Saturday, May 1, 2010
Literature that made me reflect on my life
Throughout this course I have enjoyed reading many of the stories and authors we had to choose from. As was posted in one of our discussion boards, it is amazing how a story can have different meaning when the reader is at different stages in their lives. For example, in high school I read both Huck Finn and I read the Joy Luck Club but at that time in my life I really did not take the time to appreciate the writing or I did not spend time analyzing the real stories being told within these wonderful pieces. Reading these same stories now, they had a completely different meaning for me and my analysis of each was much greater. For this blog, my purpose is to relate how a great piece of literature can make one reflect on their own life. In reading The Adventures of Huck Finn, the local color and the writing style made me remember what my own childhood was like. My brother and I spent alot of time in the woods creating drama and dreaming of adventures. Near our home was a river, a lake, and a a stream where we also spend a great deal of time imagining things that were reflected so nicely by Twain in Huck Finn. I was struck to see how poorly, Huck was treated by his father and it was great to see the resiliency of Hucks spirit and of his character. Hucks ability to have his own beliefs and to form his own views were remarkable when it seemed that so much around him was not as it should have been. When he created his escape from his father, I was drawn in to the details of how he exected his plan so precisely. To see him set off on his own and to pursue his own course in his life was a powerful statement on what a person can do when they set their mind to something they want and that they know is right for them. Huck's joining with Jim and the two together working to avoid capture and to strive to survive made this story a true adventure and an enjoyable story for me to read. Now that I am older, I appreciate the dreamy adventurous state of mind that a child has. As I mentioned, my brother and I had many a good time just being together in the woods with our minds creating the adventures and the fun that has left me with the memories I had forgotten. Reading Huck Finn, brought back to me these special times and made me smile to think of how fun being a child in the country was. I will encourage my daughter to read Huck Finn and I will share with her the adventures her dad had as a little boy. Literature has the power to influence man generations and a great story is truly a masterpiece.
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I did not select any of Twain's writing for this semester, however, I did read the Jumping Frog story in Eng Com 111. It was filled with regional dialect that Twain is known for. It would not have been the same story had it been set in Boston or London. The setting, the dialect, the level of education all ring out deep South. His characterizations were simply a work of art. He portrays the innocent state of the characters so openly that their carnality or original sin almost is convincingly without error. It is quite bewildering and I believe that is what makes the Jumping Frog story that which it has come to be. Humorous it is and entertaining for any with the liking in that direction
ReplyDeleteHuck Finn is a very good story. I am glad that you remember your childhood through this story. The way Huck Finn was treated by his father was sad, but still happened with some youth, today. Also the way Huck Finn had his own beliefs were different that any other person. I did also like the Jumping Frog i thought it was very funny story, too.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed resding your post. It is awesome to be able to remember times we had in the past and relate it to Literature. In a sense I feel that Huck Finn and the younger son metioned in Burning Barn had a similar point of view. They were both out to change their life and create new beginings due to their father's habits. It would have definitely been a challenge, but a better life for them in the long run. These stories have a different impact on us when we are older and wiser compared to being a teenager. I too grew up in the country around creeks and open spaces. It is nice to remember stories that has happened in our past and learn from our experiences.
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