A New Light In Modernism

During the past few class periods, we have transitioned from the Victorian era to Modernism in English literature...and  I must admit that this was a transition that I completely had a misconception about. While I love literature, I have never examined it through different time periods in such a way that these survey classes offer; so it is really awesome to see the progression of literature and the changes that it took as the time and society challenged writers. I am maybe a bit hesitant and embarrassed to confess that I had always thought modernistic writing during that era would be more positive, when instead it is quite the opposite. We come to college to learn and this is definitely a fact in which my notions have been corrected. After discussing in class through lecture and the power point, as well as reading just the few poems we have looked at, I was surprised by how truly negative and pessimistic the tones are. 

The Crisis of Faith was beginning to emerge as the Victorian age came to a close, but as far as I can tell l we are seeing more repercussions of it now that we have entered Modernism writing. For instance, we determined as a class that Thomas Hardy wrote direct reflections of the crisis in his poem "Hap". The tone he takes is very negative and uses such words as "crass" to make his point. This concept was interesting to read and then discuss as a class because of the prior notions I had, but now that we have closely examined a few works it makes more sense; the pieces of the puzzle are coming together. 

As the PowerPoint suggested, Modernism brought the idea that "people make their own meaning in the world" (Slide #3) and the chart on Slide #2 suggested that this time period was thought to be chaotic, futile, pessimistic, fluctuating (instead of  stable), that there was a loss of faith, confused sense if identity, and that there was a collapse of mortality and values. All of these markers of the Modern age are strongly displayed in all of the pieces we have looked at thus far, and it is so intriguing to read such works that created such a negative and also hopeless messages to readers. As readers of the American 21st century, we read countless amounts of different types of literature but nothing that is consistently negative. Out of the three poems that we have read, Thomas Hardy's writing speaks most loudly to me. Just in his writing it seems as though he just hated or was disgusted with life. It makes me wonder what it would be like to life during this time and have been able to be around such people as Hardy or William Yeats; would they be as depressing in life as in their works?

I am very fascinated by Modernism already and am excited to read further into the literature from this time. Maybe this is because I have been enlightened to that fact that I was wrong in thinking (for some reason) that  there would be positive thinking and vibes, but whatever the case, I think that between Romanticism and Victorianism, this period is most distinguishable as well as the most interesting. Also, it will be exciting to see what Postmodernism brings to the table. :) 

Just to add one side note in relation to all of this: it has been really fun to learn "in order" so to speak. Survey classes are so enjoyable because there is a sense of start to finish, and in my mind, makes me feel as if nothing has been left out. Why can't all college courses explain a subject in chronological order? In learning about English literature from the earliest stuff to the later, it is so interesting to see how much it has all progressed; and helping lead us to what we read today! 

Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Aurora Leigh

Hannah Martinez

Kristen Hague

English Literature

23 October 2012

Blog: Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Aurora Leigh

            Was anyone else fascinated by the life of Elizabeth Barrett Browning as I was?! In reading her short biography starting on page 1151, right before Book I of Aurora Leigh, I was intrigued by her and her life story, as well as her writing. I have never read any of her works before but I thoroughly enjoyed reading Aurora Leigh. Since I was in middle school I have had this love for reading stories, books, novels and anything written in poetic structure. So to read one that was written so many years ago was very fun. Browning’s life story caught my attention on a personal level in the fact that she, at one point, became almost a complete recluse from the rest of the world but then after years of experiencing it she miraculously came out of hiding, only to gain fame for her writings. Needless to say, because that scenario grabs at personal emotions it lent some hope that a person can come out of such a state of being depressed and still accomplish success.

The woman had every reason to be this way, let’s be honest. She got extremely ill at the age of fifteen and it strongly affected her, then chronic lung disease ailed her again and then in later life she had a father who completely disowned her; with no family left to turn to but her husband. Maybe I am stretching this a bit far but her troubles in life and the bounce-back she conquered later in life really stood out and spoke to me. I have read about many different authors going through their fair share of trials and tribulations throughout their lifetime but not any that have struck me with awe like Browning’s. In learning about her personal story and then reading Aurora Leigh, book I and II, it seems as though maybe there is some reflection of herself in the character of Aurora Leigh; especially when we see the characteristics of a controlling father, or a lonely girl who believes in the freedom of writing. The feelings and emotions that are seen in this story make me think that much of herself was very readily placed in the context of Aurora’s character. Although this was written after she was reintroduced into the world, it makes me wonder if maybe the first happenings and thoughts of Aurora Leigh were produced in those years of seclusion that she experienced. I would be interested how much more of Browning may have shown through in the remainder of this story and look forward to reading the rest of it someday.

Maybe, I took a topic that was skimmed by others or minuscule in importance but for some reason it was the author herself that I found so interesting. She seemed to live a very troubled life but yet sought fame and succeeded in doing so. Her story seemed simple, somewhat tragic but overall an admiration of her is present because she shows hope to others through her own life and it is also reflected in her writing. It makes me have hope that anyone can write and be successful at it; that it does not necessarily need to be taught and that for myself, if my time, money and energy somehow fails in getting a teaching degree I could always wallow in my sorrows for a few years and then become a published writer! Right?!

Just a thought…… J

Response to the Moonstone

Hannah Martinez

Kristen Hague

English Literature

12 October 2012

Bog #3-Moonstone

            As English majors we are used to being assigned many different types of reading. Sometimes they are fun and interesting and then there are ones that just aren’t our cup of tea. With the majority of all my English and literature classes behind me, I have completed my fair share of reading assignments at CMU, however I must say that our reading assignment of the Moonstone written by Wilkie Collins is by far, one of my favorites! This was one of those novels you could not put down and you can’t wait to see what the outcome of the ending is going to be (at least for me J).

            In the event of this not completely sounding like a book report, I truly enjoyed and appreciated this novel. Collins writes in a fashion that is effective, interesting and in a way that creates a relationship between the reader and her characters. The entire time in reading this book I felt as if I was right there, involved with what the characters were experiencing, as well as felt emotions with them when they themselves, where feeling the emotions. The ending was exactly what I had expected and completely surprising all in the same manner. Throughout the second half of the book I felt as if Godfrey Ablewhite had been pinned as having a large hand in the disappearance of the Moonstone but what I did not expect was the way in which it was laid into his hands and for the reasons he proceeded to take it. It was a fascinating way to end this story that was told from some many different perspectives. I loved the conclusion of this novel! While I had never read mystery novels before, I feel as if Collins goes beyond the expectations in concluding this story.

            Collins does not just allude to a person who committed the crime. She does that, and then takes not just one step further, but several, to the point that no one would’ve seen the entire extent of it coming. How interesting is it that Franklin had truly been the one to steal the diamond and then hand it off to Godfrey, when Godfrey could then use it to his benefit?! I believe the many twists that are tied to Godfrey’s character really make this story so great. He needed money, but he had not predetermined to take or steal anything, and yet an extremely valuable but stolen diamond is placed in his hands when he wasn’t the one that truly “stole” it. There are so many significant details to every event and every character in this book that it would take pages and pages to revisit each one, but they all contribute to the brilliance of Collins writing. I would love to have been a fly on the wall through the process of her writing the Moonstone because as a consumer you know that every aspect of this story had thorough and processed thought that went into it.

            To say the least, I really loved this novel. It introduced me to many new ideas, from the genre to the time period and even to the themes, this book brings you through several entities to enjoy. As I said, I appreciated this book I did not just like it. The way Collins writes and tells her story through the use of her many characters makes the reader appreciate her contribution to literature through her novel the Moonstone.

Blog #2: Moonstone-First Thoughts about the Characters

Hannah Martinez

Kristen Hague

English Literature

30 September 2012

Blog #2: Moonstone

            I will be honest in saying that I have read many different genres of literature but never before now have I read a mystery novel. This genre is a new concept to me and I am not sure if there is some practiced way of reading or catching hints within the text as to who has committed the crime. However, as I get further in the reading of the Moonstone written by Wilkie Collins I am starting to pick up on what I am seeing as being insight into who stole the sacred Moonstone. It has been my notion thus far though, that much of these hints or insight are offered in the personalities and characteristics of the characters. Collins writes in a fascinating fashion that offers a clear view of each character within her story, allowing us as the audience to develop our own identifications and opinions of them.

            Gabriel Betteredge had my attention and love of his character from the very beginning. The fact that he acts as the narrator probably offers much of my favoritism towards him because we get to see different sides of his personality that we are not able to see from others. His humor, whit, insight, opinion, emotions and lack of filter are very amusing and I believe very much add to the story. However out of all the characters (and we are aware that there are several to keep track of), it is the character of Penelope that intrigues me the most. From a readers standpoint it seems as though most everyone from Sergeant Cuff, Miss Rachael, Gabriel Betteredge to Mr. Franklin, they all maintain a sort of identity and traits to who they are, whereas Penelope has mysteriousness about her. She radiates this likeness to everyone; seeming to appreciate or find the good in everyone that she crosses. She seems to be the “glass half-full” type of person, but one who shares a good sense of judgment even when she does share her opinions. As a reader, I feel as if she is going to end up playing an important role in this mystery of the Moonstone, but even if she does not end up being that necessarily important, she is the character in the story that everyone values.

            Looking at her very more specifically, the relationship that Penelope shares with Miss Rachael amazes me. I guess that I expect her to show more of a jealously or stronger opinion of her than any other characters. Although it is not described this way, they are step sisters, and not only that but they are treated very different. Miss Rachael is of a higher rank in society, whereas Penelope takes part in the company of the servants and is treated as such in her household. As I reader I almost want her to show some animosity towards her step sister since Miss Rachael’s character is very much stubborn, bossy, and spoiled, but she does just the opposite. Instead Penelope seems to embrace all areas of her life and the people surrounding her.

         This story in general definitely has my attention, but with the progression of the story I am interested to see where Collin takes all of the characters, especially Penelope! I love how the relationship between the characters and the reader emerge because I believe this really adds to the effectiveness and interests that the audience takes in the literature Collins has written. Also, I may have a new found love for the genre mystery novels after reading Moonstone. J

Blog #1: Coleridge vs. Wordsworth

Blog #1: Coleridge vs. Wordsworth’s Poetry

I will be honest, English Literature was not my favorite when I took the first course, survey one, but I am finding it so much more exciting, compelling and interesting in this second half. Maybe it was because it was mainly written in Middle English and I felt like I was constantly attempting to decode a secret message or maybe it is because now there is a whole new level of understanding in the era of Romanticism, but whatever the case may be, I am thoroughly enjoying this time in their literature much better! More specifically however, from all the literature that we have surveyed thus far in the semester I am most intrigued by the differences and the similarities (or lack there-of) between the writings of Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth.

            After very in depth class discussions and looking at both these poets from different angles, it is amazes me to see that not only do they differ in many ways but that they also, very much reflected on the works of each other. It seems pretty clear that they both loved poetry, but their individual views of the uses, reasons and purposes of it greatly differ. Reading Coleridge’s poetry versus that of Wordsworth’s makes one scratch their head; that is until you read their biographies, when then, it all becomes very clear. In reading Wordsworth’s Lines Written A Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey it’s understandable, clear, enjoyable, relatable and pleasurable. I loved reading this poem, often finding myself rereading certain lines over and over because his use of language was so beautiful and song-like.  Then to turn around and read Coleridge’s Work Without Hope or Frost at Midnight you shake your head with confusion (or at least I did), rereading and rereading his poetry, to the point of no return and still feeling struck with the emotion of stupidity. As if whatever mechanism in your brain was supposed to click, giving insight into what he means, just completely misfired. However it is when you read their biographies that everything becomes clear…it makes the “click” go off in your mind, justly releasing the “Ah ha” moment that you were hoping for the first time you read Coleridge’s poems. No wonder I didn’t understand his poetry! He doesn’t really intend for clear understanding… haha. J

            It was interesting (as well as relieving) to find out that the way in which they both chose to write their poems reflects their thoughts and also their beliefs of what writing poetry means to them. For instance, Wordworth believes in writing in a way that people can comprehend and understand him, whereas Coleridge didn’t think that his readers needed to have an understanding at the end of his poems. I would’ve been completely thrown for a loop or baffled if Coleridge’s bio would have said that he believed poetry should be understandable to all, pleasurable and a use to let feelings out because that most definitely does NOT define his poetry. For two separate poets who both wrote poetry during the same time period, it is interesting the complete differences they have in their writing; validating that even today we still see such occurrences in different forms of writing all these years later. Just for the sake of comparison and staying with the theme of romanticism I can for instance say that in today’s literature I prefer romance author Kristen Hannah versus the writings of Nora Roberts. The same goes for literature from that many years ago. Without a doubt if I had been a literature consumer of their era I would most definitely have favored William Wordworth’s poetry over Coleridge’s. As Wordsworth shares, he thinks that poetry should provoke emotions, focus on nature and be understandable to the human race. I would agree with him one hundred percent! I feel that this is what it should be and continue to be as time continues to progress. Maybe it is appropriate to say that not only would I have favored his poetry over Coleridge’s but that I also share the “Wordsworthian” theory on what purposes should lie in poetry.