Society’s depiction of young girls has changed dramatically. In this posting, we will compare and contrast the struggles of Gerty’s poor miserable life in Maria S. Cummings The Lamplighter and the life of the yoga loving Anna in Amy Pholer’s video series. Each girl live very different lifestyles yet still struggle with the same types of things.
Gerty struggles with a lot of serious problems. The “mother” figure in her life despises her, she is the ugliest girl anybody has ever seen, and she has no education or it seems, no purpose. “As it was, however, the poor little thing was told, a dozen times a day, that she was the worst-looking child in the world, and, what was more, the worst behaved. No one loved her, and she loves no one; no one treated her kindly; no one tried to make her happy, or cared whether she were so. She was but eight years old, and all alone in the world” (80). Aunt Nan never let Gerty do anything in the house nor did she ever go to school. She had no special skills. It was not uncommon for girls to have no education in the time of this novel but having no knowledge of anything was below society’s standards. Woman usually took care of all the housekeeping, including daughters. Gerty struggles to find use in her life. This compares to the Girl Time video with Anna who also is expected to be useful and be active. She goes to 3rd grade and loves the balance of the difficulty. Like Gerty, the expectation is that girls should be smart and be useful in life. The theme of the show is that “Smart girls have more fun” so there is obviously pressure on the girls like Ana to be the smartest and best girl she can be. This is very similar to Gerty’s struggle to also be useful and not just get in the way. Both girls need to be smarter and more useful to be accepted in life.
Being a civilized little girl who never shows fault or anger is a common expectation in both of these girls’s world. Gerty shows her anger through tantrums and vulgar language. Because of her temper, everyone looks down upon her, “But he had been well brought up by his gentle mother, was conscious that Gerty was exhibiting a very hot temper, and began to understand what made everybody think her so bad” (118). It is the same way in the video where it is good to be balanced and have everything under control. Ana does not have as bad of a temper as Gerty but there are still expectations on her to be self-controlled. Ana does yoga to balance herself out. If not a polite little girl who stays under control, then society will look down upon you.
One of the main differences between the societies is that today, girls are just supposed to have fun, while in The Lamplighter, that is not the case. Girls like Gerty are supposed to help around the house and be well rounded individuals. Girls in today’s society have to be strong individuals who have equal rights and supposed to have as much fun as possible through being successful. If Gerty were to come on Amy Pholer’s show, she would be clueless. When asked about having balance and about school, she would have neither of them. She probably would not even be allowed on the show because she is so ugly and today’s society focuses greatly on appearance and looks.
These eight year old girls grew up in different generations but they still struggled with the same types of issues. Trying to fit in and become part of society is the most common theme between the both. They both have to become normal, civilized citizens.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Uncle Tom's Cabin
In Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin, the chains of slavery are igniting people to go to drastic measures to protect every belief they have. The mothers in this story will not let anything get between them and their baby. Children become symbols of disaster and loneliness rather than hope.
When Eliza hears of Shelly potentially selling her child, she decides that her only choice is to run away. Her child, the light of her life, is going to be taken from her and sold into slavery apart from her. Because of Eliza’s love for her baby, she realizes what she has to do, “But stronger than all was maternal love, wrought into a paroxysm of frenzy by the near approach of a fearful danger” (105). As most children’s literature encourages morality and is a symbol of hope, Uncle Tom’s Cabin uses children as a cause of suffering. Stowe went straight to the point; she described a lifestyle of realism. She even attacked the issue of race. Eliza was a very light skinned slave who could pass as white. A white mother, slave or not, will be treated with more respect based solely on the color of her skin. The fact that she had a child was also an important factor for her sympathy. Miss Bird was taken aback by Eliza’s story of her passion for her child, “never slept a night without him; he was all I had. He was my comfort and pride, day and night; and, ma'am, they were going to take him away from me, -- to sell him, -- sell him down south, ma'am, to go all alone, -- a baby that had never been away from his mother in his life!” (150).
Slavery is the cause for all this mayhem. If it were not for the indulgencies of the white man and their lack of humanity, this event would have not happened. Children are in the middle of the conflicts in this novel. Like Eliza’s escape for her child, the mother on the ship took extreme measures because of Haley taking her child. The woman jumped off the boat in the middle of the night; she would rather die than live with the fact that her child was stolen from her. Tom awoke to the woman’s splash, “At midnight, Tom waked, with a sudden start. Something black passed quickly by him to the side of the boat, and he heard a splash in the water” (211). As Haley questioned Tom about where she was, he soon finds out about her jumping off. He decides to take it as a loss and move on.
Slavery ruined the idea of a family and the role of children. A mother’s will is stronger than a man’s desire. Children no longer symbolized hope; they were a symbol of confinement.
When Eliza hears of Shelly potentially selling her child, she decides that her only choice is to run away. Her child, the light of her life, is going to be taken from her and sold into slavery apart from her. Because of Eliza’s love for her baby, she realizes what she has to do, “But stronger than all was maternal love, wrought into a paroxysm of frenzy by the near approach of a fearful danger” (105). As most children’s literature encourages morality and is a symbol of hope, Uncle Tom’s Cabin uses children as a cause of suffering. Stowe went straight to the point; she described a lifestyle of realism. She even attacked the issue of race. Eliza was a very light skinned slave who could pass as white. A white mother, slave or not, will be treated with more respect based solely on the color of her skin. The fact that she had a child was also an important factor for her sympathy. Miss Bird was taken aback by Eliza’s story of her passion for her child, “never slept a night without him; he was all I had. He was my comfort and pride, day and night; and, ma'am, they were going to take him away from me, -- to sell him, -- sell him down south, ma'am, to go all alone, -- a baby that had never been away from his mother in his life!” (150).
Slavery is the cause for all this mayhem. If it were not for the indulgencies of the white man and their lack of humanity, this event would have not happened. Children are in the middle of the conflicts in this novel. Like Eliza’s escape for her child, the mother on the ship took extreme measures because of Haley taking her child. The woman jumped off the boat in the middle of the night; she would rather die than live with the fact that her child was stolen from her. Tom awoke to the woman’s splash, “At midnight, Tom waked, with a sudden start. Something black passed quickly by him to the side of the boat, and he heard a splash in the water” (211). As Haley questioned Tom about where she was, he soon finds out about her jumping off. He decides to take it as a loss and move on.
Slavery ruined the idea of a family and the role of children. A mother’s will is stronger than a man’s desire. Children no longer symbolized hope; they were a symbol of confinement.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
The Wide, Wide World
In Warner’s The Wide, Wide World, Ellen, the main character, has to deal with a dying mother and a father who has never been present in her life. Ellen’s mother is diagnosed to move across the world and leave her only child behind. Ellen copes with this situation like an adult even when her only friend is leaving her forever.
Ellen never really has true parents in this novel because her father is always away doing work and her mother is barely hanging on for her life. For the parent to be absent in the child’s life is portrayed as normal. Ellen is used to her father being gone, “Well, mamma, that is bad; but he has been away a great deal before, and I am sure we were always very happy” (23). Having already been disappointed by her father, Ellen is now let down by her mother. Her father left them then she asks, “Not and leave me, mother?” (23). Parents are portrayed by disappointment and not being there for their children. By having Ellen as the protagonist, the reader gets the image of the parents as the antagonist. This type of style presents a different point of view that the readers are not used to.
The role of the father and mother is very different in The Wide, Wide World. The father is not looked upon negatively even though he is always gone, but when the mother has to leave, Ellen is crushed. The mother has a more important role of being the nurturer for the family while the father is the supplier. Because the father is away making money it is acceptable for him to be gone. Ellen’s mother is needed in her daughter’s life but she would rather listen to the doctor than consider her daughter’s life. When Ellen is sobbing over the bad news, her mother stops her and tells her not to rebel. She deeply wants her daughter to trust in God, “Remember, dear Ellen, God sends no trouble upon his children but in love; and though we cannot see how, he will no doubt make all this work for our good” (24). The father really has no role in Ellen’s life. She is used to having no father, “The breakfast-table was still standing, and her father gone” (29).
Even though Ellen’s parents are not present in her life, she still loves her parents with all her heart. Her father is not present but I feel that she still cares about him and doesn’t have any hard feelings towards him. Ellen’s mother wants God to be her father, “He will, my dear daughter,--he will, if you will only put your trust in him, Ellen” (30). Ellen truly loves her mother and is going to miss her when she leaves. Even though her mother might be “betraying” her she still loves her dearly. Ellen will miss all of the great times they shared together, “But she began to think, too, as she watched it, how few more times she would be able to do so—how soon her pleasant tea-making would be over—and the desolate feeling of separation began to come upon her before the time” (26). Ellen understands that parents need to leave sometimes and she copes with their absence. She understands that her parents know best.
Ellen’s parents are hardly present in her life and that is a common thing for her. She loves her parents with all her heart even though they are not a strong part of her life anymore. She will never forget the times they did have and their absence was the normality of the time period.
Ellen never really has true parents in this novel because her father is always away doing work and her mother is barely hanging on for her life. For the parent to be absent in the child’s life is portrayed as normal. Ellen is used to her father being gone, “Well, mamma, that is bad; but he has been away a great deal before, and I am sure we were always very happy” (23). Having already been disappointed by her father, Ellen is now let down by her mother. Her father left them then she asks, “Not and leave me, mother?” (23). Parents are portrayed by disappointment and not being there for their children. By having Ellen as the protagonist, the reader gets the image of the parents as the antagonist. This type of style presents a different point of view that the readers are not used to.
The role of the father and mother is very different in The Wide, Wide World. The father is not looked upon negatively even though he is always gone, but when the mother has to leave, Ellen is crushed. The mother has a more important role of being the nurturer for the family while the father is the supplier. Because the father is away making money it is acceptable for him to be gone. Ellen’s mother is needed in her daughter’s life but she would rather listen to the doctor than consider her daughter’s life. When Ellen is sobbing over the bad news, her mother stops her and tells her not to rebel. She deeply wants her daughter to trust in God, “Remember, dear Ellen, God sends no trouble upon his children but in love; and though we cannot see how, he will no doubt make all this work for our good” (24). The father really has no role in Ellen’s life. She is used to having no father, “The breakfast-table was still standing, and her father gone” (29).
Even though Ellen’s parents are not present in her life, she still loves her parents with all her heart. Her father is not present but I feel that she still cares about him and doesn’t have any hard feelings towards him. Ellen’s mother wants God to be her father, “He will, my dear daughter,--he will, if you will only put your trust in him, Ellen” (30). Ellen truly loves her mother and is going to miss her when she leaves. Even though her mother might be “betraying” her she still loves her dearly. Ellen will miss all of the great times they shared together, “But she began to think, too, as she watched it, how few more times she would be able to do so—how soon her pleasant tea-making would be over—and the desolate feeling of separation began to come upon her before the time” (26). Ellen understands that parents need to leave sometimes and she copes with their absence. She understands that her parents know best.
Ellen’s parents are hardly present in her life and that is a common thing for her. She loves her parents with all her heart even though they are not a strong part of her life anymore. She will never forget the times they did have and their absence was the normality of the time period.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Analyzing Children's Literature
As we continue to study American literature, it is important to understand how to approach children’s literature. By analyzing MacLeod's "Children's Literature for a New Nation" and Sanchez-Eppler's introduction to Dependent States: The Child's Part in Nineteenth-Century American Culture, we can find theories about how to approach children’s literature. The theories deal with morality, social development, innocence, understanding the context of the time period, and the influence of adults on children.
Morality, one of the most important themes in children literature, is emphasized in almost every children’s novel. The idea of teaching children to develop moral views at an early age is looked highly upon by adults. If all children’s novels teach a lesson of morality, then the audience who reads their books is subconsciously taught to have moral views. Plot excitement is not nearly as important as the moral behind the story. In MacLeod's "Children's Literature for a New Nation", she states that “The authors wished to be entertaining, but only just enough to attract child readers” (90). This shows the authors emphasis on teaching morality rather than just entertaining the reader.
Social development is stressed upon by most children’s authors. By brain washing children at an early age to become one with the American society, they will grow up and be patriotic citizens who abide by every law. People are most influenced as children so by putting these ideas of compliance in children’s books they are creating good, American citizens. Sanchez-Eppler describes Walt Whitman’s Dependent States as a book that “explores the particular history of how children and childhood “became part” of nineteenth-century American culture, and what such “becoming part” entailed for individual children and for social structures and cultural norms” (xiv). It is important to get people at an early age to understand that being a good citizen in crucial to living a good life.
Adults desire children to be obedient and keep their innocence. Innocence is what keeps the world going. Most American children’s novels create characters that keep their innocence and do not stray from it. By keeping children innocent, the idea of social uprising and disobedience is not present. Sanchez-Eppler states that “adults have increasingly sought in children: a sense of immanence and innocence, more immediate than rational” (xiv).
Each story is based on a certain time period. Each century has different characteristics that influence the children’s behavior. A child written about in the 21st century will have completely different surroundings than that of a child written about in the 18th century. When reading novels, figure out what time period the author is talking about. By doing this, you will get a better understanding on the lessons and goals of the author. What was morally acceptable has changed over the years, so something that was considered completely immoral is now accepted by everyone in the society.
The final theory to consider when analyzing children’s literature is the influence of adults in the child’s life. The child in a story is molded and influenced by their parents, or in some cases, corrupted by having no parents. Each story emphasizes on the importance of listening to your parents and doing everything they say. Again, like becoming socially molded, children are brain washed at the most influential part of their life to obey authority and to never question it. In Jacqueline Rose’s study of Peter Pan, she states that “It will not be an issue here of what the child wants, but of what the adult desires—desires in the very act of construing the child as the object of its speech” (xvi). The children do not have a choice of how they will be developed, it is up to their parents who raise them and teach them their values. The values of the child are that of the values of the adult.
Children’s literature can be interpreted much easier if you consider the theories stated. There is a purpose and goal behind every story. There is a greater purpose to a story besides solely entertainment.
Morality, one of the most important themes in children literature, is emphasized in almost every children’s novel. The idea of teaching children to develop moral views at an early age is looked highly upon by adults. If all children’s novels teach a lesson of morality, then the audience who reads their books is subconsciously taught to have moral views. Plot excitement is not nearly as important as the moral behind the story. In MacLeod's "Children's Literature for a New Nation", she states that “The authors wished to be entertaining, but only just enough to attract child readers” (90). This shows the authors emphasis on teaching morality rather than just entertaining the reader.
Social development is stressed upon by most children’s authors. By brain washing children at an early age to become one with the American society, they will grow up and be patriotic citizens who abide by every law. People are most influenced as children so by putting these ideas of compliance in children’s books they are creating good, American citizens. Sanchez-Eppler describes Walt Whitman’s Dependent States as a book that “explores the particular history of how children and childhood “became part” of nineteenth-century American culture, and what such “becoming part” entailed for individual children and for social structures and cultural norms” (xiv). It is important to get people at an early age to understand that being a good citizen in crucial to living a good life.
Adults desire children to be obedient and keep their innocence. Innocence is what keeps the world going. Most American children’s novels create characters that keep their innocence and do not stray from it. By keeping children innocent, the idea of social uprising and disobedience is not present. Sanchez-Eppler states that “adults have increasingly sought in children: a sense of immanence and innocence, more immediate than rational” (xiv).
Each story is based on a certain time period. Each century has different characteristics that influence the children’s behavior. A child written about in the 21st century will have completely different surroundings than that of a child written about in the 18th century. When reading novels, figure out what time period the author is talking about. By doing this, you will get a better understanding on the lessons and goals of the author. What was morally acceptable has changed over the years, so something that was considered completely immoral is now accepted by everyone in the society.
The final theory to consider when analyzing children’s literature is the influence of adults in the child’s life. The child in a story is molded and influenced by their parents, or in some cases, corrupted by having no parents. Each story emphasizes on the importance of listening to your parents and doing everything they say. Again, like becoming socially molded, children are brain washed at the most influential part of their life to obey authority and to never question it. In Jacqueline Rose’s study of Peter Pan, she states that “It will not be an issue here of what the child wants, but of what the adult desires—desires in the very act of construing the child as the object of its speech” (xvi). The children do not have a choice of how they will be developed, it is up to their parents who raise them and teach them their values. The values of the child are that of the values of the adult.
Children’s literature can be interpreted much easier if you consider the theories stated. There is a purpose and goal behind every story. There is a greater purpose to a story besides solely entertainment.
Monday, August 31, 2009
About Me
Hi, my name is Scott Secora and I am a sophomore here at TCU. I am from Austin, TX and I will always be a longhorn (except when they play TCU). I am still undecided on my major but will hopefully know by the end of this semester. I love it here at TCU and am looking forward to another exciting year.
From the first time I stepped foot on the TCU campus, I knew that this was the place for me. I love its beauty, the weather, the people, and everything about it. The only thing that I would change if I had the power is I would add multiple eating areas. The BLUU is not big enough to keep up with the lunchtime crowds. There should be a few eating areas like the BLUU scattered throughout campus. TCU is known for its academics so their is high expectations for the professors. A good professor listens to your concerns and stays actively involved with the students. Keeping the students interested in the topic at hand is also a sign of a good teacher. On the other hand, the student also has to work with the teacher and be involved with the class. If the student asks questions and communicates with the teacher then everything will work out great in the class.
If I could have dinner with any three people, it would be Micheal Jordan, Albert Einstein, and Tiger Woods. There are some things you have to know about me to fully understand who I am. I love to play basketball and baseball. I couldn't live without sports. Second, I love to go to the beach, especially to the Caribbean. Third, I love to be with my friends and always love to have a good time. Some things that I want to know about this class is who's going to help me study? Is there anyone else from Austin? And is anybody else still a premajor?
I am taking this class because it is required, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. I am hoping to improve my writing and writing style over the course of this year. I have never really taken a college level class where we do a lot of writing, so I am hoping that this course turns out well for me.
From the first time I stepped foot on the TCU campus, I knew that this was the place for me. I love its beauty, the weather, the people, and everything about it. The only thing that I would change if I had the power is I would add multiple eating areas. The BLUU is not big enough to keep up with the lunchtime crowds. There should be a few eating areas like the BLUU scattered throughout campus. TCU is known for its academics so their is high expectations for the professors. A good professor listens to your concerns and stays actively involved with the students. Keeping the students interested in the topic at hand is also a sign of a good teacher. On the other hand, the student also has to work with the teacher and be involved with the class. If the student asks questions and communicates with the teacher then everything will work out great in the class.
If I could have dinner with any three people, it would be Micheal Jordan, Albert Einstein, and Tiger Woods. There are some things you have to know about me to fully understand who I am. I love to play basketball and baseball. I couldn't live without sports. Second, I love to go to the beach, especially to the Caribbean. Third, I love to be with my friends and always love to have a good time. Some things that I want to know about this class is who's going to help me study? Is there anyone else from Austin? And is anybody else still a premajor?
I am taking this class because it is required, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. I am hoping to improve my writing and writing style over the course of this year. I have never really taken a college level class where we do a lot of writing, so I am hoping that this course turns out well for me.
The high school I went to was a small private high school that focused on rhetoric, so I have done a lot of writing. I prefer to write about fictitious stories that deal with characters that only your mind can make up. I have a creative mind and I also enjoy poetry. I enjoy reading Sports Illustrated and ESPN The Magazine. The Harry Potter Series is also exciting.
When looking at my profile, you get a professional look but still pleasing to the eye. Hopefully my peers will have an idea of who I am based on my background and writing style. I have a casual style that is straight to the point. I do not like to be sidetracked by tedious statements and ideas. Because of my previous experience with writing, I will be actively involved with this course and will be on top of my postings.
I have read, understand, and agree to the terms of the course syllabus.
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