The speaker seems to be agonizing as to why his season of prosper has not come in light of his committment to God and his word.
The author writes: "Thou are indeed just, Lord, if I contend
With thee; but, sir, so what I plead is just.
Why do sinners' ways prosper? and why must
Disappointment all I endeavor end? (Lines 1 - 4)
The opening line shows he is giving honage to God as a just God. Even though he knows God is just, he appears to be struggling with why he has not prospered in the things he has asked for and those living a less religious or spirtual life appears to be prospering. While the writer is questioning God, it appears he's still be respectful by referring to God as sir.
I was at a time in my life when I knew God already had worked out a plan for the adversity in my life. I was ready for him to work it out on "my" time rather than his. I believe this is the writer's struggle right now. Faith is not knowing God can, but knowing God will.
Line 14 says: "Mine, O thou lord of life, send my roots rain."
It seems the writer is saying, give me strength. I know I'm weak and the only way I can get past this is to have you give me strength.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Thomas Hardy - On the Departure Platform
This poem focuses on a man leaving the woman he loves to go off to war. I could definitely connect with this feeling having to send a loved one off to the Middle East. It was a gut wrenching feeling. I can relate to the verse that said:
"Then slow again, till I ceased to see
That flexible form, that nebulous white;
And she who was more than my life to me
Had vanished quite." (Lines 13-16)
What a way to describe that scene! In my experience I felt transfixed, I could not force myself to move until I couldn't see any glimple of them at all.
The writer goes on the say:
"We have penned new plans since that fiar fond day,
And in season she will appear again--
Perhaps in the same soft white array--
But never as then!" (Lines 17-20)
The writers suggest the couple already has plans for the next reunion. She could possibly be wearing the same attire, but it seems he feels the emotions he feels today may not be the same then or that the agony of the wait could be difficult to get through.
I really enjoyed the poem! I feel this poem could possibly bring focus to the emotions military families experience when their loved ones go off to defend our country.
"Then slow again, till I ceased to see
That flexible form, that nebulous white;
And she who was more than my life to me
Had vanished quite." (Lines 13-16)
What a way to describe that scene! In my experience I felt transfixed, I could not force myself to move until I couldn't see any glimple of them at all.
The writer goes on the say:
"We have penned new plans since that fiar fond day,
And in season she will appear again--
Perhaps in the same soft white array--
But never as then!" (Lines 17-20)
The writers suggest the couple already has plans for the next reunion. She could possibly be wearing the same attire, but it seems he feels the emotions he feels today may not be the same then or that the agony of the wait could be difficult to get through.
I really enjoyed the poem! I feel this poem could possibly bring focus to the emotions military families experience when their loved ones go off to defend our country.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Felicia Hemans - The Wife of Asdrubal
To be honest I have mixed emotions about this piece. It is so easy to understand the rage and betrayal she felt. To be betrayed by a spouse and father must have left a lot of emotional scarring. With that said, I'm still not certain that this could drive me to murder my own children; but unsettled emotion can possibly drive us to do many things we wouldn't normally do.
"Her walls have sunk, and pyramids of fire
In lurid splendor from her domes aspire; (Lines 3-4)
I feel Hemans is showing a parallel between the destruction of the temple to the decline and destruction of her marriage and family life.
Hemens seems to paint the wife heroically by saying: "But a wild courage sits triumphant there,
The stormy grandeur of a proud despair;
A daring spirit, in its woes elate,
She seems th' avenging goddess of the scene." (Lines 25 - 27, 32)
While some may see this as heroism, I'm having a hard time accepeting this even in light of the emotional unrest of her past. My mother raised my sister and I as a single mother for a good part of our lives. There were a lot of different stressors that impacted our family. I can definitely relate to that, but I still struggle with murdering your children for ANY reason.
Revenge is a powerful thing!
"Her walls have sunk, and pyramids of fire
In lurid splendor from her domes aspire; (Lines 3-4)
I feel Hemans is showing a parallel between the destruction of the temple to the decline and destruction of her marriage and family life.
Hemens seems to paint the wife heroically by saying: "But a wild courage sits triumphant there,
The stormy grandeur of a proud despair;
A daring spirit, in its woes elate,
She seems th' avenging goddess of the scene." (Lines 25 - 27, 32)
While some may see this as heroism, I'm having a hard time accepeting this even in light of the emotional unrest of her past. My mother raised my sister and I as a single mother for a good part of our lives. There were a lot of different stressors that impacted our family. I can definitely relate to that, but I still struggle with murdering your children for ANY reason.
Revenge is a powerful thing!
Gerald Manley Hopkins - Pied Beauty
This was a short poem with a long meaning. Hopkins seeks to encourage us to glorify God for "all" things. We often take so many things for granted and not give proper thanks.
"Glory be to God for dappled things--
For skies of couple-colour as a brinded cow;
For rose-moles all in stipple upon trout that swim;
Fresh-firecoal chestnut falls; finches wings;
And all trades, their gear and tackle and trim."
Hopkins points out images and colors like white and blue colors of the sky; streaked hide of a cow, rose moles on trout, coals that are black internally and red inside. All of these things seems to suggest he wants to bring focus to being thankful for nature's full array of beauty and our ability to even witness the beauty of these things through sight, touch, smell, taste, etc.
The last line is short and sweet: "Praise him." (Line 11)
The long and short of it is praise God for all things. This includes stopping to recognize the beauty in all things. I believe we get so busy with "life", sometimes we don't stop to appreciate what life ready is....the beauty of God's creations.
"Glory be to God for dappled things--
For skies of couple-colour as a brinded cow;
For rose-moles all in stipple upon trout that swim;
Fresh-firecoal chestnut falls; finches wings;
And all trades, their gear and tackle and trim."
Hopkins points out images and colors like white and blue colors of the sky; streaked hide of a cow, rose moles on trout, coals that are black internally and red inside. All of these things seems to suggest he wants to bring focus to being thankful for nature's full array of beauty and our ability to even witness the beauty of these things through sight, touch, smell, taste, etc.
The last line is short and sweet: "Praise him." (Line 11)
The long and short of it is praise God for all things. This includes stopping to recognize the beauty in all things. I believe we get so busy with "life", sometimes we don't stop to appreciate what life ready is....the beauty of God's creations.
George Gordon, Lord Byron - She Walks in Beauty
In "She Walks in Beauty", Byron expresses his thoughts of internal and external beauty. It may be a little unusual that the woman he is admiring is related to him; his cousin. Never the less, he finds her extremely beautiful.
"She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that's best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes" (Line 1 - 4)
Gordon seems to be contrasting light and dark. Her beauty illuminates like a well lit sky of stars at night, it shows even in darkness there still is light. I think its admirable that he compares her beauty to nature as well (stars, skies, etc.)
"And on that cheek, and o'er that brow,
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent." (Lines 13 - 18)
He continues to talk about her physical beauty, but also talks about the smiles that win and a peace of mind. This suggests that her beauty is also internal, that she wins smiles through her personal interactions and relationships. A heart being innocent may symbolize her kindness and unselfish spririt.
"She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that's best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes" (Line 1 - 4)
Gordon seems to be contrasting light and dark. Her beauty illuminates like a well lit sky of stars at night, it shows even in darkness there still is light. I think its admirable that he compares her beauty to nature as well (stars, skies, etc.)
"And on that cheek, and o'er that brow,
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent." (Lines 13 - 18)
He continues to talk about her physical beauty, but also talks about the smiles that win and a peace of mind. This suggests that her beauty is also internal, that she wins smiles through her personal interactions and relationships. A heart being innocent may symbolize her kindness and unselfish spririt.
Alfred, Lord Tennyson - Tears, Idle Tears
I'm not certain if Tennyson's plan was to evoke emotion in readers from this piece, but it did for me. It took me back to my grandfather's passing and the raw emotions I still feel around his death. I'm not certain that my interpretation is what the author meant, but here are my takeaways.
"Tears, idle tears, I know not what they mean;
Tears from the depth of some divine despair
Rise in the heart, and gather to the eyes,
In looking on the happy Autumn fields,
And thinking of the days that are no more. " (Lines 1 - 5)
Idle tears in my mind means the event that is causing the pain may be in the past, something happened at that moment that triggered the memory of the pain. Therefore, your eyes fill up with water and you begin to cry. Even though I've never thought of the phrasing "idle tears", I've experienced that reaction after seeing something that reminded me of my grandfather. Just in that instant, you transition back to those emotions of heart throbbing grief.
"Dear as remember'd kisses after death,
And sweet as those by hopeless fancy feign'd
On lips that are for others; deep as love,
Deep as first love, and wild with all regret;
O Death in Life, the days that are no more." (Lines 16 - 20)
I interpret these verse to mean we have our dear memories of our loved ones that we will hold forever. Even though those experiences will be no more.
"Tears, idle tears, I know not what they mean;
Tears from the depth of some divine despair
Rise in the heart, and gather to the eyes,
In looking on the happy Autumn fields,
And thinking of the days that are no more. " (Lines 1 - 5)
Idle tears in my mind means the event that is causing the pain may be in the past, something happened at that moment that triggered the memory of the pain. Therefore, your eyes fill up with water and you begin to cry. Even though I've never thought of the phrasing "idle tears", I've experienced that reaction after seeing something that reminded me of my grandfather. Just in that instant, you transition back to those emotions of heart throbbing grief.
"Dear as remember'd kisses after death,
And sweet as those by hopeless fancy feign'd
On lips that are for others; deep as love,
Deep as first love, and wild with all regret;
O Death in Life, the days that are no more." (Lines 16 - 20)
I interpret these verse to mean we have our dear memories of our loved ones that we will hold forever. Even though those experiences will be no more.
William Blake - The Little Black Boy
This poem talks focuses on a black child's perspective of learning what God is (love), who he is as a black child, and how pure love can transcend race.
"My mother bore me in the southern wild,
And I am black, but O! my soul is white
White as an angel is the English child:
But I am black as if bereav'd of light." (Lines 1 - 4)
Here the author is making the contrast between light and dark. The child's black skin compared the the whiteness of his soul; indicating the purity of his soul and love regardless of skin color.
"And we are put on earth a little space
That we may learn to bear the beams of love.
And these black bodies and this sun-burnt face
Is but a cloud, and like a shady grove.
For when our souls have learn'd the heat to bear
The cloud will vanish we shall hear his voice
And round my golden tent like lambs rejoice." (Lines 13 - 20)
These verses seems to suggest the mother's way of teaching him that skin color will not exist in heaven. That love transends all in heaven and to value relationships more than anything.
The last verse:
"And then Ill stand and stroke his silver hair,
And be like him and he will then love me." (Lines 27 - 28)
The child is showing he has received and understands the message his mother was teaching him. The boys explains to his friend that they will be equals once in heaven. I also believe the message is, we have a responsibility now (prior to death) to start this process and dialogue.
"My mother bore me in the southern wild,
And I am black, but O! my soul is white
White as an angel is the English child:
But I am black as if bereav'd of light." (Lines 1 - 4)
Here the author is making the contrast between light and dark. The child's black skin compared the the whiteness of his soul; indicating the purity of his soul and love regardless of skin color.
"And we are put on earth a little space
That we may learn to bear the beams of love.
And these black bodies and this sun-burnt face
Is but a cloud, and like a shady grove.
For when our souls have learn'd the heat to bear
The cloud will vanish we shall hear his voice
And round my golden tent like lambs rejoice." (Lines 13 - 20)
These verses seems to suggest the mother's way of teaching him that skin color will not exist in heaven. That love transends all in heaven and to value relationships more than anything.
The last verse:
"And then Ill stand and stroke his silver hair,
And be like him and he will then love me." (Lines 27 - 28)
The child is showing he has received and understands the message his mother was teaching him. The boys explains to his friend that they will be equals once in heaven. I also believe the message is, we have a responsibility now (prior to death) to start this process and dialogue.
William Wordsworth - We Are Seven
I absolutely loved this piece. Wordsworth chronicals the events between a speaker and an eight year old girl. The title is based on her response of how many siblings are in her family.
"Sisters and brothers, little maid,
How many may you be?"
How many seven in all," she said,
And wondering looked at me." (Lines 14 - 16)
The speaker continues to question the girl around where her siblings are:
"And where are they, I pray you tell?"
She answered, "Seven are we,
And two of us at Conway dwell,
And two are gone to sea.
Two of us in the church-yard lie,
My sister and my brother,
And in the church-yard cottage, I dwell near them
with my mother." (Lines 17 - 24)
The little girl explains that two of her siblings are dead and she lives close by them with her mom.
The speaker comes back and says:
"You run about, my little Maid,
Your limbs they are alive;
If two are in the church-yard laid,
They ye are only five. " (Lines 33 - 36)
The speaker is suggesting that the child is not subtracting properly, the math is not adding up.
So he continues to question to child in an effort to get her to recognize her mistake.
Finally, the last verse says:
"Twas throwing words away; for still
The little Maid would have her will,
And said, "Nay, we are seven!" (Lines 67 - 69)
Wow, what a lesson to learn from a child. It took 69 verses of asking primarily the same question.
Life and family is not based on mathmatics, but on relationships and memories of your loved ones. Its not about the date of our birth or the date of our death; its about the dash in between and how we live it.
"Sisters and brothers, little maid,
How many may you be?"
How many seven in all," she said,
And wondering looked at me." (Lines 14 - 16)
The speaker continues to question the girl around where her siblings are:
"And where are they, I pray you tell?"
She answered, "Seven are we,
And two of us at Conway dwell,
And two are gone to sea.
Two of us in the church-yard lie,
My sister and my brother,
And in the church-yard cottage, I dwell near them
with my mother." (Lines 17 - 24)
The little girl explains that two of her siblings are dead and she lives close by them with her mom.
The speaker comes back and says:
"You run about, my little Maid,
Your limbs they are alive;
If two are in the church-yard laid,
They ye are only five. " (Lines 33 - 36)
The speaker is suggesting that the child is not subtracting properly, the math is not adding up.
So he continues to question to child in an effort to get her to recognize her mistake.
Finally, the last verse says:
"Twas throwing words away; for still
The little Maid would have her will,
And said, "Nay, we are seven!" (Lines 67 - 69)
Wow, what a lesson to learn from a child. It took 69 verses of asking primarily the same question.
Life and family is not based on mathmatics, but on relationships and memories of your loved ones. Its not about the date of our birth or the date of our death; its about the dash in between and how we live it.
Crazy Jane Talks wit the Bishop - William Butler Yeats
The title of this poem caught my eye and I had to read it to find out more. This poem actually evolves around two different viewpoints of how to live life and love. The bishop's perspective is one of morality and spirituality and Jane's perspective is the realistic and sometimes ugly side of love and relationships.
"I met the Bishop on the road
And much said he and I
"Those breasts are flat and fallen now
Those veins must soon be dry;
Not in some foul sty." (Lines 1 - 7)
I interpret this as the Bishop telling her she is no longer youthful. She is older and her body is showing signs of it. He wants her to clean up her life and not continue to engage in immoral behavior.
Jane gives her own perspective by saying:
"Fair and foul are near of kin,
And fair needs foul," I cried.
"My friends are gone, but that's a truth
Nor grave nor bed denied,
Learned in bodily lowliness
And in the heart's pride. " (Lines 7 - 12)
It appears Jane is defending her lifestyle of "fair and foul." She admits some of her friends are gone but she has enjoyed her exploits all the same; despite some adversity.
I guess her motto is: "better to have loved and lost than not to have lever loved at all."
"I met the Bishop on the road
And much said he and I
"Those breasts are flat and fallen now
Those veins must soon be dry;
Not in some foul sty." (Lines 1 - 7)
I interpret this as the Bishop telling her she is no longer youthful. She is older and her body is showing signs of it. He wants her to clean up her life and not continue to engage in immoral behavior.
Jane gives her own perspective by saying:
"Fair and foul are near of kin,
And fair needs foul," I cried.
"My friends are gone, but that's a truth
Nor grave nor bed denied,
Learned in bodily lowliness
And in the heart's pride. " (Lines 7 - 12)
It appears Jane is defending her lifestyle of "fair and foul." She admits some of her friends are gone but she has enjoyed her exploits all the same; despite some adversity.
I guess her motto is: "better to have loved and lost than not to have lever loved at all."
William Butler Yeats - Leda and the Swan
I am a fan of Greek mythology, so I chose to write about this poem for that reason. In Yeats' "Leda and the Swan," the writer chronicles the rape of Leda by Zeus (the king of the Gods). Zeus comes in the form of a swan which is typically known for its beauty, not such a vicious act. So I was somewhat surprised about the pairing.
"A sudden blow: the great wings beating still
Above the staggering girl, her thighs caressed
By the dark webs, her nape caught in his bill,
He holds here helpless breast upon her breast" (Lines 1 - 4)
The words used helped to paint a visual of the breadth of swan's wing span as he engulfs her. The dark webs would be his webbed feet holding her and pressing her against him. She was helpful to fight or get away due to the swan's strength.
"The broken wall, the burning roof and tower
And Agamemnon dead." (Lines 10 -11) This verse describes the burning of Troy and the murder of Agamemnon, the commander of the Trojan war. Some believed the child conceived from this rape, Helen of Troy, was a result of these events.
The last verse says: "Did she put on his knowledge with his power
Before the indifferent beak could let her drop?" (Line 14 - 15)
This implies she may have the knowledge of a god as well; not just power.
"A sudden blow: the great wings beating still
Above the staggering girl, her thighs caressed
By the dark webs, her nape caught in his bill,
He holds here helpless breast upon her breast" (Lines 1 - 4)
The words used helped to paint a visual of the breadth of swan's wing span as he engulfs her. The dark webs would be his webbed feet holding her and pressing her against him. She was helpful to fight or get away due to the swan's strength.
"The broken wall, the burning roof and tower
And Agamemnon dead." (Lines 10 -11) This verse describes the burning of Troy and the murder of Agamemnon, the commander of the Trojan war. Some believed the child conceived from this rape, Helen of Troy, was a result of these events.
The last verse says: "Did she put on his knowledge with his power
Before the indifferent beak could let her drop?" (Line 14 - 15)
This implies she may have the knowledge of a god as well; not just power.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning - Sonnets from the Portuguese
Reading the sonnets published by Browning really made me "feel" the passion behind her work. Being able to feel these emotions and so eloquently put them on paper had to be rewarding and gratifying. I can only imagine how Robert Browning felt being the object of this beautiful peice of work.
My favorite sonnet written by Browning is Sonnet 43. Browning starts out with a brief question and them answers it with the remaining verses:
"How much do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace." (Lines 1 - 4)
Ideally, if you've experienced true love, knowing that someone loves you holistically to this degree can only be a breathtaking experience.
She goes on to say:
"I love thee freely, as men strive for Right
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise
I love thee with the passion put to use. ( Lines 7 - 9)
I interpret "freely" to mean without any pressure from anyone to do so; willingly. The mention of "pure" means innocently and simple; the purest form of expression. Lastly, I interpret "passion put to use" as blending the physical, emotional, and spiritual connections together to create raw passion.
The last line "I shall but love thee better after death" (Line 14) shows she believes her love will transcend life into death.
I believe this is a "timeless" piece of work!
My favorite sonnet written by Browning is Sonnet 43. Browning starts out with a brief question and them answers it with the remaining verses:
"How much do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace." (Lines 1 - 4)
Ideally, if you've experienced true love, knowing that someone loves you holistically to this degree can only be a breathtaking experience.
She goes on to say:
"I love thee freely, as men strive for Right
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise
I love thee with the passion put to use. ( Lines 7 - 9)
I interpret "freely" to mean without any pressure from anyone to do so; willingly. The mention of "pure" means innocently and simple; the purest form of expression. Lastly, I interpret "passion put to use" as blending the physical, emotional, and spiritual connections together to create raw passion.
The last line "I shall but love thee better after death" (Line 14) shows she believes her love will transcend life into death.
I believe this is a "timeless" piece of work!
Alfred Lord Tennyson - Crossing the Bar
Death is something we all must face on day and I believe Tennyson does a nice job of showing his thoughts and journey towards his death.
The author writes: "Sunset and evening star, and one clear call for me! Any may there be no moaning on the bar, when I put out to sea." (Line 1 - 5) This suggests he recognizes the call to death. The sandbar representing the cross over to the other side to death which is his final resting place.
"Twilight and evening bell, and after that the dark! And may there be no sadness of farewell, when I embark." (Line 9 - 12). Tennyson realizes he has approached his last curtain call of life. He doesn't want anyone to be sad when he dies. This is a normal reaction of not wanting our loved ones to hurt, but in most cases not reality to our family and friends who love us.
The author writes: "I hope to see my Pilot face to face when I have crost the bar." (Line 15, 16). He's suggesting he hopes to see God and his angels directing his through the transition to death. This represents the spiritual journey verses the physical journey. Symbolically, I thought of the cross that Jesus died on when reading (crost the bar) in this passage.
The author writes: "Sunset and evening star, and one clear call for me! Any may there be no moaning on the bar, when I put out to sea." (Line 1 - 5) This suggests he recognizes the call to death. The sandbar representing the cross over to the other side to death which is his final resting place.
"Twilight and evening bell, and after that the dark! And may there be no sadness of farewell, when I embark." (Line 9 - 12). Tennyson realizes he has approached his last curtain call of life. He doesn't want anyone to be sad when he dies. This is a normal reaction of not wanting our loved ones to hurt, but in most cases not reality to our family and friends who love us.
The author writes: "I hope to see my Pilot face to face when I have crost the bar." (Line 15, 16). He's suggesting he hopes to see God and his angels directing his through the transition to death. This represents the spiritual journey verses the physical journey. Symbolically, I thought of the cross that Jesus died on when reading (crost the bar) in this passage.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Thomas Carlyle - Labour - Know Thy Work
My grandfather always said hard work never hurt anyone. He believed that working hard showed your true character. Caryle was basically of the same belief. He states: "For there is a perennial nobleness, and even sacredness in work." (Page 481)
Caryle suggests you should find your passion and life purpose and pour yourself into it; this is the truest form of being blessed. He writes: "Know what thou canst work at; and work at it, like a Hercules! That will be thy better plan. (Page 481)
Carlyle talks aboout the Potter's wheel and how it using it turns rude lumps of clay into beautiful circular dishes (Page 482). Idleness is not close to godliness; but to sin. He states: "Of an idle unrevolving man the kindest Destiny, like the most assiduous Potter without wheel, can bake and knead nothing other than a botch." (Page 482)
Caryle in the last verse is basically saying, your work is not in vain; we reap with we sow. There is power and honor in doing what God has commanded us to do: He says: "Labour is Life: fromm the inmost heart of the worker rises his god-given Force, the sacred celestial Life-essence breathed into him by Almighty God."
Caryle suggests you should find your passion and life purpose and pour yourself into it; this is the truest form of being blessed. He writes: "Know what thou canst work at; and work at it, like a Hercules! That will be thy better plan. (Page 481)
Carlyle talks aboout the Potter's wheel and how it using it turns rude lumps of clay into beautiful circular dishes (Page 482). Idleness is not close to godliness; but to sin. He states: "Of an idle unrevolving man the kindest Destiny, like the most assiduous Potter without wheel, can bake and knead nothing other than a botch." (Page 482)
Caryle in the last verse is basically saying, your work is not in vain; we reap with we sow. There is power and honor in doing what God has commanded us to do: He says: "Labour is Life: fromm the inmost heart of the worker rises his god-given Force, the sacred celestial Life-essence breathed into him by Almighty God."
John Henry Cardinal Newman - A Definition of a Gentleman
When I read this piece, I instantly compared the attributes Newman described as a "gentleman" to emotional intelligence components I've studied.
Social skill - the ability to manage relationships and build networks. This is supported in the text: "The true gentleman avoids whatever may cause a jolt in the minds of those with whom he is cast; his great concern being able to make everyone at their ease and at home. (Page 563)
Self awareness - the ability to recognize and understand what drives moods, emotions and their effect on others - "He never speaks of himself except when compelled, never defends himself by a mere retort, he has no ears for slander or gossip. He interprets everything for the best. " (Page 564)
Empathy - the ability to understand your emotional make up and those of others - "He is patient, forbearing, and resigned on philosophical principles; he submits to pain, because it is inevitable; to bereavement, because it is irreparable, and to death because it is his destiny. (Page 564)
Self regulation - the ability to control or redirect disruptive impulses and moods - think before you act. "He has too much good sense to be affronted at insults, he is too well employed to remember injuries, and too indolent to bear malice." (Page 564)
His holistic viewpoints seems to be characteristics we all try to demonstrate and perfect over a lifetime.
Social skill - the ability to manage relationships and build networks. This is supported in the text: "The true gentleman avoids whatever may cause a jolt in the minds of those with whom he is cast; his great concern being able to make everyone at their ease and at home. (Page 563)
Self awareness - the ability to recognize and understand what drives moods, emotions and their effect on others - "He never speaks of himself except when compelled, never defends himself by a mere retort, he has no ears for slander or gossip. He interprets everything for the best. " (Page 564)
Empathy - the ability to understand your emotional make up and those of others - "He is patient, forbearing, and resigned on philosophical principles; he submits to pain, because it is inevitable; to bereavement, because it is irreparable, and to death because it is his destiny. (Page 564)
Self regulation - the ability to control or redirect disruptive impulses and moods - think before you act. "He has too much good sense to be affronted at insults, he is too well employed to remember injuries, and too indolent to bear malice." (Page 564)
His holistic viewpoints seems to be characteristics we all try to demonstrate and perfect over a lifetime.
Robert Browning - Porphyria's Lover
I enjoyed reading about Robert Browning's life. I felt there was a definite comparison in the way both he and Elizabeth Browning were perceived as operating behind artistic masks. Elizabeth seem to interject imagery in her writing (damsel in distress rescued by noble knight), while Robert Browning tended to use impersonations and staging as his platform.
This poem literally made the hair on my arms stand up! It made me think of a screen play or suspense movie. The initial lines gave me the impression that a sexual or passionate experience was about to happen when the author says:
"When glided in Porphyria straight" (Line 6)
"She put my arm about her waist, and made her smooth white shoulder bare, and all her yellow hair displaced and, stooping, made my cheek lie there." (Line 16 - 19)
It appeared to me Browning was boastful that Porphyria appeared to have surrended herself to him. But in split moment, he switched "masks" and becomes a murderer and strangled her to death.
"That moment she was mine, mine, fair,
Perfectly pure and good; I found
A thing to do, and all her hair in one long yellow string I wound; three times her little throat around; and strangled her." (Line36 - 41)
His demented actions continued as he propped her up to spend my time with her after her death.
I love the way this author takes the reader to places you never could imagine it would go. His private and simple personal life contrasted with his methodical and dramatic writings. This is what I enjoyed the most.
This poem literally made the hair on my arms stand up! It made me think of a screen play or suspense movie. The initial lines gave me the impression that a sexual or passionate experience was about to happen when the author says:
"When glided in Porphyria straight" (Line 6)
"She put my arm about her waist, and made her smooth white shoulder bare, and all her yellow hair displaced and, stooping, made my cheek lie there." (Line 16 - 19)
It appeared to me Browning was boastful that Porphyria appeared to have surrended herself to him. But in split moment, he switched "masks" and becomes a murderer and strangled her to death.
"That moment she was mine, mine, fair,
Perfectly pure and good; I found
A thing to do, and all her hair in one long yellow string I wound; three times her little throat around; and strangled her." (Line36 - 41)
His demented actions continued as he propped her up to spend my time with her after her death.
I love the way this author takes the reader to places you never could imagine it would go. His private and simple personal life contrasted with his methodical and dramatic writings. This is what I enjoyed the most.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
John Keats - The Living Hand
In reading "This Living Hand" by Keats I had mixed interpretations of the author's intent of the piece. Initially, I felt Keats was sensing his impending death and was desperate to impart the urgency of action. He wrote:
"This living hand, now warm and capable
Of earnest grasping, would, if it were cold
And in the icy silence of the tomb,"
It seems he was uring someone to take advantage of his touch or they would be "haunted" with regret by not doing so after he died or even wished they had died with him.
"So haunt thy days and chill they dreaming nights
That thou would wish thine own heart dry of blood
So in my veins red life might stream again,
And thou be conscience calm'd -- she here it is --
I hold it towards you"
This could be his final attempt t make the physical connection needed prior to death.
My second impression of the piece was the "living hand" may be an oxymoron of his work penned (by hand) in life which still lives after his death (life).
The text states:
"So in my veins red life might stream again." (Line 6) It seems this may be an analogy of the lines or message of his poetry will continue to flow through the readings of his work for many years to come.
Lastly, "I hold it towards you" (Line 8) is possibly the author offering his body of work to mankind to experience.
I don't know if either of my interpretations was the author's intent. But the piece did make me think holistically; which may be the author's ultimate intent!
Monday, June 14, 2010
Samuel T. Coleridge - Frost At Midnight
What a beautiful piece of work! I could only think of Father's day this Sunday when I read this poem.
This poem, written from a father's perspective, highlights the intimate thoughts and relationship between a father and his son. He appears to chronicle the thoughts of his life as he watches and listens to his child and family sleep:
"The inmates of my cottage, all at rest,
Have left me to solitude, which suits
Abstruser musings; save that at my side
My cradles infant slumbers peacefully. (Lines 4 - 7)
This reminds me of meditating; when I enter a space where all is peaceful and you can take a walk through memory lane without any distractions. I picture him being in this same meditative state.
Coleridge goes on to say:
"With unclosed lids, already had I dreamt
Of my sweet birth-place, and the old church-tower"
"Whose bells, the poor man's only music, rang
From morn to evening, all the hot Fair-day" (Line 28 - 32)
He seems to be reminicing on the sights, sounds, and memories of his birthplace in the city. Even though these thoughts seemed to be pleasant time for him, he marvels that his son is being raised in a quiet sanctuary of nature. I visualize as a sprawling countryside free from the hustle of city life; very serene and peaceful.
Coleridge writes:
"For I was reared in a great city, pent mid cloisters dim,
And saw nought lovely but the sky and stars.
But thou, my babe! shalt wander like a breeze
By lakes and sandy shores, beneath the clouds" (Lines 53 - 57)
He goes on to suggest that he is optimistic about his son's future upbringing by saying, each season will be "sweet to thee." (Line 66)
This piece really moved me. It is rare to get into the head of a proud father when he believes no one is listening, and hear the innocent truth of their thoughts. What a fortunate son!
This poem, written from a father's perspective, highlights the intimate thoughts and relationship between a father and his son. He appears to chronicle the thoughts of his life as he watches and listens to his child and family sleep:
"The inmates of my cottage, all at rest,
Have left me to solitude, which suits
Abstruser musings; save that at my side
My cradles infant slumbers peacefully. (Lines 4 - 7)
This reminds me of meditating; when I enter a space where all is peaceful and you can take a walk through memory lane without any distractions. I picture him being in this same meditative state.
Coleridge goes on to say:
"With unclosed lids, already had I dreamt
Of my sweet birth-place, and the old church-tower"
"Whose bells, the poor man's only music, rang
From morn to evening, all the hot Fair-day" (Line 28 - 32)
He seems to be reminicing on the sights, sounds, and memories of his birthplace in the city. Even though these thoughts seemed to be pleasant time for him, he marvels that his son is being raised in a quiet sanctuary of nature. I visualize as a sprawling countryside free from the hustle of city life; very serene and peaceful.
Coleridge writes:
"For I was reared in a great city, pent mid cloisters dim,
And saw nought lovely but the sky and stars.
But thou, my babe! shalt wander like a breeze
By lakes and sandy shores, beneath the clouds" (Lines 53 - 57)
He goes on to suggest that he is optimistic about his son's future upbringing by saying, each season will be "sweet to thee." (Line 66)
This piece really moved me. It is rare to get into the head of a proud father when he believes no one is listening, and hear the innocent truth of their thoughts. What a fortunate son!
“Hymn to Intellectual Beauty" - Percy Shelley
Percy Shelley's life history intrigued me. The radical, carefree principles of his personal life didn't appear to mirror the strategic and well thought out style of his writings.
In the "Hymn to Intellectual Beauty" it was interesting to discover Shelley's use of intellectual seemed to be metaphorical to nature in his writings. He referenced it as a "power" in the text. (Line 1)
In the first stanza:
"The awful shadow of some unseen Power
Floats, though unseen, amongst us, visiting:
"It visits with inconstant glance"
"Dear, and yet dearer for its mystery" (Lines 1-2, 6, 12)
When I read these lines initially I thought he may be referring to ghosts or some mythical being. I had no idea of his analogy to nature until I continued to read and connect the dots.
It appeared to me Shelley was troubled as to why there could not be a constant state of beauty or bliss by writing:
"Spirit of beauty, that dost consecrate
With thine own hues all thou doest shine upon
Of human thought or form - - where are thy gone?
Why dost they pass away, and leave our state,
This dim vast vale of tears, vacant, and desolate? (Lines 13 - 17)
It seems he continues to contrast these events with the physical and emotional events of life - birth, fears, death, despondency and hope. This is my mind is his attempt to understand how nature mirrors the life cycle itself. How can something be so beautiful at times and so devastating at other times? In my opinion, everything has a season; a time to be born--a time to die---a time to laugh--a time to cry. Its virtually impossible to enjoy the gravity of good times in our lives without some experience or comparison of what challenges are. Shelley used this approach with nature and the cyclical changes.
It appeared his views of atheism may have been come into play as well. Even though he worked to get most of his answers through nature, he did give reference to the "thought" of possibly a higher being when he said, "Therefore the names of God and ghost and Heaven" (Line 27).
The latter verses were my favorite where he says:
"The day becomes more solemn and serene
When noon is past -- there is harmony" (Line 73 - 74)
"Descended, to my onward life supply
It's calm -- to one who worship thee." (Line 80 - 81)
As I read these lines, I visualized my late evenings sitting on my patio after the sun goes down and a cool breeze passes through. As I'm sitting and observing, I become one with nature and the miracle of God's work. I believe Shelley became one with nature as well, but not with the latter due to his athiest beliefs.
In the "Hymn to Intellectual Beauty" it was interesting to discover Shelley's use of intellectual seemed to be metaphorical to nature in his writings. He referenced it as a "power" in the text. (Line 1)
In the first stanza:
"The awful shadow of some unseen Power
Floats, though unseen, amongst us, visiting:
"It visits with inconstant glance"
"Dear, and yet dearer for its mystery" (Lines 1-2, 6, 12)
When I read these lines initially I thought he may be referring to ghosts or some mythical being. I had no idea of his analogy to nature until I continued to read and connect the dots.
It appeared to me Shelley was troubled as to why there could not be a constant state of beauty or bliss by writing:
"Spirit of beauty, that dost consecrate
With thine own hues all thou doest shine upon
Of human thought or form - - where are thy gone?
Why dost they pass away, and leave our state,
This dim vast vale of tears, vacant, and desolate? (Lines 13 - 17)
It seems he continues to contrast these events with the physical and emotional events of life - birth, fears, death, despondency and hope. This is my mind is his attempt to understand how nature mirrors the life cycle itself. How can something be so beautiful at times and so devastating at other times? In my opinion, everything has a season; a time to be born--a time to die---a time to laugh--a time to cry. Its virtually impossible to enjoy the gravity of good times in our lives without some experience or comparison of what challenges are. Shelley used this approach with nature and the cyclical changes.
It appeared his views of atheism may have been come into play as well. Even though he worked to get most of his answers through nature, he did give reference to the "thought" of possibly a higher being when he said, "Therefore the names of God and ghost and Heaven" (Line 27).
The latter verses were my favorite where he says:
"The day becomes more solemn and serene
When noon is past -- there is harmony" (Line 73 - 74)
"Descended, to my onward life supply
It's calm -- to one who worship thee." (Line 80 - 81)
As I read these lines, I visualized my late evenings sitting on my patio after the sun goes down and a cool breeze passes through. As I'm sitting and observing, I become one with nature and the miracle of God's work. I believe Shelley became one with nature as well, but not with the latter due to his athiest beliefs.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
William Blake - The Chimney Sweeper
When I read this piece, my mind thought "out of the mouths of babes." In "The Chimney Sweeper", Blake appears to voice the struggle and perspective of innocent boys (youngsters) being exploited as "chimney sweepers."
How can a child so innocent and pure in youth be so demoralized in such a "dark" situation?
The verse: (Page 81 - line 5)
Theres little Tom Dacre, who cried when his head
That curl'd like a lambs back, was shav'd so I said:
Hush Tom never mind it, for when your head's bare
You know that the soot cannot spoil your white hair
In the above passage Blake appears to contrast the bare head as being "more acceptable" than the black tarnishing of the white hair from the soot. The writer seems to suggest contrasts between the colors of black (darkness) and white (light, innocence and purity) throughout the poem. Referenced again in Line 11 - "were all of them lock'd up in coffins in black." Line 17 - "then naked and white, all their bags left behind."
Blake describes "an angel who had a bright key, and he opened the coffins and set them free" (line 13 & 14). While only a dream, Tom felt joy when symbolizes hopes in my mind. Blake seems to equate doing one's duty well with goodness. "And the Angel told Tom if he's be a good boy, he'd have God for his father and never wnat joy."
In light of Blake's great distain for the practice, Blake seems to give hope to the children who did their best. He seemed to suggest peace and hope is attainable even in the worst situations; especially with God as your guide.
How can a child so innocent and pure in youth be so demoralized in such a "dark" situation?
The verse: (Page 81 - line 5)
Theres little Tom Dacre, who cried when his head
That curl'd like a lambs back, was shav'd so I said:
Hush Tom never mind it, for when your head's bare
You know that the soot cannot spoil your white hair
In the above passage Blake appears to contrast the bare head as being "more acceptable" than the black tarnishing of the white hair from the soot. The writer seems to suggest contrasts between the colors of black (darkness) and white (light, innocence and purity) throughout the poem. Referenced again in Line 11 - "were all of them lock'd up in coffins in black." Line 17 - "then naked and white, all their bags left behind."
Blake describes "an angel who had a bright key, and he opened the coffins and set them free" (line 13 & 14). While only a dream, Tom felt joy when symbolizes hopes in my mind. Blake seems to equate doing one's duty well with goodness. "And the Angel told Tom if he's be a good boy, he'd have God for his father and never wnat joy."
In light of Blake's great distain for the practice, Blake seems to give hope to the children who did their best. He seemed to suggest peace and hope is attainable even in the worst situations; especially with God as your guide.
Dorothy Wordsworth - Thoughts on My Sick-bed
This author gave me somewhat a different perspective on affliction. I found it encouraging how she seemed to escape her physical tabernacle riddled with limitations to explore the world through endless, vibrant memories.
I was intrigued since the text referred to her mental state as "pre-senile dementia." (Page 291) My grandmother has Alzheimer's and this verse reminded me how I felt when I realized she had it:
Ah! Say not so--the hidden life
Couchant within the febble frame
Hath been enriched by kindred gifts,
That, undesired, unsought-for, came (Page 293 - Line 5)
Perhaps like the writer, I didn't want to believe it (say not so). The "hidden life" refers to memories I had of her that I wasn't sure she would ever have of me again.. The text seems to suggest the writer may have been plagued with the same thoughts. The verse "hath been enriched by kindred gifts" seemingly speaks to the special moments experienced with her family and/or brother. For me, my life has been enriched by the gifts she's given me.
This may not be the author's interpretation of this piece, but it was mine.
The verses speak of having a "joyful heart in youthful days" (Page 293 - line 10), "daffodil dancing in the breeze," and "companions of nature we were." All of these lines envision the happier days with her loved one, enjoying nature to its fullest. From a personal perspective, these lines help me envision the carefree "play" I enjoyed with my grandmother. I loved the way she used nature to shape my vision of the world as a youngster and its beauty through flowers, gardening, and harvesting.
The verse:
"No prisioner in this lonely room, I saw the green Banks of the Wye, Recalling thy prophetic words, Bard, Brother, Friend from infancy!"
This verse seems to speak to how powerful the mind really is. Wordsworth seems to still cherish her brother's memory and the bond in which they shared. This correlates to the bond I will always share with my grandparents because of the memories of their life, love, and legacy.
"And with this memory I was there." - (Page 294- Line 52)
I was intrigued since the text referred to her mental state as "pre-senile dementia." (Page 291) My grandmother has Alzheimer's and this verse reminded me how I felt when I realized she had it:
Ah! Say not so--the hidden life
Couchant within the febble frame
Hath been enriched by kindred gifts,
That, undesired, unsought-for, came (Page 293 - Line 5)
Perhaps like the writer, I didn't want to believe it (say not so). The "hidden life" refers to memories I had of her that I wasn't sure she would ever have of me again.. The text seems to suggest the writer may have been plagued with the same thoughts. The verse "hath been enriched by kindred gifts" seemingly speaks to the special moments experienced with her family and/or brother. For me, my life has been enriched by the gifts she's given me.
This may not be the author's interpretation of this piece, but it was mine.
The verses speak of having a "joyful heart in youthful days" (Page 293 - line 10), "daffodil dancing in the breeze," and "companions of nature we were." All of these lines envision the happier days with her loved one, enjoying nature to its fullest. From a personal perspective, these lines help me envision the carefree "play" I enjoyed with my grandmother. I loved the way she used nature to shape my vision of the world as a youngster and its beauty through flowers, gardening, and harvesting.
The verse:
"No prisioner in this lonely room, I saw the green Banks of the Wye, Recalling thy prophetic words, Bard, Brother, Friend from infancy!"
This verse seems to speak to how powerful the mind really is. Wordsworth seems to still cherish her brother's memory and the bond in which they shared. This correlates to the bond I will always share with my grandparents because of the memories of their life, love, and legacy.
"And with this memory I was there." - (Page 294- Line 52)
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