
After all, whatever are the secondary purposes of writing, a writer should always bear in mind that the primary purpose – as an authentic reflection of self.
English 48B
January 12, 2007
Journal #5 Walt Whitman
I. Quote
“Yet now of all that city I remember only a woman I casually met there who detain’d me
for love of me,
Day by day and night by night we were together – all else has long been forgotten by me,
I remember I say only that woman who passionately clung to me,
Again we wander, we love, we separate again,
Again she holds me by the hand, I must not go”
II. Summary
This poem in its original form was not about a woman but a man. Whitman revised this poem for publication. Significant changes were made – the gender of the person he met in a populous city was changed from a man to a woman. This is mostly done out of societal pressure. I believe that Whitman did that because he did not want to, in an explicit way, reveal his sexual orientation to the comparatively conservative society at that time.
III. Response
The poem and its revision brings about a question for readers, authors and poets nowadays to contemplate on – whether a writer should write for the audience, or for one’s own self. While I always regard writing as a way to express one’s own emotions and thoughts, sometimes part of the purpose of writing, especially for published writing, is to make your voice heard, of course by the public.
In such a case, writing to impress or to inspire becomes another indispensable element of the writing process. It is normal for writers to want to gain credit and reputation for their work, or to the minimal, not to be condemned.
Yet, while I understand the motive behind Whitman’s revision, I disagree to publishing work that was not written with a genuine heart. I regard genuineness to be the core of the beauty of literature. If there is a poem that is likely to elicit negative response, I regard not publishing it to be a better way than to publish it with its content largely altered.
After all, whatever are the secondary purposes of writing, a writer should always bear in mind that the primary purpose – as an authentic reflection of self.
On Whitman's Whoever You are Holding Me Now in Hand (2)
Yuen M. Ho
English 48B
January 12, 2007
Journal #4 Walt Whitman
I. Quote
“Or else by stealth in some wood for trial,
Or back of a rock in the open air,
(For in any roof’d room of a house I emerge not, nor in company,
And in libraries I lie as one dumb, a gawk, or unborn, or dead,)
But just possibly with you on a high hill, first watching lest any person for miles around
Approach unawares,
Or possibly with you sailing at sea, or on the beach of the sea or some island”
II. Summary
These few lines reveal a touching message about true love – that love confirms one value of existence. Whitman did not feel any sense of significance or respect while he was at public places like libraries, or even in his own workplace. In any “roof’d room of a house”, as Whitman put it, he felt as if he did not exist.
One difference between “roof’d room of a house” and the open space is the presence of other people. By house, he probably referred to places where other people were present, along with their biases and stigma. Nevertheless, despite so, his love could offer him assurance and confirmation.
It is clear that the society asserted immense pressure on their relationship. Even though his love offered him the only comfort zone, out of the same love, he did not want his partner to suffer from this kind of pressure. He has experienced and gone through enough – he did not wish that his partner had to go through the same struggle and obstacles, for they could never be overcome, but for the most they could only be dodged constantly.
III. Response
Even though I certainly do not share the same experience with Whitman, I can understand the assurance he felt while being with his loved one. Sometimes when the world seems to be going against you, your love will be the only one you need to understand you, and confirm that you have value and a place in the world.
Just like Whitman, from time to time I feel like a dump person or a weirdo. I am never the center of the circle, nor do I want to be in the spotlight. I fear too much attention, but I cannot survive without some. The experience of being in love saves me from self-hatred and self-doubt. My boyfriend helps me to understand my uniqueness and that my life serves some purposes.
It is depressing to know that Whitman had fortunately found a person who gave his life meaning, but could hardly continue the relationship out of some outsiders’ pressure. As its title of “Whoever You are Holding Me Now in Hand” has suggested, whoever that person is, as long as the person is a “he”, then Whitman could not but end the relationship to save that person from an unceasing vicious cycle.
English 48B
January 12, 2007
Journal #4 Walt Whitman
I. Quote
“Or else by stealth in some wood for trial,
Or back of a rock in the open air,
(For in any roof’d room of a house I emerge not, nor in company,
And in libraries I lie as one dumb, a gawk, or unborn, or dead,)
But just possibly with you on a high hill, first watching lest any person for miles around
Approach unawares,
Or possibly with you sailing at sea, or on the beach of the sea or some island”
II. Summary
These few lines reveal a touching message about true love – that love confirms one value of existence. Whitman did not feel any sense of significance or respect while he was at public places like libraries, or even in his own workplace. In any “roof’d room of a house”, as Whitman put it, he felt as if he did not exist.
One difference between “roof’d room of a house” and the open space is the presence of other people. By house, he probably referred to places where other people were present, along with their biases and stigma. Nevertheless, despite so, his love could offer him assurance and confirmation.
It is clear that the society asserted immense pressure on their relationship. Even though his love offered him the only comfort zone, out of the same love, he did not want his partner to suffer from this kind of pressure. He has experienced and gone through enough – he did not wish that his partner had to go through the same struggle and obstacles, for they could never be overcome, but for the most they could only be dodged constantly.
III. Response
Even though I certainly do not share the same experience with Whitman, I can understand the assurance he felt while being with his loved one. Sometimes when the world seems to be going against you, your love will be the only one you need to understand you, and confirm that you have value and a place in the world.
Just like Whitman, from time to time I feel like a dump person or a weirdo. I am never the center of the circle, nor do I want to be in the spotlight. I fear too much attention, but I cannot survive without some. The experience of being in love saves me from self-hatred and self-doubt. My boyfriend helps me to understand my uniqueness and that my life serves some purposes.
It is depressing to know that Whitman had fortunately found a person who gave his life meaning, but could hardly continue the relationship out of some outsiders’ pressure. As its title of “Whoever You are Holding Me Now in Hand” has suggested, whoever that person is, as long as the person is a “he”, then Whitman could not but end the relationship to save that person from an unceasing vicious cycle.
On Whitman's Whoever You Are Holding Me Now in Hand (1)
Yuen M. Ho
English 48B
January 12, 2007
Journal #3 Walt Whitman
I. Quote
“The way is suspicious, the result uncertain, perhaps destructive,
You would have to give up all else, I alone would expect to be your sole and exclusive
Standard,
Your novitiate would even then be long and exhausting,
The whole past theory of your life and all conformity to the lives around you would have
To be abandon’d”
II. Summary
There are few clues in this poem indicating that Whitman was talking about love between two men. First, he used “he” to represent the “candidate for my affections” – his love. Second, in a more implicit way, he mentioned that “the way is suspicious, the result uncertain, perhaps destructive.” This is a true reflection of most homosexual relationships as the couple often has to attempt to escape from the spotlight if they do not want to confront society pressure and controversy. Third, he also described in the same stanza that “all conformity to the lives around you would have to be abandon’d.” This suggests that the relationship is not like most others; it may not be normal to the societal standard. Fourth, “comrade” was used to describe the relationship. Since comrade is normally used to describe friendship between two males, it is very apparent that Whitman is not talking about relationship between opposite sexes.
This (part of a) stanza points out a sad truth for homosexual relationships at that time period. Not just do they suffer from immense pressure, they may even have to depart from their past lives: friends, family and jobs. While Whitman was courageous enough to reveal his sexual orientation, he was fearful of the results, for it might be too grueling for his loved one to handle. Thus, he, in this poem, asked his love not to continue this journey with him.
III. Response
It is hard for me to imagine what it was like to be homosexual so far back then. Even nowadays, homosexuality is condemned in most societies and cultures, including the free land of America. I believe that it would have been too shocking for people at that time to handle; don’t even mention about acceptance. While I pity Whitman for the struggles he was facing, I appreciate his courage to write this poem. Even though he was asking his loved one to leave him, this suggestion was obviously made out of enormous love and sacrifices.
English 48B
January 12, 2007
Journal #3 Walt Whitman
I. Quote
“The way is suspicious, the result uncertain, perhaps destructive,
You would have to give up all else, I alone would expect to be your sole and exclusive
Standard,
Your novitiate would even then be long and exhausting,
The whole past theory of your life and all conformity to the lives around you would have
To be abandon’d”
II. Summary
There are few clues in this poem indicating that Whitman was talking about love between two men. First, he used “he” to represent the “candidate for my affections” – his love. Second, in a more implicit way, he mentioned that “the way is suspicious, the result uncertain, perhaps destructive.” This is a true reflection of most homosexual relationships as the couple often has to attempt to escape from the spotlight if they do not want to confront society pressure and controversy. Third, he also described in the same stanza that “all conformity to the lives around you would have to be abandon’d.” This suggests that the relationship is not like most others; it may not be normal to the societal standard. Fourth, “comrade” was used to describe the relationship. Since comrade is normally used to describe friendship between two males, it is very apparent that Whitman is not talking about relationship between opposite sexes.
This (part of a) stanza points out a sad truth for homosexual relationships at that time period. Not just do they suffer from immense pressure, they may even have to depart from their past lives: friends, family and jobs. While Whitman was courageous enough to reveal his sexual orientation, he was fearful of the results, for it might be too grueling for his loved one to handle. Thus, he, in this poem, asked his love not to continue this journey with him.
III. Response
It is hard for me to imagine what it was like to be homosexual so far back then. Even nowadays, homosexuality is condemned in most societies and cultures, including the free land of America. I believe that it would have been too shocking for people at that time to handle; don’t even mention about acceptance. While I pity Whitman for the struggles he was facing, I appreciate his courage to write this poem. Even though he was asking his loved one to leave him, this suggestion was obviously made out of enormous love and sacrifices.
On Whitman's Leaves of Grass (2)
Yuen M. Ho
English 48B
January 12, 2006
Journal #2 Walt Whitman
I. Quote
“But I do not talk of the beginning or the end.
There was never any more inception than there is now,
Nor any more youth or age than there is now;
And will never be any more perfection than there is now,
Nor any more heaven or hell than there is now.”
II. Summary
Whitman emphasized on “now” in this stanza; it refers to the present moment. He asked us to grasp the presence, for it is the “inception”. This reflects his attitude of letting go of the past. History, no matter how exciting or depressing, is gone and cannot be undone. There is not any way we can chase back the lost years. That’s why he said “there was never… any more youth or age than there is now.” Besides, even though the future is in our hands, anticipating too much about it is not too meaningful or helpful. Doing one’s best at the present, for we never know what will come next.
III. Response
Embracing life as what it is now is always the toughest lesson in life. While we always feel inspired or enlightened when authors, movie makers, religious leaders or even some ordinary people remind us of the importance of today in contrary to yesterday or tomorrow, we tend to forget about it when we get indulged in work, study and this materialistic world.
We reminisce the past. We anticipate the future. Yet, what about the present moment? Are we trying our best to make it memorable, so that it will become a piece of precious puzzle of the past as well as a motivating factor for the future?
The best is the present moment – for it is in our firm grasp. Once passed, it will add value to our history and build blocks for tomorrow.
English 48B
January 12, 2006
Journal #2 Walt Whitman
I. Quote
“But I do not talk of the beginning or the end.
There was never any more inception than there is now,
Nor any more youth or age than there is now;
And will never be any more perfection than there is now,
Nor any more heaven or hell than there is now.”
II. Summary
Whitman emphasized on “now” in this stanza; it refers to the present moment. He asked us to grasp the presence, for it is the “inception”. This reflects his attitude of letting go of the past. History, no matter how exciting or depressing, is gone and cannot be undone. There is not any way we can chase back the lost years. That’s why he said “there was never… any more youth or age than there is now.” Besides, even though the future is in our hands, anticipating too much about it is not too meaningful or helpful. Doing one’s best at the present, for we never know what will come next.
III. Response
Embracing life as what it is now is always the toughest lesson in life. While we always feel inspired or enlightened when authors, movie makers, religious leaders or even some ordinary people remind us of the importance of today in contrary to yesterday or tomorrow, we tend to forget about it when we get indulged in work, study and this materialistic world.
We reminisce the past. We anticipate the future. Yet, what about the present moment? Are we trying our best to make it memorable, so that it will become a piece of precious puzzle of the past as well as a motivating factor for the future?
The best is the present moment – for it is in our firm grasp. Once passed, it will add value to our history and build blocks for tomorrow.
On Whitman's Leaves of Grass (1)
Yuen M. Ho
English 48B
January 12, 2007
Journal #1 Walt Whitman
I. Quote
“Houses and rooms are full of perfumes… the shelves are crowded with perfumes,
I breathe the fragrance myself, and know it and like it,
The distillation would intoxicate me also, but I shall not let it.
The atmosphere is not a perfume… it has not taste of the distillation… it is odorless,
It is for my mouth forever… I am in love with it,”
II. Summary
These few lines revolve around two major subjects: perfume and natural air. To understand what Whitman meant by “perfume” and “air”, I try to analyze it in terms of its context.
At the beginning of the poem, Whitman discussed about the celebration of self. It gives readers an impression that this poet was confident, or even conceited. Whatever the actual case is, it is apparent that Whitman had some ideas and thoughts, which were probably different from mainstream thinking at that time, and he were not ashamed or hesitant to make them known. This concept was generated mainly from the line “I lean and loafe at my ease.” Loafing was strongly discouraged at that time. Nevertheless, Whitman was not embarrassed to talk about loafing. He even mentioned it as if it was something normal or even great. The phrase “at my ease” was also contradictory with the fast societal pace. All these pointed to a conclusion that Whitman had his own life style and stream of thoughts, be them differed from the rest of the society.
When Whitman switched from talking about self, loafing and watching the summer grass to perfumes, I felt they were unrelated at first. Yet, understanding the differences between perfume and gas might help to gather evidence to understand the analogy.
Perfume is man-made and artificial. It is easily noticeable with its usually strong fragrance and there can be many different brands and styles. The smell is strong and is enticing. On the other hand, air is natural and “odorless”, as put by Whitman. It is around us all the time but we seldom notice or think about it. We seem to take it for granted.
Perfume may then be generalized to represent the material world, while the fresh air represents the nature. In the modern world, material things are surely enthralling compared with the nature. It may intoxicate people, making them indulged in a fast-paced lifestyle centered on money and fame and the pursuit of material living. Yet, Whitman made a break from this kind of living by saying that “The distillation would intoxicate me also, but I shall not let it” and “I lean and loafe at my ease”. He would not withdraw from his simple living style.
III. Response
My understanding of these few lines may not be the only analysis of it. It may not even be close to Whitman’s original meaning. Nevertheless, as Whitman has suggested, “Stop this day and night with me and you shall possess the origin of all poems.” Besides, he also advised that we should “no longer take things at second or third hand” and should “filter them from yourself.” I believe poems are significant not just for their literary value, but also in the meaning, or advice they offer to different people who may read it from various perspectives – their own perspectives.
I agree with Whitman that loafing at one’s own ease is beneficial to one’s soul. Loafing offers an opportunity for the mind to quiet, settle and filter all signals one has received from the world.
Besides, I also appreciate Whitman’s attitude of appreciating “perfumes” on one hand but be rational enough to prevent it from intoxicating oneself. Living in the materialistic world, it is not possible to withdraw totally from its lifestyle. The clever way is to be in it, but not to be dominated by it. I believe Whitman has shown us his attitude, and he was able to do so.
English 48B
January 12, 2007
Journal #1 Walt Whitman
I. Quote
“Houses and rooms are full of perfumes… the shelves are crowded with perfumes,
I breathe the fragrance myself, and know it and like it,
The distillation would intoxicate me also, but I shall not let it.
The atmosphere is not a perfume… it has not taste of the distillation… it is odorless,
It is for my mouth forever… I am in love with it,”
II. Summary
These few lines revolve around two major subjects: perfume and natural air. To understand what Whitman meant by “perfume” and “air”, I try to analyze it in terms of its context.
At the beginning of the poem, Whitman discussed about the celebration of self. It gives readers an impression that this poet was confident, or even conceited. Whatever the actual case is, it is apparent that Whitman had some ideas and thoughts, which were probably different from mainstream thinking at that time, and he were not ashamed or hesitant to make them known. This concept was generated mainly from the line “I lean and loafe at my ease.” Loafing was strongly discouraged at that time. Nevertheless, Whitman was not embarrassed to talk about loafing. He even mentioned it as if it was something normal or even great. The phrase “at my ease” was also contradictory with the fast societal pace. All these pointed to a conclusion that Whitman had his own life style and stream of thoughts, be them differed from the rest of the society.
When Whitman switched from talking about self, loafing and watching the summer grass to perfumes, I felt they were unrelated at first. Yet, understanding the differences between perfume and gas might help to gather evidence to understand the analogy.
Perfume is man-made and artificial. It is easily noticeable with its usually strong fragrance and there can be many different brands and styles. The smell is strong and is enticing. On the other hand, air is natural and “odorless”, as put by Whitman. It is around us all the time but we seldom notice or think about it. We seem to take it for granted.
Perfume may then be generalized to represent the material world, while the fresh air represents the nature. In the modern world, material things are surely enthralling compared with the nature. It may intoxicate people, making them indulged in a fast-paced lifestyle centered on money and fame and the pursuit of material living. Yet, Whitman made a break from this kind of living by saying that “The distillation would intoxicate me also, but I shall not let it” and “I lean and loafe at my ease”. He would not withdraw from his simple living style.
III. Response
My understanding of these few lines may not be the only analysis of it. It may not even be close to Whitman’s original meaning. Nevertheless, as Whitman has suggested, “Stop this day and night with me and you shall possess the origin of all poems.” Besides, he also advised that we should “no longer take things at second or third hand” and should “filter them from yourself.” I believe poems are significant not just for their literary value, but also in the meaning, or advice they offer to different people who may read it from various perspectives – their own perspectives.
I agree with Whitman that loafing at one’s own ease is beneficial to one’s soul. Loafing offers an opportunity for the mind to quiet, settle and filter all signals one has received from the world.
Besides, I also appreciate Whitman’s attitude of appreciating “perfumes” on one hand but be rational enough to prevent it from intoxicating oneself. Living in the materialistic world, it is not possible to withdraw totally from its lifestyle. The clever way is to be in it, but not to be dominated by it. I believe Whitman has shown us his attitude, and he was able to do so.
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