Yuen Man Ho
English 48B
February 23, 2007
Journal #31 Stephen Crane
I. Quote
“We picture the world as thick with conquering and elate humanity, but here, with the bugles of the tempest pealing, it was hard to imagine a peopled earth. One viewed the existence of man then as a marvel, and conceded a glamour of wonder to these lice which were caused to cling to a whirling, fire-smote, ice-locked, disease-stricken, space-lost bulb. The conceit of man was explained by this storm to be the very engine of life.”
II. Summary
Stephen Crane made another analogy for both man and planet. He related men as lice, and planet as bulb with difficult living conditions. He regarded that in order for such a comparatively minute living thing to survive in the tough environment, man must have conceit.
III. Response
We can again glimpse from this quote how Stephen Crane comprehended nature and human beings. He regarded nature as an indifferent giant that posted many difficulties for all living things. There were whirlwinds, storms, fire, ice, diseases and overpopulation. After being in one storm, he believed that what made men able to overcome these difficulties to be conceit. Without it, men could not have been successful in this battle.
I agree with his analogy that men are too powerless to change the nature. Despite our advanced technology, one storm can easily destroy our constructions. Not just is there hardly an accurate way for us to predict the arrival of catastrophe, there is not method for us to completely conquer them. All we can do is to minimize the harm and devastation caused.
Yet, in face of nature, I do not think men should be conceited. Indeed, nature teaches us to be humble. Very often human beings regard ourselves as the most intellectual animal on Earth and may take pride in ourselves. Some even think they can assume the power of God. Nevertheless, just one storm can show us that what human beings can do is still limited in face of the powerful nature.
Friday, February 23, 2007
On Stephen Crane 4
Yuen Man Ho
English 48B
February 23, 2007
Journal #30 Stephen Crane
I. Quote
“This tower was a giant… It represented in a degree, to the correspondent, the serenity of nature amid the struggles of the individual – nature in the wind, and nature in the vision of men. She did not seem cruel to him then, nor beneficent, nor treacherous, nor wise. But she was indifferent, flatly indifferent.”
II. Summary
In Crane’s eyes, nature is indifferent to the misery of men. Being the cause of calamity and beauty, nature determines the fate of men, who are powerless and insignificant compared with this potent giant.
Crane’s attitude is reflected throughout the entire story. Among the team, he was calmer compared with the other three. He continued his job as a spectator even during such a difficult situation during which his life was at risk. He did not cease observing, noting and reflecting upon every detail in the environment. Not just could he remember the details, he could even come up with analogy to explain what he saw and experienced.
III. Response
Crane detached any emotion or feeling from nature. While many people regarded dark clouds as gloomy and starry night as romantic, he did not even think that fierce storm is cruel. Every thing in his eyes belongs to part of nature, which is indifferent as a whole. This way of thinking may be related to his rebellious attitudes towards God. He did not revere God as an all loving, all powerful and all knowing. He just regarded God as a creator. In the same objective way, he analyzed that nature is exactly what it shows us. It does not bear any human characters. Looking at things from a humanistic point of view is not Crane’s way. I regard him as a more scientific and practical writer who does not share the sentimental way of thinking as most other writers.
English 48B
February 23, 2007
Journal #30 Stephen Crane
I. Quote
“This tower was a giant… It represented in a degree, to the correspondent, the serenity of nature amid the struggles of the individual – nature in the wind, and nature in the vision of men. She did not seem cruel to him then, nor beneficent, nor treacherous, nor wise. But she was indifferent, flatly indifferent.”
II. Summary
In Crane’s eyes, nature is indifferent to the misery of men. Being the cause of calamity and beauty, nature determines the fate of men, who are powerless and insignificant compared with this potent giant.
Crane’s attitude is reflected throughout the entire story. Among the team, he was calmer compared with the other three. He continued his job as a spectator even during such a difficult situation during which his life was at risk. He did not cease observing, noting and reflecting upon every detail in the environment. Not just could he remember the details, he could even come up with analogy to explain what he saw and experienced.
III. Response
Crane detached any emotion or feeling from nature. While many people regarded dark clouds as gloomy and starry night as romantic, he did not even think that fierce storm is cruel. Every thing in his eyes belongs to part of nature, which is indifferent as a whole. This way of thinking may be related to his rebellious attitudes towards God. He did not revere God as an all loving, all powerful and all knowing. He just regarded God as a creator. In the same objective way, he analyzed that nature is exactly what it shows us. It does not bear any human characters. Looking at things from a humanistic point of view is not Crane’s way. I regard him as a more scientific and practical writer who does not share the sentimental way of thinking as most other writers.
On Stephen Crane 3
Yuen Man Ho
English 48B
February 23, 2007
Journal #29 Stephen Crane
I. Quote
“He has never considered it his affair that a soldier of the Legion lay dying in Algiers, nor had it appeared to him as a matter for sorrow. It was less to him than the breaking of a pencil’s point. Now, however, it quaintly came to him as a human, living thing… it was an actuality – stern, mournful, and fine.”
II. Summary
Stephen Crane frankly admitted his lack of empathy – before having an experience of almost losing his life, even adverse atrocities or calamities at the other side of the world did not arouse any feelings or emotions – he just regarded them as some kind of stories. Nevertheless, after coming to a similar situation himself, he finally realized how it was like of being close to death. He described it as “stern, mournful, and fine.”
III. Response
I was bewildered at how cold-blooded Crane used to be – he considered soldiers’ deaths to be less than the breaking of a pencil’s point. Yet, I am also enthralled by his unusual frankness. He did not attempt to hide his vices from readers; he boldly announced them. He displayed his entire self before his readers, and has successfully presented a comprehensive image of himself: calm, experimental, rebellious and observant.
His simple directness makes his writing to be strongly realistic – it does not merely expose the skin, but is able to burrow deeply into the nerves and impulses. His story is no glitz studded fairy tale, but plain, blunt truth. No wonder Crane was alienated from the society – he was too conceited to follow the tide of society and the footsteps of others.
English 48B
February 23, 2007
Journal #29 Stephen Crane
I. Quote
“He has never considered it his affair that a soldier of the Legion lay dying in Algiers, nor had it appeared to him as a matter for sorrow. It was less to him than the breaking of a pencil’s point. Now, however, it quaintly came to him as a human, living thing… it was an actuality – stern, mournful, and fine.”
II. Summary
Stephen Crane frankly admitted his lack of empathy – before having an experience of almost losing his life, even adverse atrocities or calamities at the other side of the world did not arouse any feelings or emotions – he just regarded them as some kind of stories. Nevertheless, after coming to a similar situation himself, he finally realized how it was like of being close to death. He described it as “stern, mournful, and fine.”
III. Response
I was bewildered at how cold-blooded Crane used to be – he considered soldiers’ deaths to be less than the breaking of a pencil’s point. Yet, I am also enthralled by his unusual frankness. He did not attempt to hide his vices from readers; he boldly announced them. He displayed his entire self before his readers, and has successfully presented a comprehensive image of himself: calm, experimental, rebellious and observant.
His simple directness makes his writing to be strongly realistic – it does not merely expose the skin, but is able to burrow deeply into the nerves and impulses. His story is no glitz studded fairy tale, but plain, blunt truth. No wonder Crane was alienated from the society – he was too conceited to follow the tide of society and the footsteps of others.
On Stephen Crane 2
Yuen Man Ho
English 48B
February 23, 2007
Journal #28 Stephen Crane
I. Quote
“During this dismal night, it may be remarked that a man would conclude that it was really the intention of the seven mad gods to drown him, despite the abominable injustice of it. For it was certainly an abominable injustice to drown a man who had worked so hard, so hard. The man felt it would be a crime most unnatural.”
II. Summary
Even though the team had tried so hard rowing towards the shore, it still appeared distant and did not seem to have moved an inch. Drained emotionally and physically, the four men questioned fate. They felt contemptuous; they thought life was so unfair to lead four diligent men to such a pitiful end. Hope was gradually sipping away, just like the energy going away from their hands holding the oars.
III. Response
Before reading Stephen Crane’s writing, the head note of Norton Anthology has given me a brief preview of his personality: “Crane’s poetry, journalism, and fiction clearly demonstrated his religious, social, and literary rebelliousness.” From this quote, I can see why Crane was widely recognized as being rebellious. He was not willing to accept fate. He held stronger faith in man power and the ability of human beings. He expected reward or positive feedback in return of his hard work and effort. Such a to and fro relationship was considered by Crane as justice.
The quote above also demonstrates another belief of Crane. He has shown his attitude towards God from the sentence “a man would conclude that it was really the intention of the seven mad gods to drown him.” Instead of submitting to the widespread concept that God does only good for his creations, he regarded that God also brought about suffering and adversities, like the drowning of men in a storm.
English 48B
February 23, 2007
Journal #28 Stephen Crane
I. Quote
“During this dismal night, it may be remarked that a man would conclude that it was really the intention of the seven mad gods to drown him, despite the abominable injustice of it. For it was certainly an abominable injustice to drown a man who had worked so hard, so hard. The man felt it would be a crime most unnatural.”
II. Summary
Even though the team had tried so hard rowing towards the shore, it still appeared distant and did not seem to have moved an inch. Drained emotionally and physically, the four men questioned fate. They felt contemptuous; they thought life was so unfair to lead four diligent men to such a pitiful end. Hope was gradually sipping away, just like the energy going away from their hands holding the oars.
III. Response
Before reading Stephen Crane’s writing, the head note of Norton Anthology has given me a brief preview of his personality: “Crane’s poetry, journalism, and fiction clearly demonstrated his religious, social, and literary rebelliousness.” From this quote, I can see why Crane was widely recognized as being rebellious. He was not willing to accept fate. He held stronger faith in man power and the ability of human beings. He expected reward or positive feedback in return of his hard work and effort. Such a to and fro relationship was considered by Crane as justice.
The quote above also demonstrates another belief of Crane. He has shown his attitude towards God from the sentence “a man would conclude that it was really the intention of the seven mad gods to drown him.” Instead of submitting to the widespread concept that God does only good for his creations, he regarded that God also brought about suffering and adversities, like the drowning of men in a storm.
On Stephen Crane 1
Yuen Man Ho
English 48B
February 23, 2007
Journal #27 Stephen Crane
I. Quote
“The correspondent, pulling at the other oar, watched the waves and wondered why he was there.”
II. Summary
In the story of “Open Boat,” Stephen Crane recalled his experience of almost drowning to death in the storm. There were four men on the boat: captain, cook, oiler and him. Despite the immense adversity and their fragile bodies, the four of them bonded as a group, displayed strong spirit of brotherhood, supported each other and finally managed to save themselves from the impending fate of death.
While depicting the responses of the other three in view of the ferocious waves, he told the readers that all he was thinking of at that time was not the helpless and menacing situation, but the question of why he was there.
III. Response
I was curious about Stephen Crane’s response to such a supposedly frightening and threatening situation. Instead of acting fearfully like the other three, he appeared to be extremely calm. He seemed not to have forgotten his role as a correspondent, and continued to observe and record. His reaction reminded me of the Mr. Oakhurst in Bret Harte’s “The Outcasts of Poker Flat.” While both of them were placed in an adverse condition, they did not disperse their usual calmness. Nevertheless, unlike Mr. Oakhurst, Stephen Crane is not a fictional character! I cannot but admire such a quality of him!
Such an adorable quality of the author is evident throughout the story. He carefully observed his surroundings, including the expressions, actions and conversations of the other three men as well as the changing context of the environment. Another quote that made my jaws dropped was found later in the passage. He wrote that “Viewed from a balcony, the whole thing would doubtlessly have been weirdly picturesque. But he men in the boat had no time to see it, and if they had had leisure there were other things to occupy their minds.” From this particular quote, it is apparent that he has already detached himself from the group. He sounded as if he was a narrator not threatened by the fierce storm.
I conjecture that it is such detachment from the environment that makes Crane a widely popular writer. Since he did not indulge his own emotions and feelings too deeply into any emergence, he was able to recount the meticulous details of any story and observe without interference the reactions of people to fate or nature.
English 48B
February 23, 2007
Journal #27 Stephen Crane
I. Quote
“The correspondent, pulling at the other oar, watched the waves and wondered why he was there.”
II. Summary
In the story of “Open Boat,” Stephen Crane recalled his experience of almost drowning to death in the storm. There were four men on the boat: captain, cook, oiler and him. Despite the immense adversity and their fragile bodies, the four of them bonded as a group, displayed strong spirit of brotherhood, supported each other and finally managed to save themselves from the impending fate of death.
While depicting the responses of the other three in view of the ferocious waves, he told the readers that all he was thinking of at that time was not the helpless and menacing situation, but the question of why he was there.
III. Response
I was curious about Stephen Crane’s response to such a supposedly frightening and threatening situation. Instead of acting fearfully like the other three, he appeared to be extremely calm. He seemed not to have forgotten his role as a correspondent, and continued to observe and record. His reaction reminded me of the Mr. Oakhurst in Bret Harte’s “The Outcasts of Poker Flat.” While both of them were placed in an adverse condition, they did not disperse their usual calmness. Nevertheless, unlike Mr. Oakhurst, Stephen Crane is not a fictional character! I cannot but admire such a quality of him!
Such an adorable quality of the author is evident throughout the story. He carefully observed his surroundings, including the expressions, actions and conversations of the other three men as well as the changing context of the environment. Another quote that made my jaws dropped was found later in the passage. He wrote that “Viewed from a balcony, the whole thing would doubtlessly have been weirdly picturesque. But he men in the boat had no time to see it, and if they had had leisure there were other things to occupy their minds.” From this particular quote, it is apparent that he has already detached himself from the group. He sounded as if he was a narrator not threatened by the fierce storm.
I conjecture that it is such detachment from the environment that makes Crane a widely popular writer. Since he did not indulge his own emotions and feelings too deeply into any emergence, he was able to recount the meticulous details of any story and observe without interference the reactions of people to fate or nature.
Friday, February 09, 2007
On Booker T. Washington's Up from Slavery (5)
Yuen M. Ho
English 48B
February 9, 2007
Journal #26 Booker T. Washington
I. Quote
“When the two young masters were brought home wounded, the sympathy of the slaves was shown in many ways. They were just as anxious to assist in the nursing as the family relatives of the wounded… This tenderness and sympathy on the part of those held in bondage was a result of their kindly and generous nature.”
II. Summary
This quote is from the description of the war. During the civil war, which the result would determine the fate for the Negroes, instead of having a mean heart and hoping their owners to suffer, the Negroes, according to Booker T. Washington, showed their tender care and sympathy towards their owners. While the owners might not have treated them their same way before the war, Washington explained that their behaviors were a result of their kind nature.
III. Response
Since Washington was a slave and a Negro himself, I wondered if he could have some bias in depicting only the good sides of his race. The behavior he mentioned might not be fabricated. Nevertheless, how about behind-the-scene? What did they say about their owners? Did they secretly curse them at night? Or did they really just pray for their own freedom?
There is never an answer to the above questions. Let’s just assume his depiction is genuine. I am sure that it is impossible for the care and love to be one-sided. Their owners should have been generous and benevolent to them in certain ways in life, leading to their respect and obedience for them. Otherwise, why would they “wander from the slave quarters back to the ‘big house’ to have a whispered conversation with their former owners as to the future” after emancipation?
English 48B
February 9, 2007
Journal #26 Booker T. Washington
I. Quote
“When the two young masters were brought home wounded, the sympathy of the slaves was shown in many ways. They were just as anxious to assist in the nursing as the family relatives of the wounded… This tenderness and sympathy on the part of those held in bondage was a result of their kindly and generous nature.”
II. Summary
This quote is from the description of the war. During the civil war, which the result would determine the fate for the Negroes, instead of having a mean heart and hoping their owners to suffer, the Negroes, according to Booker T. Washington, showed their tender care and sympathy towards their owners. While the owners might not have treated them their same way before the war, Washington explained that their behaviors were a result of their kind nature.
III. Response
Since Washington was a slave and a Negro himself, I wondered if he could have some bias in depicting only the good sides of his race. The behavior he mentioned might not be fabricated. Nevertheless, how about behind-the-scene? What did they say about their owners? Did they secretly curse them at night? Or did they really just pray for their own freedom?
There is never an answer to the above questions. Let’s just assume his depiction is genuine. I am sure that it is impossible for the care and love to be one-sided. Their owners should have been generous and benevolent to them in certain ways in life, leading to their respect and obedience for them. Otherwise, why would they “wander from the slave quarters back to the ‘big house’ to have a whispered conversation with their former owners as to the future” after emancipation?
On Booker T. Washington's Up from Slavery (4)
Yuen M. Ho
English 48B
February 9, 2007
Journal #25 Booker T. Washington
I. Quote
“At the time those cakes seemed to me to be absolutely the most tempting and desirable things that I had ever seen, and I then and there resolved that, if I ever got free, the height of my ambition would be reached if I could get to the point where I cold secure and eat ginger-cakes in the way that I saw those ladies doing.”
II. Summary
When Booker T. Washington was small, he had to work all-day to serve his owners. He could not have enough basic food. Any kind of deserts sounded luscious and tempting to him, including a simple, ginger cake.
III. Response
From this quote, we can definitely understand why Booker T. Washington was not as ambitious and determined to aim for freedom and equality for all Negroes at that time. Rather, he proposed a solution that would be pleasing to both Whites and Negroes at that time—he just asked for thrift, self-respect, training, education and more economic rights. He did not consider asking for more: civil equality, equal education opportunity and enfranchisement. But his decision could, and should be understood. If he was wise enough to make such a big leap, he must be an arrogant and conceited person to be able to do so. Yet, he was humble and willing to serve as a leader. When he was small, he did not dream of taking the place of his owners and live in their big house. All he would like to have is just a piece of ginger cake. How possibly could a little Negro slave change drastically and dream big when he grew up?
English 48B
February 9, 2007
Journal #25 Booker T. Washington
I. Quote
“At the time those cakes seemed to me to be absolutely the most tempting and desirable things that I had ever seen, and I then and there resolved that, if I ever got free, the height of my ambition would be reached if I could get to the point where I cold secure and eat ginger-cakes in the way that I saw those ladies doing.”
II. Summary
When Booker T. Washington was small, he had to work all-day to serve his owners. He could not have enough basic food. Any kind of deserts sounded luscious and tempting to him, including a simple, ginger cake.
III. Response
From this quote, we can definitely understand why Booker T. Washington was not as ambitious and determined to aim for freedom and equality for all Negroes at that time. Rather, he proposed a solution that would be pleasing to both Whites and Negroes at that time—he just asked for thrift, self-respect, training, education and more economic rights. He did not consider asking for more: civil equality, equal education opportunity and enfranchisement. But his decision could, and should be understood. If he was wise enough to make such a big leap, he must be an arrogant and conceited person to be able to do so. Yet, he was humble and willing to serve as a leader. When he was small, he did not dream of taking the place of his owners and live in their big house. All he would like to have is just a piece of ginger cake. How possibly could a little Negro slave change drastically and dream big when he grew up?
On Booker T. Washington's Up from Slavery (3)
Yuen M. Ho
English 48B
February 9, 2007
Journal #24 Booker T. Washington
I. Quote
“The road was a lonely one, and often led through dense forests. I was always frightened. The woods were said to be full of soldiers who had deserted from the army, and I had been told that the first thing a deserter did to a Negro boy when he found him alone was to cut off his ears.”
II. Summary
Booker T. Washington recalled one of his childhood chores of having to take the corn from the field or mill back to the big house. Since he was small, and the bag of corn was usually heavy, when the bag fell off from the horse, he had to wait for a passer-by to help him carry it back to the original position. Often times he had to wait for hours and hours on the road. He also had to go through dark and dense forests. By the time he reached home, it would be late at night already.
III. Response
The way Booker T. Washington described his lonely road in the forests back home appeared to be metaphoric to me. I conjectured that he was using this road to symbolize the threatening road he had to go through in trying to fight for freedom of slaves. They were both lonely—there might be passer-bys to help him out, yet he stood alone as the only leader or voice among the timid Negro slaves.
The deserter in the passage probably referred to the White owner. He reflected his fear of the disobedience to the Whites from this short recap. Though not very explicitly, we can understand that having gone through the life of a slave, Washington had a vastly different perspective towards the Whites and Negroes and their relationship. While others from a later generation criticized Washington for some of his policies, they have neglected his feelings—he had gone through a tolerating experience none of them has been in. It is unfair to judge Washington in such a way. After all, he has made a big step towards eventual emancipation.
English 48B
February 9, 2007
Journal #24 Booker T. Washington
I. Quote
“The road was a lonely one, and often led through dense forests. I was always frightened. The woods were said to be full of soldiers who had deserted from the army, and I had been told that the first thing a deserter did to a Negro boy when he found him alone was to cut off his ears.”
II. Summary
Booker T. Washington recalled one of his childhood chores of having to take the corn from the field or mill back to the big house. Since he was small, and the bag of corn was usually heavy, when the bag fell off from the horse, he had to wait for a passer-by to help him carry it back to the original position. Often times he had to wait for hours and hours on the road. He also had to go through dark and dense forests. By the time he reached home, it would be late at night already.
III. Response
The way Booker T. Washington described his lonely road in the forests back home appeared to be metaphoric to me. I conjectured that he was using this road to symbolize the threatening road he had to go through in trying to fight for freedom of slaves. They were both lonely—there might be passer-bys to help him out, yet he stood alone as the only leader or voice among the timid Negro slaves.
The deserter in the passage probably referred to the White owner. He reflected his fear of the disobedience to the Whites from this short recap. Though not very explicitly, we can understand that having gone through the life of a slave, Washington had a vastly different perspective towards the Whites and Negroes and their relationship. While others from a later generation criticized Washington for some of his policies, they have neglected his feelings—he had gone through a tolerating experience none of them has been in. It is unfair to judge Washington in such a way. After all, he has made a big step towards eventual emancipation.
On Booker T. Washington's Up from Slavery (2)
Yuen M. Ho
English 48B
February 7, 2007
Journal #23 Booker T. Washington
I. Quote
“I recall that I had an intense longing to learn to read. I determined, when quite a small child, that, if I accomplished nothing else in life, I would in some way get enough education to enable me to read common books and newspapers.”
II. Summary
As a slave, Booker T. Washington did not have a chance to go to school. Since his mother was just as uneducated, she could only take some time before and after work to teach her children what she knew. Nevertheless, with the reason unknown, Booker T. Washington yearned to learn; he was passionate about reading and going to school. That’s why he has been able to craft a thought-provoking piece of artifact despite his lack of standard schooling.
III. Response
What we should learn from Booker T. Washington is not just his perseverance and indomitable spirit in fighting for rights and freedom for his people. As a student being blessed with the chance of studying in a college, we should also be shameful when we compare our learning attitudes with Washington’s. While we have been studying in formal school for years, very often we do not value our chance of having such an opportunity to learn. We study for the purpose of taking exams, and all we concern most is test scores, but not our learning process. While it may be unfair to make such a generalized comment, I believe it reflects a substantial portion of the picture. It is just because everything seems so easy and natural for us. We can never conceive not being able to go to school due to family circumstances. Nevertheless, for Washington, the chance of learning was scarce and had to be fought for. Thus, he could not give up any time or chance to learn.
The question of why Washington, as a slave and a child of a slave, had such great passion for learning certainly worth pondering over. The same kind of passion was not found in his culture (black or slave culture); his craze for learning indeed grew individually. I would conjecture that there were certain people/ incidents who/ which posed great influence on him during his childhood. Yet, no such thing seems to be mentioned in his own biography.
English 48B
February 7, 2007
Journal #23 Booker T. Washington
I. Quote
“I recall that I had an intense longing to learn to read. I determined, when quite a small child, that, if I accomplished nothing else in life, I would in some way get enough education to enable me to read common books and newspapers.”
II. Summary
As a slave, Booker T. Washington did not have a chance to go to school. Since his mother was just as uneducated, she could only take some time before and after work to teach her children what she knew. Nevertheless, with the reason unknown, Booker T. Washington yearned to learn; he was passionate about reading and going to school. That’s why he has been able to craft a thought-provoking piece of artifact despite his lack of standard schooling.
III. Response
What we should learn from Booker T. Washington is not just his perseverance and indomitable spirit in fighting for rights and freedom for his people. As a student being blessed with the chance of studying in a college, we should also be shameful when we compare our learning attitudes with Washington’s. While we have been studying in formal school for years, very often we do not value our chance of having such an opportunity to learn. We study for the purpose of taking exams, and all we concern most is test scores, but not our learning process. While it may be unfair to make such a generalized comment, I believe it reflects a substantial portion of the picture. It is just because everything seems so easy and natural for us. We can never conceive not being able to go to school due to family circumstances. Nevertheless, for Washington, the chance of learning was scarce and had to be fought for. Thus, he could not give up any time or chance to learn.
The question of why Washington, as a slave and a child of a slave, had such great passion for learning certainly worth pondering over. The same kind of passion was not found in his culture (black or slave culture); his craze for learning indeed grew individually. I would conjecture that there were certain people/ incidents who/ which posed great influence on him during his childhood. Yet, no such thing seems to be mentioned in his own biography.
On Booker T. Washington's Up from Slavery (1)
Yuen M. Ho
English 48B
February 7, 2007
Journal #22 Booker T. Washington
I. Quote
“One of my earliest recollections is that of my mother cooking a chicken late at night, and awakening her children for the purpose of feeding them… no one could ever make me believe that my mother was guilty of thieving. She was simply a victim of the system of slavery.”
II. Summary
Booker T. Washington recalled his childhood memories of being a slave. He revealed from various incidents the poor and shabby life of slaves. In this particular incident, he did not directly point out, but help readers to know that not just did most slaves have to do a lot of household chores for their owners, they could not even have enough food. That’s why he concluded that even if his mother stole food from the owner, “she was simply a victim of the system of slavery.”
III. Response
While the period when slavery was still around was not too distant from now, people not having directly experienced this part of history, either because they do not live in a nation/ state with slavery system, or because they were not born yet, can hardly comprehend what it is like to be a slave, and surely not how it feels.
Booker T. Washington has been able to leave a detailed account of slaves’ life for his next generations. Not just does it help us to understand more about this system, it is a good way for people nowadays to reflect on both racial and legal issues.
Racially, his writing prompts us to reconsider the question of status quo, stereotype and discrimination. While our country has made clear that all people are equal on this vast piece of land since the constitution was written, discrimination is still a miserably serious problem. Yet, what are the legitimate reasons behind such a biased, unfair way of behaviors and thinking? Can we convince ourselves God makes us different to distinguish between classes? Have we ever put ourselves into the shoes of others? Some people may be born black or brown, but no one should be born as a slave—someone who has to work diligently but does not even have enough food in return for their hard effort.
Legally, we should be aware of our established laws. While most people regard laws as holy, or, to a lesser degree, righteous, we should not forget that they were written by people, and people make mistakes. As a responsible citizen, we should evaluate warily from time to time on whether the laws should be amended, and whether all of them are relevant for the current society. Furthermore, ethic principles should always be the basis when we try to judge and refine them.
English 48B
February 7, 2007
Journal #22 Booker T. Washington
I. Quote
“One of my earliest recollections is that of my mother cooking a chicken late at night, and awakening her children for the purpose of feeding them… no one could ever make me believe that my mother was guilty of thieving. She was simply a victim of the system of slavery.”
II. Summary
Booker T. Washington recalled his childhood memories of being a slave. He revealed from various incidents the poor and shabby life of slaves. In this particular incident, he did not directly point out, but help readers to know that not just did most slaves have to do a lot of household chores for their owners, they could not even have enough food. That’s why he concluded that even if his mother stole food from the owner, “she was simply a victim of the system of slavery.”
III. Response
While the period when slavery was still around was not too distant from now, people not having directly experienced this part of history, either because they do not live in a nation/ state with slavery system, or because they were not born yet, can hardly comprehend what it is like to be a slave, and surely not how it feels.
Booker T. Washington has been able to leave a detailed account of slaves’ life for his next generations. Not just does it help us to understand more about this system, it is a good way for people nowadays to reflect on both racial and legal issues.
Racially, his writing prompts us to reconsider the question of status quo, stereotype and discrimination. While our country has made clear that all people are equal on this vast piece of land since the constitution was written, discrimination is still a miserably serious problem. Yet, what are the legitimate reasons behind such a biased, unfair way of behaviors and thinking? Can we convince ourselves God makes us different to distinguish between classes? Have we ever put ourselves into the shoes of others? Some people may be born black or brown, but no one should be born as a slave—someone who has to work diligently but does not even have enough food in return for their hard effort.
Legally, we should be aware of our established laws. While most people regard laws as holy, or, to a lesser degree, righteous, we should not forget that they were written by people, and people make mistakes. As a responsible citizen, we should evaluate warily from time to time on whether the laws should be amended, and whether all of them are relevant for the current society. Furthermore, ethic principles should always be the basis when we try to judge and refine them.
Friday, February 02, 2007
On Mark Twain's A Helpless Situation
Yuen M. Ho
English 48B
February 2, 2007
Journal #21 Mark Twain
I. Quote
“I don’t know. That is, I don’t know the process, but I DO know lots of things that I don’t remember, and remember lots of things that I don’t know. It’s so with every educated person.”
II. Summary
The story which the quote comes from is “A Helpless Situation.” It is about a letter Mark Twain has received from a woman writer, who asked him to recommend her work to the publisher because her uncle and Twain used to know each other. She hoped that by Twain’s influence in the literary world, her work could get the attention from the publisher.
Instead of replying her letter by a straight-to-the-point refusal, Twain imagined the conversation he would have with the publisher and put it in the letter. The conversation was lively and interesting, but its aim was not to amuse, but to inspire. He wanted the woman to believe that ability, but not influence played a more crucial world in writers’ world.
This quote is Twain’s reply to the publisher’s question about why he said he knew the woman’s uncle, but could not remember him.
III. Response
While this quote is not largely related to the original story of “A Helpless Situation,” I was amused by it and could not help but nod to its truth. All through the past years of learning, I always wonder why students are forced to memorize so many facts when most of them will not remain to the next year. Even if they do, sometimes we are memorizing without comprehending—we can tell the facts and theories, but we may not be able to explain them. This is always a problem with education in my hometown of Hong Kong. The system is famously known as “spoon-feeding;” it means that students are forced to swallow without knowing what they are ingesting.
I am bewildered by Mark Twain’s creativity and his critical mind—he is always able to make a point in his story or narrative, but without explicitly exposing his motive. What an artist!
English 48B
February 2, 2007
Journal #21 Mark Twain
I. Quote
“I don’t know. That is, I don’t know the process, but I DO know lots of things that I don’t remember, and remember lots of things that I don’t know. It’s so with every educated person.”
II. Summary
The story which the quote comes from is “A Helpless Situation.” It is about a letter Mark Twain has received from a woman writer, who asked him to recommend her work to the publisher because her uncle and Twain used to know each other. She hoped that by Twain’s influence in the literary world, her work could get the attention from the publisher.
Instead of replying her letter by a straight-to-the-point refusal, Twain imagined the conversation he would have with the publisher and put it in the letter. The conversation was lively and interesting, but its aim was not to amuse, but to inspire. He wanted the woman to believe that ability, but not influence played a more crucial world in writers’ world.
This quote is Twain’s reply to the publisher’s question about why he said he knew the woman’s uncle, but could not remember him.
III. Response
While this quote is not largely related to the original story of “A Helpless Situation,” I was amused by it and could not help but nod to its truth. All through the past years of learning, I always wonder why students are forced to memorize so many facts when most of them will not remain to the next year. Even if they do, sometimes we are memorizing without comprehending—we can tell the facts and theories, but we may not be able to explain them. This is always a problem with education in my hometown of Hong Kong. The system is famously known as “spoon-feeding;” it means that students are forced to swallow without knowing what they are ingesting.
I am bewildered by Mark Twain’s creativity and his critical mind—he is always able to make a point in his story or narrative, but without explicitly exposing his motive. What an artist!
Yuen M. Ho
English 48B
February 2, 2007
Journal #20 Mark Twain
I. Quote
“Persons attempting to find a motive in this narrative will be prosecuted; persons attempting to find a moral in it will be banished; persons attempting to find a plot in it will be shot.”
II. Summary
This quote, which is found at the beginning of “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”, states that there is no motive, moral or plot in the story. Mark Twain asks readers not to attempt to find theses elements while reading the story.
III. Response
By making such a funny declaration and placing it at the very beginning of the story, Twain has demonstrated to us his humor. By common sense, it is not difficult for readers to conjecture that there is always a plot, motive or moral to a story; without them, there will be no meaning to reading the story or the “story” should not and cannot be called a story at all. Thus, this statement looks like an evil wink from Mark Twain signaling to us that the story is not as simple as it appears to be.
By declaring the story to bear no meaning, Twain could escape from any blame or responsibility by the implication of his story—which was possible to invoke rebukes and condemnations.
Nevertheless, due to his claim, a question may also linger in readers’ minds, especially when readers finish the ending. They may wonder if Mark Twain knew what he was implying by this story, or that he genuinely wished to write a simple story about a slave. While we can never get a definite answer about this question, such a high-sounding claim makes me think the otherwise.
English 48B
February 2, 2007
Journal #20 Mark Twain
I. Quote
“Persons attempting to find a motive in this narrative will be prosecuted; persons attempting to find a moral in it will be banished; persons attempting to find a plot in it will be shot.”
II. Summary
This quote, which is found at the beginning of “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”, states that there is no motive, moral or plot in the story. Mark Twain asks readers not to attempt to find theses elements while reading the story.
III. Response
By making such a funny declaration and placing it at the very beginning of the story, Twain has demonstrated to us his humor. By common sense, it is not difficult for readers to conjecture that there is always a plot, motive or moral to a story; without them, there will be no meaning to reading the story or the “story” should not and cannot be called a story at all. Thus, this statement looks like an evil wink from Mark Twain signaling to us that the story is not as simple as it appears to be.
By declaring the story to bear no meaning, Twain could escape from any blame or responsibility by the implication of his story—which was possible to invoke rebukes and condemnations.
Nevertheless, due to his claim, a question may also linger in readers’ minds, especially when readers finish the ending. They may wonder if Mark Twain knew what he was implying by this story, or that he genuinely wished to write a simple story about a slave. While we can never get a definite answer about this question, such a high-sounding claim makes me think the otherwise.
On Mark Twain's War Prayer
Yuen M. Ho
English 48B
Journal #19 Mark Twain
I. Quote
“You have heard your servant's prayer -- the uttered part of it. I am commissioned of God to put into words the other part of it -- that part which the pastor -- and also you in your hearts -- fervently prayed silently. And ignorantly and unthinkingly? God grant that it was so! You heard these words: 'Grant us the victory, O Lord our God!' That is sufficient. the *whole* of the uttered prayer is compact into those pregnant words. Elaborations were not necessary. When you have prayed for victory you have prayed for many unmentioned results which follow victory--*must* follow it, cannot help but follow it. Upon the listening spirit of God fell also the unspoken part of the prayer.”
II. Summary
This is a quote from Mark Twain’s “War Prayer.” Twain was opposed to the Philippine-American War at that time. He used this story to mock about the “religious devotion” of the country: people asked God to grant them victory—which seemed a beautiful thing to do; yet, they ignored that the other side of triumph involves their foe’s defeat, pain, and suffering.
The prayers might sound touching and righteous—all they asked for were just safe return of their armies. Nevertheless, Twain pointed out through a mysterious aged man that this result could not be achieved without causing calamitous consequences of deaths and devastation for their enemies.
III. Response
The courage of Mark Twain should be exalted—he was not fearful to point out the hypocrisy of most people in the country at war time. People appeared to be devout by praying and committing to God about the course of the war. Yet, they were indeed ignorant and selfish—because when they prayed for victory and safety for their country, they were also hoping the other side to suffer from catastrophic defeat.
With genuine religious devoting, people should not concern merely about the well-being of a certain group of people, but the entire human race. War is in no way a righteous action—whatever the moral cause, the means in bringing about the ends is always evil, as it involves killing and destruction. The effort of concealing their sin by sincere prayers will only expose, or even aggregate their sin.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
