Journal 7# The ills of slavery

In his poem “The Slave Mother”, Francis Harper presents a strong and vivid image in the minds of the reader, highlighting the deplorable results of slavery. The brutal act of enslavement serves to benefit only the stronger party, with sole consideration of their needs and wants, with everything else concerning the slaves, conveniently negated.

Slaves live with the torment of having the physical bond and affection forcefully removed between mother and son. From the moment the slave child takes his first breath, the slave mother is robbed off any sense of authority or ownership over her very own child. “He is [indeed] not hers, although she bore/ for him a mother’s pain” (17-18), and this is truly a powerful image that reconciles with every single one of us. I find myself not overly affected by the imagery conjured by words of pain like “shriek” (1), as physical torture appears to be the very basis of slavery that is unavoidable. But what strikes me most, is the sheer cruelty that white man, who are born exactly the same like their victims, have child of their own, and are no different apart from the fact that their skin color are a few shades lighter; can find it within themselves to tear apart the bond between mother and son, in spite of every single cruel deed that they have already executed.

In a way, it highlights the fear these slaveholders harbor, should mother and child conspire and successfully overthrow their power. With this in mind, does it not show that people of colored skins possess the brain to think and act, just like the whites? We really have the abolitionist to thank for, as all in all, enslavement is downright an unjustified act, which totally goes against the American ideology of freedom and rights. 

Journal 6# The effects of class membership

Class membership in this case, is only skin-deep. The degree of whiteness in a person’s skin serves as the determinant that indicates the social standing and place of an individual. Though one may be brought up in a lavish, educated and loving setting no different from that of their white counterparts, the way that they are viewed and treated differs drastically, for no other reason, but that they possess the one drop of negro blood.  Existing laws held that "one drop of Negro blood makes you a Negro”, and this is indeed a socially constructed mentality that the tyranny of society has agreed upon. An individual’s membership in a social class, thus pretty much determines their success in life, as Negros are not recognized as equal to their white counterparts, and are oppressed in numerous ways. It is impossible for one to break free from the fetters of their social status in life, as doors and opportunities closes on people, for no other reason, apart for the mere fact that they possess the wrong skin color. By being black, they are condemned to the lowest of the hierarchy order, and the social institution has made it such that many people have just come to accept the subordination of the colored skins as the norm.

Possessing wealth and a good upbringing is by no means an escape from one’s position in life, as highlighted in “The Quadroons”, where Xarifa eventually loses her mind and dies. Despite the fact that she belongs to the upper class, possesses genteel education and sees herself as someone worthy of love and care, society condemns her and views it as perfectly acceptable for her to be auctioned off, due to her mixed blood ancestry. This injustice is also highlighted in her mother Rosalie, who illustrates her subordination by passively accepting her lot in life. She does not oppose to Edward’s marriage nor display any signs of anger, as deep down inside, it is clear that she has been indoctrinated by the society’s ideology, and knows very well that by being possessing black blood, her marriage to Edward is “unrecognized on earth”. The death of both Xarifa and Rosalie can thus be regarded as the figurative death sentence imposed on all the non-whites. So long as the “one drop rule” applies, Native Americans will never be able to fully “live”. This- is a lesson that can be brought over even to today’s society. 

Journal 5# The theme highlighted in Apess' and Sigourney's work

To date, the readings of this American Literature class have provided us with great insights as to the manner in which the native Indian are confronted with the issue of injustice, lack of equality and sheer discrimination. This is a recurring theme, as we recall how the symbol of American identity promises “world-wide welcome” (Lazarus 7)- but in reality, this act of open arm remains a dream harbored by many. We find ourselves being thrown with the harsh reality of how Native Americans are forcefully stripped off from their homes, their land, crops, way of life, status, and basically- the right to be treated as an equal human being. In this world where the white dominates, colored skins are sidelined and regarded like second-class citizens, side-kicked and robbed off the opportunity to have a say.

This cry for equality, is also reflected in both Apess’ “An Indian’s Looking-Glass for the White Man and Sigourney’s “Indian Names”. Apess draws upon the notion that no Man has the right to dictate who is superior and assume supremacy. The one person who is the creator of mankind and worthy of all praise is God. If God himself does not brand people with ranks based on the superficiality of their skin tone, who are we to do so? Also, seeing that God created Man in his image, and chose to make “fifteen colored people to one white and [place] them here upon this earth” (Apess 642), how does that indicates that God has a lesser regard for the colored people? Everyone is made in God’s image, and to have a disregard for any single soul is by extension, looking down on God himself. Since this is not the case and the bible teaches us that everyone is equal in God’s eye, why does injustice prevails? Sigourney further lobbies for justice, by highlighting how the Native Indians are here to stay, as they are as much as “noble race” (Sigourney 2), as any other races can claim for themselves.

In this persistent plea to attain equality, we can see the unwavering strength and perseverance of the Native Americans, as showcased in Sigourney’s poem. Regardless of all that has been inflicted upon them, “ye may not wash [them] out” (Sigourney 8). This, can be thus seen as an sense of triumph, that some day in future, fairness will actualized. 

Journal 4# Element of character in "The Tenth of January"

Via her portrayal of characters, Elizabeth Stuart Phelps exemplifies the notion of a flat character. “Her life had not been one to develop” indeed, as all aspects of the protagonist’s life undergoes little changes and remains pretty stagnant. Right from the very beginning of the story, Phelps preps the readers with a lengthy description of Asenath’s “sickly face” and physique, enabling one to foresee and expect the fact that there will be no happy ending for her- a number of unfortunate happenings are bound to take place. It is clearly a case whereby the outward description of one’s appearance directly mirrors the state of one’s life. Because Asenath is ugly, she does not receive a happy ending. Her relationship is filled with insecurities, and there’s this constant inferiority complex that she is un-deserving of Dick, who unlike her, is “handsome”.

“Pretty Del” also provides a clear illustration of a flat character, with a positive correlation between appearance and blessings. Because she is a beauty, Phelps presents her such that it seemed only natural that she possesses the good fortune to be rescued out from the ruins and fire. Her attractive features are like a triumph card that guarantees a good life. As readers, this clear cut manner in characterization eliminates any element of surprise, as one later finds out that Dick is attracted to her, such that the mere act of looking at her face makes it difficult for him to suppress his adoration.  

The presentation of characters itself, thus reveals a great deal about the story.

Journal 3# What does Irving's short story, "The Wife," say about American values regarding marriage, women, and economics?

Irving’s short story “The Wife” departs from what I believe to be true in the past- that marriage was a form of convenience. My mindset is one in which a woman marries into a family for the sake of financial stability, a shelter over her head, and basically, a job purpose in life (to be a housewife, as women were often passed for consideration with regards to any other sort of jobs available).  It is only via marriage, that a woman is made a ‘real woman’, armed with a genuine purpose in life- to take care of her husband and ensure that all his needs are met.  In addition, I was a firm believer that divorce is not an option for most woman, and the only reason why they would hold on tight to their relationship, was because they could not bear life alone, and being a married and divorced woman is tantamount to bringing shame to her own family. Similarly, it also signals a failure on her part, in living up to her socially constructed roles.

On the other hand, a man is often portrayed such that he has to be successful in all aspects of life. He has to be the sole breadwinner, the pillar of strength in the family and is responsible for providing a comfortable life for everyone who depends on him.  It is often unacceptable for a man to fall short of these predetermined expectations and Irving’s short story falls true to my mentality of how a man perceives himself. Leslie deems it a terrible “blow” (Irving 527), to have to confess to his wife that “her husband is a beggar” (Irving 527), and he fears that she would leave him upon knowledge of it. Leslie thus subscribes to conventionally predetermined roles of a man and woman, as he was so sure that having failed in leaving up to what is expected from him would render him a loss of his wife.

However, it is a call for celebration in this short story, to realize that the institution of marriage is not only one-dimensional. True love does exist, and regardless of the type of hardships that may loom in the near future, Leslie’s wife sticks by him. She proves herself to be an “angel” (528), an exemplary woman who can stand up when the occasion calls for it, and assumes the tough role that is normally only associated with the opposite gender.

Thus, role reversal is possible, as one can break down the fetters of the socially constructed positions expected from the different genders.  

Journal 2# How the readings serve as a basis for my musings and thoughts

 of today, the readings in this class have really been an eye opener, providing me with great insights into the history of America. There is this sense of injustice that I derive from Columbus introduction, which further fuels my knowledge of how Native Americans are sidelined and treated as second-class citizens. It seems farfetched and even absurd, for the European explorers to be so quick as to regard the already existing land as theirs, then make a judgment that they are superior to the indigenous people and seek to attain ownership in this land which they choose to term the “New World”- despite the fact that they are in no manner genuine discovers of a new piece of land.  However, one can’t deny that even till today, there is always this sense of power struggle, as different nations or countries attempt to usurp the other and claim superiority. 

What strikes me as the most crucial element of American history is the emergence of the printing press, as it serves as an extremely important tool, by which a person’s ideas can be “widely disseminated” (333).  Armed with the focus on education, these two factors are imperative, as it is the only way in which one can guarantee that their ideas are understood and instilled into the minds of the people. But then again, one has to understand the downside of the power of words and newspapers, as they possess the ability to influence a wide spread of audience, but are expressed by the brains of only a certain few. They are thus extremely “influential” (323). 

With this awareness, one have to always bear in mind, the importance of making their own judgment and not merely accepting what is placed in front of them.