English Blog #11

Although, the war had ended African Americans were still facing troubles in America. Claude McKay discuses one of the problems Africans Americans faced which was lynching. The first four lines of McKay’s “The Lynching” seem to have made a connection to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

First, “His Spirit in smoke ascended to high heaven” (The Lynching). As I was reading this I made the connection to the scene where Jesus says, “Into your hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46).  Second, “the cruelest way of pain” which is referring to the hanging and burning of the man being lynched (The Lynching). I was reminded of Jesus’ cruel death. He was beaten with a whip, was mocked, had a crown of thorns placed upon his head ,stripped naked and forced to carry his cross, and was nailed to the cross. Third, “His, father had bidden him to his bosom once again;” (The Lynching 2-3). I believe the father represents God. I think lines two through three are describing God welcoming the man back into heaven. Finally, “the awful sin remained still unforgiving” (The Lynching). I was not able to make a connection with the fourth line. Could McKay be referring to Original Sin? What is the unforgiving sin?  Just like Jesus Christ African Americans were forced to be persecuted. I cannot understand what African Americans did to deserve such cruel and unusual persecution. After the Civil War they were granted the freedom they desired only to be segregated against, and lynched.  

However, I really enjoyed McKay’s poem because it does a good job of allowing readers to feel like they are witnessing the lynching. McKay’s describes the aftermath of the man’s death “Hung pitifully o’er the swinging char. The ghastly body saying in the sun. The women thronged to look, but never a one Showed sorrow in her eyes of steely blue; And little lads, lynches that were to be, danced round the dreadful thing in fiendish glee” (The Lynching 9, 10-14). One thing that really surprised me was the way the children who were present were reacting. He describes the children to be happily dancing around the burned corpse. I was disgusted that children were present at the lynching let alone dancing around a burning corpse. Why are the children happy about the man who was burned and hung to death?

I feel that McKay uses such strong language so that some emotion would be stirred as American people read this poem. As a class we have learned about the lives of the African American people. I can’t help but to think that the lives of the early African American people had not improved much after the Civil was no oneWar. Why was no one standing up against this?

English Blog #10

In “The Wife of his Youth” Mr. Ryder who is preparing for his ball gets an unexpected visitor named Liza. Liza tells Mr. Ryder of her long journey to find her husband Sam, who promised to one day reunite with her. The “aha!” moment came when Mr. Ryder said, “Perhaps he’s outgrown you, and climbed up in the world where he wouldn’t care to have you find him” (The Wife of his Youth). Early on in the reading the author describes how Mr. Ryder “had come to Groveland a young man, and obtaining employment in the office of a railroad company as messenger had in time worked himself up to the position of stationary clerk,” (The Wife of his Youth). Also the author describes Mr. Ryder as someone who “was economical, and had saved money; he owned and occupied a very comfortable house on a respectable street’ (The Wife of his Youth). These passages describe how Mr. Ryder himself had moved up in society.  I could also sense distress from Mr. Ryder after the visit from Liza when “he went upstairs to his bedroom, and stood for a long time before the mirror of his dressing-case, gazing thoughtfully at the reflection of his own face” (The Wife of his Youth). I knew that Mr. Ryder was indeed the same man Liza had spent twenty five years searching for.

Another “aha!” moment came when I saw the determination displayed by Liza who spent twenty five searching for her husband. I could see that no matter what Liza was determined she would soon find her husband. It was clear when Liza said, “Sump’ns be’ tellin’ me all dese years dat I’s gwine fin’ Same ‘fo I dies” (The Wife of his Youth). I was reminded of Frederick Douglass. In his narrative Frederick Douglass is determined to accomplish two goals. The first was being able to read and the second was to become a free man.  Liza however, was in search of her husband. Neither person gave up on accomplishing their goals. Frederick Douglass would trade his food with young boys in exchange for lessons on how to read. The determination shown by both characters was the determination that our class has been discussing when regarding to the early African Americans. During early years of our nation African Americans were determined to one day have their freedom. As a result of the war African Americans were able to have their freedom; however, equality wouldn’t come till much later. For example, even after African Americans had been given the right to vote literacy tests were set up in order to prevent African Americans from voting. Determination shown by African Americans and those against slavery would impact our nation forever. 

English Blog # 9

From 1865 to 1914 America was rapidly changing and evolving. Advances in technology and education made America a powerful nation. However, there was still a lot of controversy regarding the equality of people. Although, the Civil War had just ended tension between African Americans and the Anglos did not just fade away. In fact, it seemed to have gotten worse. For example, African Americans were given the right to vote. In response literacy tests were set up to prevent African Americans from voting. However, there was another problem in America and that was who is an American? Should all people be allowed to immigrate in America or only the selected few?
In her poem “The New Colossus’” Emma Lazarus claims, that America was a land that welcomed immigrants. In an opposing perspective Thomas Bailey Aldrich stresses his views against immigration.  So which author had the right answer about immigration in America? “In response to growing anti-sentiments, Congress in 1882 passed the Chinese Exclusion Act” (17).The law prevented anyone from China to enter America. It would seem that America was not promoting itself as a land for immigrants in fact it seemed that it was against immigrants. At this time America seemed to be a land for certain individuals excluding immigrants, African Americans, and the Indians. In a letter to the New York Sun Saum Song Bo says, “The statue represents Liberty holding a torch which lights the passage of those of all nations who come into this country” (17). Bo then asks, “But are the Chinese allowed to come?” (17) America was a land built on immigration. After Columbus' discovery people were immigrating a land that had already been settled in by the American Indians. So why should others not be allowed to do the same? 
The controversey surrounding immingration has not gone away most recently; Arizona passed an immigration causing much controversy around the nation. Becoming an American citizen is not an easy process. It is important that we see the value of our citizenship and not take it for granted

English Blog # 8

Option 1: Choose ONLY two texts that seem to be in conversation with each other (they could agree or disagree). Analyze and discuss their competing visions of the American Dream. Whose is the most persuasive? How likely would 19th-century readers be persuaded by such writers/speakers? How would geography determine that audience's receptiveness to the writers'/speakers' claims?

During the Civil War America was not UNITED in any sense. There was a lot of tension between the North and the South. This tension was due to the difference in opinions regarding slavery. For the Southerners slavery had become a customary way of life. As we have read in our text the Northern states was a place where slaves could attempt to flee to in order to live a life of freedom. Many people from both sides had different opinions.

The first author I would like to discuss is Mary Boykin Miller Chesnut. Mary Chesnut being a Southerner viewed slavery as crucial to the Southern way of life. In her diary when finding out about General Lee surrendering Mary's response was, "Now we belong to negroes and Yankees!" Chesnut is upset because she knows that the South will no longer be able to own slaves and she blames the “Yankees and negroes” for changing the lifestyle to which Southerners are accustomed to. She continues, "They are everywhere, these Yankees, like red ants, like the locusts and frogs which were the plagues of Egypt." I find this statement made by Chesnut to be ironic. Does Chesnut believe the South to be like Egypt? I believe that there is a connection between the Egyptians and the South because slavery was present in both. Chesnut believes the North to represent the plagues I believe there is a connection between the North and Moses because both advocated against slavery.  

An opposing view comes from John Brown. John Brown says, "Now, if it is deemed necessary that I should forfeit my life for the furtherance of the ends of justice, and mingle my blood further with the blood of my children and with the blood of millions in this slave country whose rights are disregarded by wicked, cruel, and unjust enactments, I say let it be done." Brown as an advocate of slavery is accepting his punishment because he believes that he along with others are fighting for a good cause. Brown even quotes the Bible saying, "Whatsoever I would that men should do to me, I should do even so to them." This is from Matthew 7:12. Brown believed that he had a calling from God to participate in the antislavery crusade. A connection could be made between Moses who received a calling from God to free the slaves of Egypt and Brown who believes he too was called by God to free the slaves of the South.    


After analyzing both readings there is one question to be answered which of these two readings is most likely to persuade a 19th century reader. The answer would mostly depend on a person’s location. For instance a Southerner would side with Mary Chesnut because they too do not want to get rid of their way of life owning slaves. However, if a Northerner were to read John Brown's statement before his death they would empathize with him. As a reader from the 21st century I am more persuaded by the just cause being Brown. As we have read both the North and the South were both religious. However, the question is did the South act, as Christians should? No, because as we have read those who were Christians in the South tended to be the more cruel of masters. 

English Blog # 7

As we have discussed in class slavery was a big issue in America. There were many attempts to inform the American people about the issue. Such an example, would be Frances E.W. Harper. Harper's work was promoted by William LLoyd Garrison, the editor of the abolitionist newspaper the Liberator. Her work was popular in the year 1854.

In order for an author to relate to a reader they must use certain tools. In this case Harper uses images in her poem  entitled The Slave Mother to "create vivid images appealing directly to the senses" ( Writing about Literature 83).  One example is when Harper says, "She is a mother,pale, with fear, Her boy clings to her side." Through her imagery readers can in vision a boy and her mother terrified of whatever danger they're encountering. Then Harper says, "He is not hers, although she bore For him a mother's pains; He is not hers, although her blood Is coursing through his veins!" Harper through imagery is describing the pain that both the mother and son are feeling because of their separation. Then Harper says, "He is not hers, for cruel hands May rudely tear apart" I assumed that Harper is describing the master of the slave is taking her child away. The mother is angry with her master for taking the only joy of her life. Finally, Harper says, "She is a mother and her heart is breaking in despair." Having a child should be a happy time instead for this slave the mother is feeling everything but happy.

 During this time a slave child was taken away from his mother. A slave child being seperated from his mother is dehumanizing to both the mother and the child. Harper uses imagery to invoke emotions from her readers. A reader should feel for the mother and the child who are losing the most important relationship in a person's life. Through her poem Harper creates the horror that a slave mother faces when her master takes her child. She feels anger towards the "cruel hands" that are separating the two. The fear both the child and mother have of losing one another. And finally the "breaking heart" of the mother. Even though the mother in the poem had this child she legally had no rights to parent him or even be apart of his life. Harper wanted to inform her readers about the issue so that in return, readers  would fight against slavery rather than participate. Through this poem it is the hope of Harper that this cruelty, and unfair treatment of African Americans would come to an end.

English Blog # 6

  2. Race and culture: How are characters portrayed as being caught between cultures? Are any characters engaged in a conflict with society because of their races or ethnic backgrounds?

Jacobs’ Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl makes it apparent that America faced a time period of inequality. Those who were suffering from inequality had no way in changing their roles in society. During this time period African-American people were being unfairly forced to be  slaves because of their skin color.

Linda tells readers about her mother’s relationship with her mistress.  Linda says “my mother’s mistress was the daughter of my grandmother’s mistress. She was the foster sister of my mother; they were both nourished at my grandmother’s breast. In fact, my mother had been weaned at three months old, that the babe of the mistress might obtain sufficient food. They played together as children; and, when they became women, my mother was a most faithful servant to her whiter foster sister “(p.771). Although, these two women grew up together society had divided the women into different social roles. Linda’s mother was forced to be the “loyal servant” while childhood companion was Anglo would be her mistress. Although growing up together Linda’s mother would not be given the same opportunity as her mistress to be free.

When a person decides to marry their decision is based on their personal feelings. Linda and her lover as she stated “planned to go north” if they were to marry however, the couple faced many obstacles such as having no money to pay for expenses. Another conflict the couple face was Linda being a slave and the man she loves is a free African-American. Society made it nearly impossible for the two to marry because of the different social roles they had. Linda knew that had they have married “the husband of a slave has no power to protect [his wife]” (773).In today's society a person would simply get the blessing from both parents however, in Linda's case she had to face her owner Dr.Flint who became outraged with the idea of Linda marrying a free African-American.

The two examples that I shared were important because the restraints that society had on African- American slaves. Although, Linda had fallen in love she could not marry. Linda’s mother had to serve her childhood friend. Just like Linda and her mother, African Americans during this time were not given the same opportunity to share in the “American Dream”. It is important for the American society today to realize how valuable the “American Dream” really is. Through reading texts such as Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl I am able to understand the struggles that African-Americans faced.

English Blog # 5

In my second blog I discussed the topic of discrimination more in depth.  For example, I stated that the Indians had settled in the “New World” long before anyone else. We have read about settlers who came to the “New World” in search of independence and FREEDOM from the British Parliament.  The settlers felt that they deserved to be treated better and set out to establish a new colony known as the Thirteen Colonies. By the time the Thirteen Colonies had been established most of the Indians had been driven out of their territories and forced onto reservations. These settlers were escaping unfair treatment however; they were unfairly discriminating against the Native Americans.

While reading “An Indian’s Looking-Glass for the White Man” and “Indian Names” I noticed more similarities rather than differences. Of course the readings are written by two different authors of different gender and race but they shared a common message that these authors felt needed to be heard by the American people. The theme that these two readings share is the discrimination of Indians that was occurring at that time.

In “An Indian’s Looking- Glass for the White Man” Apees the son of white man and an Indian woman was taking somewhat of a religious approach. For example, “Did you ever hear or read of Christ teaching his disciples that they ought to despise one because his skin was different from theirs? Jesus Christ being a Jew, and those of his Apostles were certainly not whites and did not he who completed the plan of salvation complete it for the whites as well as for the Jews, and others?”  In the “Indian Names” Sigourney is taking a different approach. She tries to remind her audience of the of the Native Americans.  Before the reading a question is asked “How can the Red men be forgotten, while so many of our states and territories, bays, lakes, and rivers are indelibly stamped by names of their giving?” That is here message throughout the reading. For example, “Yes say, they have all passed away, But their names is on your waters, Ye may not wash it out.” I believe that Sigourney is trying to let her audience know that although the Native Americans may not be as visible of a people as they once were but they remain with the land because they had settled their homes in America first.  

Appes looks tries to discuss the importance of putting an end to discrimination based on skin. While Sigourney is reminding her audience to never forget the people who settled in Americas. By doing this Sigourney is showing the negative effects of discrimination. One of those effects the Native Americans have almost ceased to exist. At this time if they still do exist they were forced onto reservations.  While the two readings may seem to have difference they share one important message which is informing readers that the Indian people will always be the land and as Sigourney said “Your mountains build their monument, though ye destroy their dust.”