Journal 10# The Aha! Moment

The “Aha! Moment” is an element of narration that never fails to take me by surprise, as I find myself taken aback and awed by the sudden realization of information. Throughout Charles W. Chesnutt’s short story “The Wife of his Youth”, the build up was such that one expected Mr. Ryder to marry above his status and continue his progress in stepping up the hierarchy ladder of the social status. It seems only natural for him to do so, as he is presented to possess such refined manners, with characteristics and attitude befitting that of the aristocrats. By placing Mr. Ryder on the pedestal, it initially appears as if he was only showing sympathy and concerned towards the elderly woman who is clearly lower than him in terms of status. It is thus a jaw dropping fact to find out at the end of the story that not only is he the very man that she has been searching twenty-five years for, but rather, that he is willing to give up Mrs. Dixon and publicly acknowledge this elderly woman as “the wife of [his] youth” (61), despite clear awareness of the intellectual, social and monetary gap that currently exists between them. What Chesnutt offers in his portrayal of Mr Ryder, is thus a pleasant moment of surprise, as it further elevates my impression of him as someone who is not blindly swayed and consumed by his present day position in life.

In Frances EW Harper’s poem “Learning to Read” I find myself presented with the humble insight that the act of perseverance will always be rewarded.  Despite being restricted by their status and skin color, the speakers in the poem did not allow themselves to be at a disadvantage. They hold on to the belief that every Man creates his own destiny and it is only when one tries hard enough to “learn by hook or crook” (12) and “never stopped till [they] could read (39), that one actualizes their goal of achieving whatever they set their mind out to. This is a theme reiterated in “The Wife of his Youth”. Due to the fact that the elderly woman did not allow herself to lose hope despite the arduous duration of twenty-five years, she finally managed to attain the rewards of her devotion. Such perseverance is a take-away point that many readers can learn from.

It is thus these “Aha Moments” that provides a pleasant and refreshing element to the story as such little twist never fails to surprise and leave the reader wanting more. 

Journal 9# Contemporary connections in magazines and fashion

After numerous campaigns that advocates for equal rights and say regardless of one’s gender position, the period of 1865-1914 greatly highlights the rising importance of women’s role in the society.  Women are finally seen as a powerful group that is armed with the means and ability to spend money, and subsequently influence the economic structure of the country. No longer are they sidelined and overshadowed by the masculine gender, and this is evident from the “emergence of a series of magazines specifically designed to appeal to [women’s] interest and tastes” (27).

This idea of recognizing women as a strong consumer group, who are willing to open their wallets and spend money, is a reality prevalent even today in the 21st century. At present, women are bombarded with a wide variety of goods. The number of women centered magazines are on the rise, such as Vogue and Glamour, with specific articles dedicated in educating women on to improve their health, wardrobe, life, and relationships. Similarly, a walk in the mall reveals the startling fact of how a good sixty percent of stores cater strictly to women’s fashion and needs. A brand that targets women, such as Victoria’s Secret, Forever 21 and Lancome, clearly acknowledges the spending power of the feminine gender. The success of such brands on a global platform, thus serves as evidence of women being the driving force behind the achievements of such industries.

However, one thing that is worth noting is the content of magazines that portray women is an extremely idealistic manner.  Photoshop are commonplace in today’s society and the definition of a woman’s beauty is increasingly defined by the narrowness of an individual’s waistline. While it is good that women are gaining recognition in terms of being valued alongside their male counterparts, we have to be wary of such unrealistic presentation of women. If such things were to persist and in turn affect the manner in which women view themselves, this will subvert all that has been achieved so far.  No longer will the male gender be the culprit for stepping on a woman’s ego- but rather, women themselves will in time to come, deflate their own self esteem.  

Women should thus not consume magazines on a literal sense and instead, learn how to decipher for themselves what is realistic. Women are valued only to the extent in which they regard their own self worth. 

Both “A Memorial Discourse” by Henry Highland Garnet and “Second Inaugural Address” by Abraham Lincoln seek to attain the outcome of peace, by highlighting the issues that needs to be addressed and eradicated.

In doing so, Lincoln uses the notion of the common God to highlight the similarities between people of different skins. Seeing that “both read the same Bible, and pray to the same God” (1374), where’s the justification in discriminating against one another? He uses the method of reconciliation, to allow members of the public to identify within themselves that they are in fact of no difference to the party they’re fighting against.  What they are so bent on overpowering, is merely the lives of people who are in every aspect, a human being just like them.

Though Garnet presents a similar argument to Lincoln, he goes a step further in illustrating the exact thing that is necessary in order for the abolishment of the war. He portrays this idea in a very objective manner. Slavery must be put to an end, as peace will only be attainable “when all unjust and heavy burdens [are] removed from every man in the land” (1376). Garnet thereby makes known the exact problem that has to be addressed.

Personally, I feel that 19^th century readers will be more comfortable with Lincoln’s argument. The notion of a common God is something that the people will be able to better relate to, as some individuals may feel threatened by the direct manner in which Garnet specifies exactly what is necessary for peace to be achieved.

However, despite the differences in both of their approach, it is clear that ultimately, they fulfilled their purpose. Though it is unclear whether this is the exact piece of work that successfully changed the mindset of the people, we know that it definitely has a role in contributing towards the peace and unification of the United States. 

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.