Poetry and the important aspects of life

            Throughout literature, there have been many dominant themes prevalent in multiple pieces of work. When viewing literature in specifics, it is clear that many written pieces reflect life in almost every essence. A primary focus amongst multiple writers can lie in within the themes primarily that are involved in everyday in life. However, there are instances in which writers will acknowledge the undoubtedly bleak parts of life. A specific topic that multiple writers have been known to discuss in-depth involves death, whether it be death of a loved one or death in general. A poem that displays the theme of death and its repercussions is the poem, Electrocution, written by Lola Ridge. Lola Ridge thoroughly displays how death in essence really how death can might feel in the eyes of the individual, as well as the individuals around them. In addition to Ridge’s writing, there have also been numerous pieces of literature displaying how death is a life-changing situation. The poem, Remnants, written by Jim Handlin depicts the image of death as a destructive and upsetting instance in everybody’s life. Furthermore, death, as a theme, can be seen in multiple pieces of music as well. Within the song, “Fear,” written by Tech N9ne, there is a view of how a personal struggle with individuals that you love can lead to an emotional death. Throughout multiple written pieces, whether it is poetry or music lyrics, there is a dominant prevalence of death in theme, creating upsetting and depressing mood, as well as tone.

           Within Lola Ridge’s poem, Electrocution, there is vivid use of consistent imagery, displaying real aspects of life through words on a page. The work written by Ridge portrays the aspects of the environment and emotion present in what is presumed to be a death sentence by electrocution. The distinct descriptive devices used by Ridge are illustrated to create a theme within the poem that can viewed as both depressing and relaxing. A display of vivid imagery is displayed with Ridge’s words by her saying, “But as a feeble moan . . .yet dared not breathe, /Who stared there at him, arching—like a tree/When the winds wrench it and the earth holds tight,” (10-12). Viewing the proceeding actions following the actual death of an individual as a quite and tense moment can evoke certain emotions that involve dire upset, confusion, and tenseness. Similarly to Lola Ridge’s poem, Electrocution, there are many pieces of literature that induce particular feelings in tone and mood. A notable poem, Remnants written by Jim Handlin, involves the perception of death as being a life-changing event. However, the setting in which the death is present within the poem differ greatly from Ridge’s poem.           
            Found in Jim Handlin’s poem, Remnants, there is clear depiction that death, especially within a family, can be a truly traumatizing experience. Experiencing small instances in life that are truly devastating can be often seen as predecessors or an instance used to brace individuals for an event that is even more devastating within the future. Handlin’s poem presents a character going through life as thinking of their mother, both alive and in death. The struggle of dealing with a death in one’s life is present as the description of the setting is seen through the words of Handlin, saying,

            They auction the contents

 the estate. Limoges and

cloisonné, piece after piece.

The bed she slept in, her silver

tea set. I notice cobwebs

in corners, dust, places

where the wallpaper’s faded. (Handlin 13-19).

Handlin displays a thorough evaluation of emotions and a setting while describing the home where a loving mother once lived. The feeling of losing a loved, such as a mother, is a ruinous and disastrous emotion that can destroy an individual’s mental status. The death of any individual’s family can create a terrible outcome. An outcome that might follow death in a family could be a form of an emotional death, similarly to the emotional death that is found within the rapper, Tech N9ne’s song, “Fear.”

            Aaron Dontez Yates, better known as Tech N9ne, is a tremendously lyrical and deep artist within the hip-hop industry. The work produced by Tech N9ne in the modern era can be perceived as classical poetry due to the fluid use of imagery, symbolism, and a multitude of other literature devices. Songs produced by Yates, such as “Fear,” excel in making the listener feel the emotions and struggles that Yates himself have gone through, throughout his life. The song “Fear,” produced in 2014, creates a sense of sorrow and loss of hope in the world while discussing the multiple medical issues present in his mother’s life. A key example of the display of death as a theme present within the song, is found in the last verse, with Yates proclaiming,

            I do a whole lot of prayin'

And I wonder if it's listenin' to Aaron's nightly whisperin'

'Bout mom in the tithe she's weakly payin'

I know it's a blessing, that I raised kids cause I got skill

And thank God that gangbang thing didn't bring me hot steel

Now my mom's worse and a lot ill

My fear is that this God I'm prayin' to for my mother is not real (Yates 55-62).

Within Yates lyrics, there is a true display of a loss of faith in god, exemplifying a sort of religious death as result of his mother growing closer and closer to her actual death due to numerous medical problems. Both Yates and Handlin display true instances in which a death in a family can be utterly devastating, both emotionally and psychologically.

            Remnants, written by Jim Handlin, creates a truly saddening theme, similarly to Aaron Yates’ song “Fear.” Within both pieces of writing, the portrayal of death as a theme is a key in setting an upsetting tone for the potential readers and listeners. It becomes clear that as one continues to read or listen to the works of both writers, the messages that are conveyed can be perceived to have multiple parallels. Tech N9ne’s “Fear” creates an atmosphere, in which one truly realizes that, while living in this day and age there is little one can do to heal people in a critical condition if they are already receiving all the medical help they can get. The sense of true hopelessness present within Yates’ song display how fragile, we as individuals truly are. Similarly to Aaron Yates, Handlin discusses how upsetting a death of someone so close, can truly be. The comprehension of death as a part of life, as well as an utterly upsetting aspect of an individual’s emotional status, should be a key part of everyone’s life.

            Throughout literature, there have been multiple pieces of poetry that portray real aspects of life vividly. Utilization of components in literature, such as symbolism, tone, theme, and allegory are key aspects in conveying a message that truly needs to be addressed. Writers like Jim Handlin, Aaron Dontez Yates, and Lola Ridge tackle one the most depressing aspects of life with deep and concentrated thought, in turn creating pieces of literature that has become well-known and respected. Truly analyzing the concept of death can evoke multiple emotions, most of which involve a dreaded sorrow and confusion. 

Tech N9ne. “Fear.” Strangeulation. Strange Music, 2014. CD.

Handlin, Jim. “Remnants.” Poetry.org. Web. n.d. 29 April 2016.

Lola Ridge. Electrocution. Poetry.org. Web. n.d. 29 April 2016.

My Class Reflection

          Throughout this past semester, within english 102, my perception on the world of literature has changed in a great fashion. Prior to attending the class, my view on literature and actively reading multiple pieces of writing constantly, or even in moderation, was bleak. I had the idea that, rather having to read works of notable presence in the world of literature, I would read the occasional piece of news in the headline of a reputable website. However, as the semester progressed, there were more opportunities displayed to read multiple poems, short stories, and even plays. As a result of reading the well-renowned writings within class or at home for homework, I feel that I have grown an extremely large interest in my avidity to read pieces of literature. Works of writing like "The Yellow Wallpaper," P.O.W, and A Streetcar Named Desire have all spawned an interest in pursuing the life of a reader of great works in my mind. In addition, I feel that I have grown and eagerness to continue writing.
          This semester has brought me multiple chances to spread my wings as a writer, in more ways than one. Actions involving being able to have the chance to display published writings based on a prompt in class has really given me insight on how I have grown and can grow to be a well established writer. My advocacy for writing has skyrocketed due to this semester in english being so intertwined with having to write, whether it be for homework, published works, or papers. I feel that having students being so enveloped in their writing is a rare sight. However, I feel that I myself have become incessantly involved in writing due to the course, as well as other students, I assume. Furthermore, my opinion of class has only been more positively influenced by the act of consistently speaking in front of the group when addressing topics related to the group conversation.
          I feel that having multiple individuals being able to display their opinion on a well established platform, such as a class discussion, is tremendously beneficial to almost everyone involved. Displaying opportunities such as fishbowls or analysis panels in the scholastic setting is, in my opinion, a great way for everyone to be involved in a group discussion. I thoroughly enjoyed this semester in english 102. The homeworks and discussions that I had participated in have given me a tremendously new perception towards the subject of english class, and life as a whole. In the near and distant future, I can see the things that I have absorbed from this class being crucial in both mental and social situations.

Our human condition

We as individuals, are fickle in nature. Humans, as a race, create catastrophes in one second and then miracles the next. The human condition portrays us as characters who want to have love around them, both loving others and being loved. As an individual, one also has the strong will to do whatever it is that they think must be done for them to achieve peace. Whether it be the perseverance to disobey the law to stay truthful to one's family or defying the rules you had sworn to, to stick up for those who lack the ability to do so themselves, the actions involving the human condition are prevalent in all walks of life. Many also strive for perfection, as part of human nature, even though it is seemingly unattainable. We as a race are subjected to discriminatory behaviors, the pointing out of flaws, and act of dreams shattering. However, with all the negative aspects that one might be exposed to as they progress in life, there will a new sense of character from overcoming the treacherous adversities in their path. Human condition is truly a difficult thing to address on a verbal level. Nonetheless, the way humans live and strive to achieve greatness in their everyday life is a common trait shared amongst the seven billion living individuals in this world. The human condition contains a certain magic, allowing everyone to truly grow and demonstrate to the world what they really mean when it comes to pushing forward.

Transcendentalism and one's relation to nature

The concept of transcendentalism has been, and still is, a core concept in the real world. The concept of transcendentalism includes behaviors involving one finding peace and happiness with nature and and God. In contrast to those in the modern world, the prevalence of transcendental-like behaviors had been rampant within the past. Transcendentalism had reared it's head, more specifically, within the time in history between 1840 and 1860. The act of becoming more affiliated with nature, rather than material goods, has become a lost connection within the modern world, in my opinion. People in the modern society, have become intensely fixated on their technological belongings rather than the growing and expanding world around them. However, saying that people have become infatuated with technology solely on their own merit, is a fallacy. One can truly make the argument that it is more likely society has placed multiple burdens on individuals to obtain and completely utilize every piece of technology that they have, creating this world in which people will constantly prioritize their physical belongings over the ones they love, the world around them, and a multitude of other things. The transcendental mindset has been an important part of history, spawning multiple pieces of literature that have shaped views of influential individuals. Nonetheless, the perception of nature and God having priority over everything else in the modern world is only viewed in a minority of the world's population.

Egalitarianism and the drive for equality

Typically, when discussing the concept of egalitarianism in society, there are many who do not hesitate to argue that our modern society has equal treatment displayed frequently and equality has been driven down to a system. However, within the egalitarianism lecture, there were clear examples of how equality is not always in a person's grasp. Just being able to discuss the methods in which multiple individuals, almost on a daily basis, are oppressed in a most ruinous manner. Methods of oppression can be seen in things that, from an uninvolved perspective, are quite normal behavior. Viewing oppression in instances such as common neglect, poverty, or violence would at one time or another be viewed as a regular sight in society. Forms of oppression can be tremendously great in variation. However, for one to be an individual that professes the act of caring for others truly, one must be able to have the gall to call out instances of oppression and spread the idea of egalitarianism, giving everybody the equality they deserve.

The Postmodernist Perspective And It's Prevalence in Literature

           Throughout Jhumpa Lahiri’s short story, “Interpreter of Maladies,” the display of postmodernism is undoubtedly prevalent. The writing style of postmodernism is visually present within multiple pieces of dialogue within Lahiri’s story. The identifiable instances of the postmodern writing style are found within the display of the two characters, Mr. Kapasi and Mina Das. The characterization established by Lahiri amongst the numerous discussions present in the story display not only how characters feel about one another, but also how characters feel in their present situation. The illustration of the complex emotions that human individuals are capable of having is unquestionably established in Lahiri’s piece. In addition, the inclusion of one fantasizing the reality of simple implicit actions is also addressed while displaying Mr. Kapasi’s thoughts. Without the inclusion of Kapasi perceiving Mrs. Das’ actions as more than a simple compliment, specifically thinking, “Perhaps they too, had little in common apart from three children and a decade of their lives. The signs he recognized from his own marriage were there- the bickering, the indifference, the protracted silences. Her sudden interest in him, an interest she did not express in either her husband or her children, was mildly intoxicating,” (19).  As an aside, one can even view Lahiri’s “Interpreter of Maladies,” as being less true to being a postmodern style story without the inclusion of Kapasi’s over reactive thoughts to Mrs. Das’ compliments.   

            A key concept of postmodernist writing, according to Martin Irvine of Georgetown University, involves, “Suspicion and rejection of Master Narratives for history and culture; having local narratives, ironic deconstruction of master narratives and counter-myths of origin. ‘Progress’ is seen as a failed Master Narrative.” Within Lahiri’s writing it is clear that the events that occur truly reflect the postmodernist style of writing. Examples from “Interpreter of Maladies,” that show complexities of human nature can be greatly seen in instances such as, Mrs. Das consistently ignoring her own family, Mr. Kapasi creating a life in his head in which himself and Mrs. Das are together, and Mrs. Das revealing that she is in deep pain because of her infidelity in marriage. In addition to Lahiri’s writing, there have been many instances in other pieces of literature that undoubtedly reflect the postmodernist style of writing. A written piece that can be seen as an exceptional example of postmodernism is the novel, Carrie, by Stephen King. King’s novel displays a girl put in a predisposition in which an over protective, religious mother essentially shields her daughter from real life situations creating ridicule from fellow high school classmates. The display of Carrie attempting to consistently live her life in a normal fashion while also trying to keep her mother’s approval is prevalent in multiple thoughts and distinct actions throughout the novel. “She had tried to fit. She had defied Momma in a hundred little ways, had tried to erase the red-plagued circle that had been drawn around from the first day she had left the controlled environment of the small house on Carlin Street and had walked up on the Baker Street grammar school with her Bible under her arm,” (King 16). Carrie White’s constant struggle to keep up appearance with her mother and neglect ridicule from peers can be perceived as a great example of postmodern stylistic writing.

            The concept of postmodernism relies heavily on being able to perceive the complex emotions one can feel within a simple conversation. The postmodernist writing style also depicts storytelling, involving plotlines in which not every thing comes to a complete and truly happy ending. Pieces of literature such as Jhumpa Lahiri’s, “Interpreter of Maladies,” and Stephen King’s, Carrie, display true examples of the postmodern mindset with characters present like Mrs. Das, Mr. Kapasi, and Carrie White. Instances of postmodern ideals can be seen heavily within modern society. A defining example of postmodernism with the real world can be found within the legalizing of gay marriage across every state in the United States. Following the actual court case that allowed for homosexual marriage to occur in every state in the US, there had many other states that have been avid in defying the rights of the LGBT community. The efforts displayed that are in distinct disagreement with the laws put in place to protect those in the LGBT community can be perceived as improper flow of events towards an ultimately beneficial ending in equality. Overall, the discussion of postmodernism displays many individuals with the idea that happy endings aren’t guaranteed and that human interactions are deeper than face value.

Lahiri, Jhumpa.  "Interpreter of Maladies."  Interpreter of Maladies.  New York: 

Mariner-Houghton, 1999. 19.

King, Stephen. Part One: Blood Sport. Carrie; a Novel of a Girl with a Frightening Power. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1974. 16. Print.

An interpretation of illusion in the play, "A Streetcar Named Desire"

            Typically, people are put into situations in which they must decide whom, between multiple people, they care about the most and what the best course of action is to take care of them. A most definitive example of this situation is present in the play, written by Tennessee Williams, A Streetcar Named Desire. The interactions between Blanche DuBois and her sister Stella Kowalski, married to Stanley Kowalski, display serious issues on how one must choose what is best for the ones they love. Stella Kowalski displays utter distress in this situation at the end of the play following the events involving her verbally and physically abusive husband and her mentally unstable sister. Having to be the center of responsibility, essentially, is a heavy load to hold and should not be taken lightly. Throughout the play, Stella displays a somewhat level head and constantly tries to keep the peace, however her efforts in keeping everybody sane, so to speak, are in vain.

            Stella’s emotional stability toward the end of the play was undoubtedly worn thin due to the impulsive actions of both her sister and husband. As events within the play progress, the true emotions and deceiving demeanor of Blanche Dubois become vivid to Stanley and Stella, along with the reader or viewer. Blanche, from beginning to end, exhibits what traumatic events can truly do to a truly emotional person such as herself and how her actions affect other people. However, trauma can affect people in a multitude of different ways. With Blanche and her traumatic experience, for example, rather than focusing on what left her in her traumatized state in the first place, she concocts falsified situations like losing Belle Reve overnight or proclaiming to dump Mitch rather than him leaving her, in addition to leaving out devastating truths such as being fired as a teacher for improper conduct with a former student and participating in activities that would label her as a prostitute. For the most part, these lies and problems remain hidden until Stanley discovers the truth, followed by Blanche admitting said truths to Mitch in a moment of strife. “Yes, a big spider that's where I brought my victims. Yes, I had many intimacies with strangers. After the death of Allan-intimacies with strangers was all I seemed able to fill my empty heart with... I think it was panic, just panic, that drove me from one to another, hunting for some protection-here and there, in the most—unlikely places-even, at last, in a seventeen-year-old boy but--somebody wrote the superintendent about it-This woman is morally unfit for her position’,” (Williams 1224).  A Streetcar Named Desire presents instances, in which people are adamantly willing to display their true selves, in addition to characters who will undoubtedly hide who they truly are to save face. The act of displaying different behaviors for different groups of people is a terrific display of Erving Goffman’s sociological theory labeled as, the Dramaturgical Approach.

            Throughout the play, the perception of appearance and self-presentation is a key factor in how conflict arises, more often than not, drastically. The core idea to Goffman’s social theory of the Dramaturgical Approach involves putting up a different personality while being involved in different situations or different groups of people similarly to how actors portray themselves as multiple characters while on stage. Most characters presented in the story unknowingly portray themselves differently when in distinctive company, where as others will be aware of who they are talking to and adjust accordingly. Blanche, more than anyone, portrays herself in many different lights, so much so that she will avidly lie to preserve her reputation with people she cares about. Within Erving Goffman’s writing, The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life, he addresses that people will always try to keep their reputation pristine and concurrent with their attitude. “I have suggested that a performer tends to conceal or underplay those activities, facts, and motives, which are incompatible with an idealized version of him and his products,”(Goffman 30). Blanche is an excellent example of Goffman’s theory displaying specific points in which she not only conceals her past, but also lies about other aspects of her past to seem superior in her more than upsetting situation. As a result of Blanche’s seeming sincerity, the manipulation of her own sister, Stella, remains a prominent point of contention. The conflicted emotion of Stella ultimately leaves Blanche in a particularly unfavorable position.

            Stella Kowalski leads a struggling home life with an aggressive husband and, in this point in time, her mentally unstable sister. " I couldn't go on believing her story and live with Stanley," (Williams 1232).  A Streetcar Named Desire presents an undeniable theme of people having to struggle both internally and externally with what one must do to help the one’s they love. With Stella being put in a situation in which her constantly lying sister is imposing on her life, making claims of Stanley, it is no wonder why she partakes in putting Blanche in a mental institution. Multiple characters throughout the play display numerous examples of portraying themselves as untruthful and leave devastating repercussions, most notably leaving Stella in a state of depression.

Goffman, Erving. "Front." The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life. Garden City, NY:  Doubleday, 1959. 30. Print.      

Williams, Tennessee. "Scene 9." A Streetcar Named Desire: A Play. New York: New Directions, 1947. 1224. Print.

Williams, Tennessee. "Scene 11." A Streetcar Named Desire: A Play. New York: New Directions, 1947. 1232. Print.

Egalitarianism has shaped the lives of many throughout our lives and literature show's you how

Throughout history, the concept of freedom has been consistently discussed and dissected. The discussion of freedom has spawned multiple deliberations, specifically amongst political leaders, social activists, and even in multiple pieces of literature. When addressing freedom, the idea of egalitarianism is often mentioned. Egalitarianism according to Richard Arneson Stanford University is defined as, “People should be treated as equals, should treat one another as equals, should relate as equals, or enjoy an equality of social status of some sort.” Egalitarianism has even been somewhat addressed by the famous civil rights activist, Martin Luther King Jr. in his era. Similarly to King, there have been numerous pieces of literature addressing the theme of rightful freedom or oppression of one’s freedom. A notable piece of literature comes from the well renowned writer Charlotte Perkins-Gilman who is the author of the short story “The Yellow Wallpaper.” The story written by Gilman exhibits multiple instances in which the rights of women are harshly oppressed in the late 1800’s. In addition to Gilman, there have been other notable writers that include the theme of oppression in their works. An excellent example of an author that incorporates the theme of oppressed freedom in their work lies with George Orwell and his novel 1984. It is undeniable that the concept of freedom has been identified through multiple pieces of literature and public speeches and as a result, have left masses thinking about one’s own freedom and the idea of egalitarianism.

Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed." King had said this in a time in which African Americans had been subjected to persistent and malicious racist behaviors. Within King’s statement, it is clear that what he had meant was that one must fight for the equality of others. However, when fighting for egalitarianism, it has been shown that fighting for equal rights does not require violence. King, in his time, along with multiple African Americans and minority groups had faced oppressive behavior. Even in the modern era people have been stricken with oppressive laws halting people’s happiness consistently. However, there have been certain laws that grant people their equal rights portraying a true display of egalitarianism. For example, within the past year, the laws for same-sex marriage have been changed to be viewed constitutionally in all states, disallowing states to not recognize same-sex marriage. Charlotte Perkins-Gilman within her short story, “The Yellow Wallpaper,” displays the oppression of women with a female main character being subjected to improper medical treatment limiting her activity in her own home, creating somewhat of a parallel between herself and Martin Luther King Jr. and his efforts. Gilman’s story illustrates the life of women in her era excellently through multiple uses of vivid imagery and multiple uses of symbolism involving the wallpaper present in the story. There are multiple instances within, “The Yellow Wallpaper,” that portray tremendous oppressive behaviors towards the female main character, and narrator, that can be interpreted to be oppression amongst the entire female gender at the time. At the time of the writing of Gilman’s story, the popular diagnosis for individuals with fatigue, nervousness, and depressed mood, involving primarily women, was neurasthenia. It is clear that the narrator for Gilman’s story suffers from this disorder and as a result is put through oppressive medical treatments. An excellent display of the main character being subjected to oppressive behavior within the story is displayed with the main character saying, “There comes John’s sister. Such a dear girl as she is, and so careful of me! I must not let her find me writing,” (319). Limiting creative prowess and halting one’s ability to express oneself can lead to drastic events. The narrator having to hide the fact that she is writing is an excellent demonstration that oppression is truly devastating to one’s mental health. It is demonstrated towards the end of the story that narrator’s mental health becomes compromised, leading her to rip off the yellow wallpaper aggressively. Following the main character’s mental collapse, her husband breaks into her room prompting her to explain what happens saying, “I’ve got out at last, in spite of you and Jane. And I’ve pulled off most of the paper so you can’t put me back,” (328). The theme of oppression is dominant throughout  “The Yellow Wallpaper,” and the novel 1984, truly displaying how egalitarianism is an important aspect in everyday life.

            The novel 1984, by George Orwell, is and excellent example of how an oppressive lifestyle can be truly devastating. Throughout the novel, it is clear that putting people in an environment in which people’s rights are extremely limited, people will revolt in spite of what is told to be truthful and just. Winston Smith, the novel’s protagonist, is put through multiple challenges to try to comprehend his oppressive government and their multiple efforts used to keep all the proles, the working class, in line. A devastating example of oppressive efforts by the government used in the novel 1984, by George Orwell, comes from Winston describing what he sees while on his way to work. “Here seemed to be no color in anything, except the posters that were plastered everywhere. The blackmoustachio’d face gazed down from every commanding corner. ere was one on the house-front immediately opposite. BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU, the caption said, while the dark eyes looked deep into Winston’s own,” (Orwell 4). It is evident; that both the novel 1984 and the short story ”The Yellow Wallpaper,” truly advocate how important the concept of egalitarianism is to one’s mental and social health.

Orwell, George. Chapter 1. 1984. Paris: Gallimard, 1950. 4. Print.

Booth, Alison, and Kelly J. Mays. The Yellow Wallpaper. 1892. The Norton

Introduction to Literature. New York: W.W. Norton, 2005. 328. Print.