WTB vs. HOD

Both the novels Heart of Darkness and Waiting for the Barbarians share a lot of similarities in both the main characters and the “western world’s” reaction towards “uncivilized” people. Both the main characters deal with a connection with an imperial empire that has operations dealing with barbarian tribes people. The setting for Darkness takes place in Africa, but Barbarians takes place in an unknown territory of a nameless empire. Both novels approach issues involving barbarism and what it is truly defines as. Both of the imperial powers in the novels view themselves and more civilized than the barbarians that they have power over, but in reality it is the western powers that inherently more less moral.

Both the narrators of the stories, Marlow for Darkness and the magistrate from Barbarians, view the western powers that they work for with a level of awareness absent in the other white people in the novels. The magistrate originally started off as a dutiful servant of the empire for many years, but eventually, enlightened himself to the wrongdoings surrounding his work. Both characters follow a path of truth and eventual form a new perspective on the actions of the western world. The pursuit of truth becomes a core value in each of the two characters.

Although one could argue that Kurtz also grew a connection with the uncivilized tribes in Africa, his intentions were brought on by “his own greed” (Kerr 23). Kurtz brought the worst the worst vices from imperial Europe and unleashed them on the tribes people. In Darkness, Marlow came to realize that Kurtz’s nature was actually more savage than the natives. Kurtz brought his avarice into Africa by creating conflicts between tribes so that he could obtain ivory. The magistrate in Barbarians grows closer to the tribes people as well but without a personal gain in mind.

The method that each of the author’s presents the depiction of savagery is also varying. Conrad uses a more subtle approach to convey the evil actions of the white men visiting Africa. Since colonization of Africa was still happening when the novel was written, a less explicit approach was deliberate and thoughtful. Coetzee exposes the white-man’s savagery in a much more graphic manner. This is due to its debut at a much later time. The evils of imperialism had already been exposed to the world and didn’t need to be expressed in a softer tone.

WTB Initial Reaction

The setting of the novel Waiting for the Barbarians is ambiguous and never explicitly stated. This deliberate choice allows the story to be allegorical and applied to other similar situations. The main character, who goes unnamed other that being simply "the magistrate", has been working for the empire for a while. This frontier town has apparently been plagued by "barbarian" attacks. Rumors claim that traders and officials are attacked while traveling. He has not actually seen this barbarian army and has no reason to believe in the potential uprising that is presumed to occur. The magistrate is a very curious individual who seeks the truth and does not believe everything for its face value.

The narrator's initial thoughts point towards a more critical perspective on the empire. He feels a sense a frustration when Colonel Joll comes to town, because of his aggressive tactics. The Colonel believes that the use of torture on a captured barbarian is justified if it produces the truth. According to Joll, a person telling the truth inflects their speech slightly. Many lies precede truth only until a certain amount of pressure is applies, breaking the individual into submission. This concept is quite applicable in today's world in regards to the ethics of torture. The father of the boy was killed in the interrogation room leaving the boy alone in the small hut where he was held captive. The magistrate visits the boy at night to comfort him and gives the guard on duty orders to tie the rope back on his hands but looser and to leave his father's body in the yard. The magistrate shows a level of dignity toward the barbarians not evident in the Colonel's actions or on a larger scale, the Empire's.

Heart of Darkness Articles

"Are Humans One Race or Many?" by Alfred Russell Wallace

• Published in 1870 and based on the science of natural selection at the time.
• Two contrasting arguments over the diversity of mankind.
• One believes that no race is "homogeneous"- there is a tendency to vary. Environmental changes are responsible for the differences in races.
• Opposing view argues within its own group that the race should have specific organization, whether it is a race of a hundred people or simply race based nations that spring into existence.
• Natural selection powerfully effects animals due to their "self-dependence and individual isolation" (219).
• Animals perish because of a simple injury or illness. In the animal kingdom, there is no mutual assistance between adults. Each animal is essentially on their own.
• Mankind's "natural selection" is evaluated very differently. Even in "the rudest tribes" the sick are at least assisted with food.
• Natural selection is therefore balanced. People with physical disadvantages do not face such an extreme penalty such as death.
• Mental and moral qualities are more influential on the human race.
• Mankind's intelligence has taken away nature's power to change humans based on external influences.
• Extreme changes in nature that affect animals don't have the same modifying power that it wields on humans.
• The mind is what changes based off of nature, not the body.
• The inhabitants of a temperate region are mentally superior to those in hotter climates.
• Invasions and displacements of races has always been from North to South. i.e. European colonization in Africa.
• Human features became fixed because the success of mankind is contingent upon the strength of its mental faculties. Physical abilities are of lesser importance.
  

"The Comparative Worth of Different Races" by Francis Galton

• Galton believes that in the future, civilization will lose its superficiality and overspread the globe.
• This is destined to happen because "civilization is the necessary fruit of high intelligence when found in a social animal" (224).
• Animals with a higher intelligence are at a greater advantage to those with physical strength. The most intelligent variety will "prevail in the battle of life" (224).
• The most social race of intelligent animals will also be the most successful.
• Galton established a system to measure the cognitive intelligence of different races into sixteen classes. (A-G) for those above the average, (a-g) below the average, and X for a genius and x for an "imbecile".
• Comparison based on the letter system between the Negro race and Anglo-Saxons, without accounting for the "social disabilities" of the Negroes.
• There are a few main observations that take place:

1. The negro race rarely produces class F individuals such as Toussaint l'Ouverture, the leader of a slave rebellion in Haiti.
2. The negro race is capable of having men who become "thriving merchants" and "good factors" or others above the average of white, but struggle with this since their intellectual standard is about two grades below.
3. A white traveler meeting a black chief will usually feel as if he was the better man because he can hold his own in their presence. The chief has knowledge that pertains to the tribe, but the traveler has knowledge "current in civilized lands" (226).
4. "The number among the negroes of those whom we should call half-witted men is very large". Mistakes that negroes make are often childish and simpleton-like.

I am the Alpha and the Omega

Without a doubt, the most symbolic portion of part IV of The Sound and the Fury is Reverend Shegog’s Easter Mass sermon. In fact, many of the biblical references that he preaches are directly connected to the state of the Compson family and even an retrospective look at past events. The Reverend makes assertions of the phrase “blood of the Lamb”several times throughout his sermon, clearly suggesting Jesus’s sacrifice and in time his resurrection. I didn’t really know much about the significance of the blood of the Lamb so I researched a bit. I discovered that the blood of Jesus is mentioned several times in the Bible as a powerful, sanctifying symbol that redeems individuals, brings peace, and cleanses sins. What character in the book committed the greatest act of sacrifice? Quentin of course, taking his own life. Was this an action taken to cleanse Caddy of her promiscuous wrong doings? Is it possible that his love for Caddy was the driving force to sacrifice his own flesh and blood? Caddy was also figuratively sacrificed by the family when she was cast out. The possible rebirth of the family was dependent upon Quentin. She was the member who had the potential to revive the family. She squandered her chance by sneaking out and following in Caddy's promiscuous lifestyle. This, in essence, represents the downfall of the Compson family.

Another prominent line in the section is when Dilsey states, "I seed de beginnin, en now I sees the endin" (297). Seeing as this portion of the section is closely intertwined with biblical meaning, it is reasonable to think that Faulker inspired her statement from the Bible's line, "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life." Disley's line signifies her connection with the Compson family during its prosperous years, as well as during its current degradation. In a way, it parallels the cycle that human nature. With death comes revival.

The part of the quote regarding the water of life relates to Disley's unconditional love and support that she provides the Compsons with. The family gains the benefits of Dilsey's help without sacrifice on their behalf.

How else could the reverend's sermon be applied to different aspects of the novel? Are there any other substantial biblical references connecting to the characters?

Response to JSTOR Article for The Sound and the Fury

For my blog this week, I chose the JSTOR article titled "The Words of The Sound and the Fury". I found the article intriguing, because it delves much deeper into the symbolism present in the novel that we just scratched the surface on a few time in class. The author, Robert Martin, explains in his opening paragraph that although the story is quite simple, "The way in which [Faulker] arranges images, sequences, scenes and whole chapters...demands attention" (46). This statement accurately summarized the approach that readers need to take while tackling the unorthodox style of narration and chronology. Yes the novel's story isn't complex, but the underlying word choice and meaning is something more noteworthy. Martin explains in the article how there are key word or phrases found in each individual section, or throughout the book to signal a commonality. In the "Benjy" section of the novel, the word "fire" is used roughly forty-three times in the last twenty-four pages of the section. For Benjy, fire is concrete and eternal. Although Caddy brings Benjy a great deal of joy, she will eventually wither whereas fire will remain "basically static" (47). As a mentally unstable individual, Benjy needs to have a stable object to find solace in. The state of the fire plays a key role in Benjy's emotional state. Fire provides Benjy with a sense of comfort; on the contrast, the absence of fire instills unease. Martin provides evidence in the conversation between Luster and Benjy. The hushing of the fire brings Benjy discomfort. Caddy instills the connection between fire and comfort in Benjy by leading him to it. In Quentin's sections, the image of "Shadow" dominates his thoughts. The shadow that is behind him constantly fills his thoughts. This is evident when Quentin states, "I stepped into the sunlight, finding my shadow again" (50). Quentin's description of the shadow makes it seems as though it was a sentient being, always trying to outsmart him. Another prominent object in the Quentin section is Louis Hatcher's lantern. I never really places much thought into its significance, but Martin believes that it symbolizes "man's ability to shed light" which is quite an optimistic outlook (51).Overall, I think that this article is insightful in terms of bringing new meaning to objects and images present in the novel. Martin's writing is interesting and accessible allowing reader's to grasp the concepts that he provides.

Jason Mother Relationship

As we discussed in class, part three of the novel revolves around Jason, the most cynical and bitter of all the Compson children. The issue prevalent in Jason's case is his lack of to support for the family and his active decision to inhibit the reciprocation of love that his mother gives him. Jason is Mother's favorite child, but the reason is not wholly present in the text. She does however state that he is "her own flesh and blood" and "isn't a reproach" to her (181). Jason wrongfully rejects the compassion that she has provided him with and interacts with her in a rude tone of voice. Despite her unconditional love, Jason abuses her love and financial support for his own benefit. This is evident when Caroline presents Jason with a check of $1000 to aid in the establishment of the business. Instead of appropriately spending the money, he cashes it and spends it on a car. The unfortunate aspect of Jason is his inability to feel guilt or regret for his actions. Jason does not accept the responsibility as the new head of the family leading it into the lowest trough that it has ever experienced. His apathetic mindset to improve the family's status only accentuates his failure as a person.

How does Jason's core values and ideals further hinder the family's ability to improve?

Short Stories Half Blog

While reading through the table of contents for The Best American Short Stories 2008 Edition, I stumbled upon the short story "Puppy" by George Saunders. What originally drew me, was the title. Without even knowing the basis of the story, I already knew that at least a part of it revolved around one of my favorite animals. Whether this was figurative or literal was unknown to me until I actually skimmed through the story. I had not heard of the writer George Saunders, nor of any other work that he had written after looking through a brief list of his past works. From the initial paragraph, it is evident that his writing is very contemporary. The entire first paragraph which is close to 20 lines on The New Yorker website is one long continuous sentence sprinkled with a variety of punctuation such as parenthetical, comas, dashes, and an exclamation point to conclude the lengthy thought. There are a few words that are repeated for emphasis such as "autumnal sun", "brilliance", and "haunted house". Saunders uses parenthetical throughout the story to introduce a different voice's opinion. This is really contemporary from what I am normally used to in a story. I'm not sure whether this will be the story and author combination that I will use for my essay, but an open mind to a story like this couldn't hurt.