Journal #27 - Emily Dickinson

I think that Emily Dickinson's poems fit well with the song Amazing Grace because the song itself is very emotional and significant. She really felt impressed to write of her personal feelings and better herself. I think that Dickinson was trying to better herself in her life and help herself be an all around good person through her poetry. In the song, the infamous line "that saved a wretch like me" is a very important and impacting verse. The rhyme scheme in both Dickinson's poem and Amazing Grace is also a key reason that the poem/songs became popular. The hymnals are used because they are very generic and I think everyone could relate to them. Dickinson was known for doing this with her poems because I believe it was her way of connecting with both hymns and herself. Amazing Grace was really popular in the day because it sent such an inspiring and motivational message to its listeners. People were beginning to reconnect with God and could finally see themselves becoming saved and free. Just a side note, this also helped the blacks keep hope in their future status in American. I personally think that Amazing Grace was a song about letting go of the past and the bad things that happened and focusing more on the future and the greatness that would be soon to come. They were not bound to the fields and could attempt to, despite oppression, prosper. I think that Dickinson subtly connected her poems to Amazing Grace because the hymn was so well known, very motivational, and extremely popular during the time period. It was important that Dickinson had something in her works that kept her going because she was simply a depressed woman in my opinion. This inspiring song was important to not only people like Dickinson, but also society in general. It left its mark in ways that the author could have never thought possible and still is effecting society even today.

Reflection Blog - Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson, an author that has found herself labeled as a "tweener", simply falls into this category because she does not follow the "real" characteristics of the realism time period, yet also fails to fit in with the modernists of the modernism time period. Critics have tried too hard to define an era in history that fits perfectly with the generations that have come to pass and have left marks on literature, but have eventually influenced future prospects in some way or another. Dickinson's unintentional forte of writing has left her to be one of the most prominent and highly regarded authors of all time because she simply wrote in the style she preferred, and not of the rules and regulations society made up during her era.

Her writing style is rather simple, yet emotionally deep and gratifying. Dickinson secluded herself from the outside world and wrote in spite of the critical analogies she knew would come her way (McChesney). Extremely influenced by the writing's of Ralph Waldo Emerson, Dickinson yearned to follow an individualistic life style as demonstrated in Emerson's philosophies. Because of this, it can be inferred that she did somewhat fit into the time period of realism. Her works focused mainly on nature and the likes. She regarded nature very highly and wanted to connect herself with it in an attempt through her poems.

Her writing style was also highly influenced by her own opinion. She did not really appreciate other's opinions, so her writing reflected herself very much, which was something big for Emerson. Self was very integrated into the lives of society back in Dickinson's time period. People often think if Dickinson as being in the modernism time period. This literature movement focused on kind of "modernizing" literature because writers tried to be as unique as possible, not following the traditions of the writers before them (McChesney). Dickinson was definitely a part of this counterculture per say as seen in her poems such as "The Bee" and other unique and different works. It is easier to look at Dickinson as being normal, which made her different like a lot of authors tried to accomplish during this time.

Finally, a very distinguishable characteristic of Dickinson's writing style (much like Emerson) was her obsession with nature. She often focused her poems on nature, that represented more than just nature itself. She followed the seasons and wrote about their every-changing beauty, from the snow in winter, flowers in spring, warmth of summer, and crisp air of autumn (McChesney). "A Narrow Fellow in the Grass" also shows her love for nature as she describes laying in the grass observing a snake. Although people strongly focused on nature during this time, Dickinson's spin on the concept was widely different with others. She put herself in nature through her writing, which was unique to the time period.

Overall, Dickinson's unique writing style helped set her aside from other writers of the time. She was an infamous "tweener" that helped influence other writers. She made a huge impact to literature with her contribution to literature and nature.

McChesney, Sandra. "A View from the Window: The Poetry of Emily Dickinson." In Harold Bloom, ed. Emily Dickinson, Bloom's BioCritiques. Philadelphia: Chelsea House Publishing, 2002. Bloom's Literary Reference Online. Facts On File, Inc.

Reflection Blog - Walt Whitman

Walt Whitman, a highly renowned poet during the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century, was, according to Richard Bucke, a somewhat arrogant man. His poetry often revolved around himself (Bucke). This writing style was rather different for the the time period, which ultimately caught the attention of society. Whitman used his poetry to search for his self intuition. He did not feel he was better than everyone else, but he did feel as if his writing showed his understanding of divinity in every human being (Bucke). Many critics (whether professional or not) have labeled Whitman as a man very caught up on his writing and talents. This mindset ultimately lead him on the path to success that defined his own era quite different from that of Realism or Modernism.
When looking for first hand examples of this arrogant-styled writing, one needs not look far. Whitman often entitled his works to fit perfectly with his attitude. His poem "Myself and Mine" reflects his feelings with society and highlights their imperfections (Whitman). It is interesting to read and see almost first hand how Whitman actually feels about life because this poem is coming from his thoughts directly and not hindered by some indirect or offset character. His writing style is very unique in this sense.
Throughout history, critics have often characterized Whitman's writing style as somewhat odd and indifferent, but in actuality, he wrote about his genuine feelings. "Myself and Mine" strongly shows this philosophy. "Let me have my own way. Let other promulge the laws - I will make no account of the laws," (Whitman). This statement is very bold. Whitman clearly allows society to see that he is not going to be like everyone else. The realism period was very big on facts and definite answers, whereas Whitman simply felt he would do things his way, whether, in this case, they were right (lawfully) or not. According to Richard Burke, Whitman's writing was very straightforward and kind of simplistic (Bucke). But Whitman felt he was rightfully better than society throughout the aspect of literature and social standards (Bucke). It can be inferred that Whitman was not only arrogant in his philosophical ideas, but also in that of society and literature.
Overall, the general writing style of Walt Whitman consisted of a very arrogant and conceited lifestyle. His cockiness can further be seen throughout "Myself and Mine", as well as countless other works by the prominent author. His writing style, very different from realism, helped create and direct an entirely new "era" of literature that left many authors with a very unique style and voice. Because he did not hold back his feelings, he allowed society to open up about theirs as well. Not only did he impact the literature world, but he also left a mark on society as a whole.
By far the most accurate and exemplifying critic of Whitman is that of himself. He is able to analyze his own feelings and thoughts throughout his literature. It is said that prior to becoming famous, he wrote for a newspaper and published articles talking about his own writing (Longabucco). This allowed to anonymously open up to not only himself but also to a society that would later be the ultimate critic.

Bucke, Richard Maurice. "The Man Walt Whitman." In Re Walt Whitman, eds. Horace L. Traubel, Richard Maurice Bucke, Thomas B. Harned, 1893: 59. Quoted as "The Man Walt Whitman" in Bloom, Harold, ed. Walt Whitman, Classic Critical Views. New York: Chelsea House Publishing, 2007.Bloom's Literary Reference Online. Facts On File, Inc.
Longabucco, Matt. "'The Proof of a Poet'—Walt Whitman and His Critics." In Bloom, Harold, ed. Walt Whitman, Bloom's BioCritiques. Philadelphia: Chelsea House Publishing, 2002. Bloom's Literary Reference Online. Facts On File, Inc.

Project Blog #18 - On the Beach at Night- Walt Whitman

"On the Beach at Night" by Walt Whitman is a very hard poem to analyze in my opinion. It definitely talks about nature a lot because the author gives praise to stars, the night sky, and the ocean multiple times throughout the poem itself. I think the biggest message being portrayed in the poem is that everyone is connected in some way, very much like the stars referred to the poem time and time again. It also signifies the importance nature plays in people's lives. Throughout the philosophy of both Emerson and Thoreau, nature is found to be extremely important for the two notorious individuals. Emerson believes that nature is something humans will never fully understand, but should never give up trying to connect with the beauty it has to behold (Wayne).

Another idea important to that of Emerson and Thoreau especially is the idea of individualism. I think that the poem emphasis how we are all connected as individuals. We can be seen in the stars, like in the poem, and we can find each other throughout others around us. It all depends on the extensiveness an individual takes to connect with their inner-self. The poem subliminally shows readers how stars, the ocean, and nature in general, plays a vital role in our lives. We are able to see the full extent of the importance of these things. Emerson and Thoreau both tried to get society to see that. I think Whitman used their ideas in his poem because he felt it was something that a blind society needed. If people who were influenced by his poems, they might be interested in the ideas of both Emerson and Thoreau.

As far as this idea being applied to today's society, I think that it would be very eye-opening for people to see the importance of nature. We are so wrapped up in technology that we fail to see the beauty around us. Emerson and Thoreau's ideas were important and significant then, as well as today, if only people would take the time to analyze them like we do.

Wayne, Tiffany K. "'Nature'." Encyclopedia of Transcendentalism. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2006. Bloom's Literary Reference Online. Facts On File, Inc.

Whitman, Walt. "On the Beach at Night, by Walt Whitman." Poetry Archive. Web. 05 Mar.

Project Blog #17 - The Bee - Emily Dickinson

The Bee by Emily Dickinson reflects the philosophies of Emerson and Thoreau because of its significance on nature. Emerson, a big advocate for nature, was actually very close to Dickinson (or maybe vice versa) (Diehl). In the poem by Dickinson, she regards nature, and the bee, as something very precious. The bee has a "helmet of gold" as Dickinson puts it (Dickinson). She thinks that the bee in a very important thing in nature because, despite the bad reputation it has with its stinger, it has an even better role in society because it goes and pollinates other flowers. Emerson definitely felt something important with nature, and he demonstrated these ideas in his essay "Nature". Dickinson wanted to really be like Emerson in the fact that nature was something individuals could never fully grasp. No matter how hard one tried, trying to fully understand the wonders of the world and the beauty of nature was impossible. I think that Dickinson was similar in thinking like Emerson because she was so influenced by him. They actually met a few times and shared ideas with one another (Diehl).

Dickinson took this idea from Emerson and went with it in her life (Diehl). She often shaped her writing, as seen in The Bee, as something that subtly describes the minute details that mother nature offers us. She wrote about simple things such as the bee, although minor, and portrayed how it was actually important in nature. Trying to imagine life without bees is pretty much impossible. Flowers would not pollinate as much as they do now, and the food chain would just completely collapse without them. I think that there is a point when one can actually over-analyze things... and I am just being honest here, but I think that after all of these blogs, Emerson definitely thought too much about it. Anyway, both Emerson and Thoreau's impact on society was very important, especially back in their day because people wanted answers so bad. They strove for something bigger in their lives, and for them, I think they chose nature because of its natural characteristics and beauty.

Dickinson, Emily. "The Bee." Poet Seers. Web. 05 Mar. 2012.—

Diehl, Joanne Feit. "Emerson, Dickinson, and the Abyss." In Dickinson and the Romantic Imagination. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1981. Quoted as "Emerson, Dickinson, and the Abyss" in Harold Bloom, ed. Emily Dickinson, Bloom's Major Poets. Philadelphia: Chelsea House Publishing, 1998. (Updated 2007.) Bloom's Literary Reference Online. Facts On File, Inc.

Project Blog #16 - Jack London — “To Build a Fire”

"To Build A Fire" by Jack London strongly demonstrates the power of nature, similar to the philosophies and ideas Henry David Thoreau. The story's strong position on nature proves to the protagonist that society should respect the delicate and serene power beheld in mother nature. In a way, nature is sort of like another being. The man in the story felt he could continue his trek through the snow with his dog. Each step he took further into his journey, he was setting himself up for failure. Ralph Waldo Emerson says that man should respect nature because of its pristine beauty and significance. He says that an individual should look to nature for somewhat of self-help and guidance. I think the man in the story did not respect nature in the way he should. It can also be compared to how the man thinks. In one literary criticism, Patricia Brugman says that a man also has his own "nature". She says that it cannot be changed and that one must first find it through themselves. This would then allow the individual a detox of the burden of life itself. She then makes the connection that Emerson says regarding a man's nature. "I suppose no man can change his nature," (Brugman).

Even in today's society, we try to be like the main character in "To Build A Fire". We feel as if our technology and standard of living is so much better than that of nature. Trees are being torn down to build multi-million housing complexes. We cannot be like the man in the story. We cannot think that we have control over something so natural and beautiful like that of the forest, the snow covered bushes, or the stars in the sky. When we find our inner nature, according to Emerson, we then have so much power, not in the sense of superiority over nature, but in the sense that nature is on our side and not going to deceive us in any way. These ideas by Emerson demonstrate a high knowledge of respect and intellect.

Brugman, Patricia. "Nature in 'Self-Reliance'." McClinton-Temple, Jennifer ed. Encyclopedia of

Themes in Literature. New York: Infobase Publishing, 2011. Bloom's Literary Reference Online. Facts On File, Inc.

London, Jack. "To Build a Fire, by Jack London." The World of Jack London 2012®. Web. 11 Mar. 2012.

Project Blog #15 - Edwin Arlington Robinson – “Richard Cory”

Although short and sweet, Robinson's poem entitled "Richard Cory" is a keen description of Mr. Cory and his rich lifestyle. The poem talks about how everyone in the town highly admired the man. "But still he fluttered pulses when he said, 'Good Morning!' and he glittered when he walked," (Robinson). In this quote, readers can see just how prominent the infamous man was. I think this poem regards materialism in a very subtle way. It can be implied that this Mr. Cory was very caught up in his wealth and probably had a high materialistic lifestyle. He seemed to be the local man in the town that embodied his money and valued it more than life itself.

Critic P.B. Grant says in his literary criticism that Henry David Thoreau believed that America was getting too wrapped up in material things during the late nineteenth century (Grant). Traditions, according the Thoreau, were being lost and replaced with more advanced ideas and lifestyles. I think that for many, like Mr. Cory, this way of life was suitable on the outside, but on the inside was full of stress and sadness. This leads to the end of the poem, where Mr. Cory is found shot dead from suicide (Robinson). They always say that money cannot buy happiness, and I believe this is what Thoreau says when he says that new commodities do nothing to nurture an individuals spirit (Grant). This idea also goes hand in hand with individualism. Thoreau thought that an individual needed to focus on oneself and do what was best for themselves, despite the influx in social media and other distractions the Industrial Era brought to American society.

This story, along with Thoreau's materialism ideas, can go hand in hand with today's society. We are so caught up in the newest technological device that we fail to see the nature and beauty around us. I think that kids today would rather choose to stay inside and play video games or watch television rather than go outside and take in the earth's natural artwork and landscapes. It would be nice to step aside the from daily technological distractions that life throws at us and value nature at its finest like Thoreau tried to portray through his philosophy and literary works.

Grant, P. B. "Individual and Society in Walden." McClinton-Temple, Jennifer ed. Encyclopedia ofThemes in Literature. New York: Infobase Publishing, 2011. Bloom's Literary Reference Online. Facts On File, Inc.

Robinson, Edwin Arlington. "Richard Cory." Poemhunter.com. Web. 06 Mar. 2012.