Connecting: A Poetic Response

Connecting: A Poetic Response

            Poetry, when felt rather than simply read, can be powerful. The poem, She dwelt among the untrodden ways, is one that was able to establish strong feelings that I could connect with. The author, William Wordsworth, created a poem that utilized poetic tools in order to create a visual of a woman by the name of Lucy. These tools not only helped to create a visual of her but also to establish an understanding and acknowledgement of both her great beauty and her extreme loneliness. The connection that I felt with this poem was created by the tools used by the author and further developed as a result of the use of language.

            The power of this poem and its ability to create feelings within me were, in part, due to Wordswoth’s ability to effectively utilize metaphors. The use of metaphors stirred up memories of a loved one whose internal beauty was beyond belief even though the world failed to notice her. Lucy is described as “a violet by a mossy stone half-hidden from the eye” (as cited in Clugston, 2010, section 9.2). Lucy is beautiful but goes unnoticed, hidden by that which surrounds her. Wordsworth went on to write that Lucy was “fair as a star, when only one is shining in the sky” (as cited in Clugston, 2010, section 9.2). Again, the author identified the beauty that Lucy owned even though it went unnoticed because of her surroundings. His suggestion was that she would only be noticed were she the only in the sky.

            Additionally, the power of this poem was felt even though the language was not modern. In the title and the first line of the poem the author writes that she, Lucy, “...dwelt among the untrodden ways” (as cited in Clugston, 2010, section 9.2). This particular poem was written over 200 years ago, which could play a large role in the differences in speech between this poem and what is now considered everyday or modern. Other than the initial line, the words in this poem are simple and could be considered everyday speech. The way in which the words are grouped together and utilized is slightly different. An example would be the way that Wordsworth decides to tell the reader that Lucy has passed. Instead of simply writing Lucy has died, he writes that “...Lucy ceased to be” (as cited in Clugston, 2010, section 9.2).

            The difference in the title and first line of this poem, regarding everyday speech, forced me to focus on the initial line of this poem more intently. The first line revealed a lot about Lucy which was important in strengthening the view of Lucy’s worth throughout the poem. The first line identified that Lucy was among people and was untouched. The fact that the language varied caused me to take pause and ensure that I was correctly grasping the meaning and intent behind the initial line and the title before I continued on to the rest of the poem whose language became more common and understandable, as it further progressed in the story of Lucy.

            Wordsworth’s ironic twist, in the last stanza, further bound me to this piece by strengthening the connection that I had established throughout the first two. He emphasized, again, Lucy’s loneliness and the way that others ignored her presence so much so that her death went nearly unnoticed when he wrote “...and few could know, when Lucy ceased to be” (as cited in Clugston, 2010, section 9.2). This line drew on my memories of the important female in my life and the fact that she has passed. “But she is in her grave, and oh, the difference to me” (as cited in Clugston, 2010, section 9.2), was the line that most established connection. Even though the wording varied from how the same thing might be said now, the meaning did not change. There was a love and strong connection for Lucy by the poem’s persona. Even though the world might not have noticed Lucy, he did, and her loss is felt deeply.

            In conclusion, She dwelt among the untrodden ways, created high levels of emotions when it was read. The content within created a personal connection and the use of metaphors helped to further identify the importance of the poem’s main focus which, in turn, continued to stir personal feelings of someone that I love. This connection was intensified through the use of language that seemed very different than my personal everyday speech in the title and first line of the writing which seemed to develop a more attentive eye and helped to maintain focus through the rest of the piece. Overall, the piece was able to grasp me as a reader and keep me contained through the effective use of poetic tools and language.

Reference

Clugston, W. (2010). Journey into Literature. Bridgepoint: San Diego, CA

           

Visual Communication

September 11th

It is likely that if you ask anyone where they were on September 11^th, when the Twin Towers were brought down by terrorist attacks, they will be able to tell you.  Personally, I was in my high school cafeteria when I was told of the tragedy.  When the images of the attack were viewed, emotions followed. 

For me, the images brought a great sadness.  The smoke that encompassed the buildings coupled with the images of human beings either leaping or falling to their deaths was nearly unbearable.

However, through the tragedy, there was such great unity. When images were shown of the crowds that surrounded the towers, you could not tell what race anyone was. Their faces were covered in ash and they clung to one another as they struggled to find their loved ones and the loved ones of complete strangers. Men and women, white and black bonded on that day and worked together toward a greater cause, pushing aside their differences. “People everywhere are united now in being possible or actual targets or victims of terrorism and it is terrorists who now occupy the attention of police agencies and military everywhere, since terrorism is now a global menace” (Berger, 2008, p. 66).

Additionally, 9/11 and the images of death and destruction that were portrayed also made us more aware of the fact that there are true threats that exist in this world.  Berger (2008) also states that “…it is through images that…we are increasingly aware of the existence of terrorists and the danger they pose to democratic societies” (p. 67). 

From this knowledge, security measures have increased and travel, at one point, decreased at our airports.  Societies’ method of travel changed for a time because of people’s general fear of flying. 

In my opinion, many American’s felt that they were “immune” from such acts of terrorism.  I believe that it was seen as an occurrence that only happened in faraway lands.  9/11 put into perspective how there is no immunity from terrorism and it changed our culture from being one that feels safe from threats and instead transformed us into one that is much more aware of the fact that we are surrounded by them.

Reference:

Berger, A. (2008). Seeing is Believing An Introduction to Visual Communication.

Literary Analysis: Cathedral

Cathedral

            Narrations allow authors to present their thoughts and feelings in a way that can, hopefully, create change in the reader. A message suggested through the writing, when done correctly, is one that the reader receives appropriately. The message, or theme, presented in Cathedral propels itself forward through the use of key elements The use of the key elements in narrative stories, such as the point of view and symbols, can help to pull the writing together and push the theme forward, propelling the message that the author intended for their readers. The theme of this writing is revealed through the use of the point of view that allows the reader to understand the narrator's blindness as well as symbols that relate to the important events of the text.

Theme

            Cathedral, written by Raymond Carver, seems to house a number of themes. The writing touches on the stereotypes that the world has to those that are considered handicap and how these stereotypes can be so wrong. Also, the writing touches on isolation and the pain associated with such isolation as well as the power of connections that can help pull on through those feelings. However, the theme that seems strongest in this particular writing is that one may be too blind to see the flaws within themselves but their flaws can be evident and pushed to change by the least likely observer.

            The story follows a narrator that sees the world through blind eyes, failing to take the time to truly know someone before making judgments about who he believes them to be. The narrator believes that Robert, the blind man, is less capable or able than himself. When he realizes that the man smokes, his thoughts were revealed because he believed "...that the blind didn't smoke because...they couldn't see the smoke they exhaled" (as cited in Clugston, 2010, pp. 160). Another comment made about Robert was that the narrator "...always thought dark glasses were a must for the blind" (as cited by Clugston, 2010, pp. 159). These particular thoughts, shared by the narrator, reveal that he is blind to the world around him.

Point of View

            Cathedral's story progresses via the first person narrator. This particular narrator remains nameless but their personality reveals itself through their thoughts and actions throughout the writing. The use of first person narration for this piece helps to reveal the theme and show the lack of insight that the narrator holds. His prejudice, stereotype-drive thoughts, and insensitivity toward others push the story forward and create, in the reader, a strong desire to see his ways change and become a prelude to the change that eventually does happen.

            The narrator's personality traits become obvious throughout the thoughts, actions, and comments made by the narrator throughout the majority of the piece. He, the narrator, seemed to have no connection to the emotions that others experienced. When he initially introduced the idea of Robert's visit, he said that his wife had died and that "..he was visiting the dead wife's relatives..." (as cited by Clugston, 2010, pp.154). The way in which he spoke of this stranger's wife made the event seem almost meaningless. His insensitivity does not just extend to the blind stranger but, also to his wife when he makes a comment about her writing. At one point, he speaks on his wife's poetry, which she writes about experiences that are very meaningful and important to her, by saying "I can remember I didn't think much of the poem” (as cited by Clugston, 2010, pp.155).

Symbolism

            Another way that the author pushes the story forward to help promote its theme is through the use of symbolism. The first symbol that seemed to stand out was the touching of the narrator's wife's face by Robert. This particular event was one that proved to be extremely important to her. The narrator tells us that "she even tried to write a poem about it"(as cited by Clugston, 2010, pp. 155). This particular act seems to solidify the importance of the relationship that the narrator's wife and Robert share. This is also why the narrator's lack of interest in his wife's poem show his insensitivity toward her. Not only is the poetry important but, Robert is as well. The touch between them showed the comfort and trust that existed.

            Additionally, the cathedral was a symbol within this writing. The "cathedral is a symbol of great human achievement and spiritual devotion: the result of a community effort, cooperation, and trust" (Clugston, 2010, pp. 164). The explanation that Robert asked the narrator to provide of the cathedral is what brought about the cooperation between the two of them and eventually the trust that the narrator gave to Robert. The narrator begins to trust Robert when told to close his eyes and continue to draw  with his eyes closed. The narrator does so narrating, "I closed them just like he said" (as cited by Clugston, 2010, pp. 167). Through this act of trust and cooperation, the narrator continues to draw the cathedral and is finally able to "see" and move toward a change.

Conclusion

            In conclusion, the use of elements such as the point of view or symbols can help to reveal the theme to the readers and give the understanding of the piece that the author intended. The theme of this story moved forward and revealed through the author in first person as he went from being blind to finally being able to see. His negative thoughts about the person that helped him turned into trust and, as a result, led to gained insight.

Reference

Clugston, R.W. (2010). Journey Into Literature. San Diego: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.

Technical Writing

Brushing Your Teeth: An Educational Tool for Parents

            As a parent, it is important to provide your children with the knowledge and understanding to properly maintain good oral hygiene. One way of doing this is by providing them with the tools necessary in order to effectively brush their teeth so that these skills can be used for years to come. There are steps in order to do so, and knowing these steps and a simple way of explaining them can help to open the door to the education process.

Step 1: Place the toothbrush on a hard, flat surface with the bristles facing upward. This will allow for proper application of toothpaste in the steps to follow.

Step 2: Place the appropriate amount of toothpaste onto the bristles of the toothbrush. The amount needed for your child can be found on the toothpaste label.

Step 3: Once the toothpaste is secured on the bristles of the toothbrush, gently lift the toothbrush from its handle and insert the head of the toothbrush into the mouth. At this point, the bristles of the toothbrush should be facing the inside of the mouth while being gently pressed to the teeth.

Step 4: Now, it is time to begin the act of brushing. Move the toothbrush up-and-down then side-to-side within the mouth ensuring that all of the teeth are given a few seconds of attention. Remember to brush all sides of the teeth and not just those parts that are visible. This step should take approximately two minutes time.

Step 5: Once the teeth have been brushed, lean over the sink and spit the excess toothpaste down the drain. Be sure not to swallow this liquid.

Step 6: Turn on the faucet to rinse the spit and toothpaste down the drain. While this is happening, scoop some water into the mouth with a cupped hand. Swish the water vigorously in the mouth for ten seconds and then discard this liquid into the sink via spitting. This will help to clean any excess toothpaste that may have been left in the mouth.

Step 7: Rinse the toothbrush thoroughly under running water. Once this is complete, turn off the faucet and return the toothbrush to its place.

            Introducing your child to these simple steps can help to establish proper brushing habits that could benefit them for many years to come. By giving them the necessary tools at an early age, they can take ownership of their oral health. Following these step-by-step instructions will help to open the window of education between yourself and your young one.

Got Ethics? (Part II)

The Dilemma—Lunch Reservations
Ever since you took the job last year, your boss has asked you to schedule a weekly lunch date with his mistress. You don’t like doing it, but you’ve made the reservations anyway. Last month you met his wife at a business luncheon. Now that she has met you, whenever she calls and he is out, she asks, “Can you tell me where he is?” You can’t stand being an accomplice. What will you do?

My Solution

This situation is wrong, according to my personal ethics. However, this is more of a personal situation than a business one. I would have to accommodate the situation. Abigail & Cahn (2011) describe accommodating as “...smoothing over conflicts, obliging others, and not making waves” (pp. 49). I would have to let the manager know that his wife is calling and inquiring on his whereabouts. Additionally, I would have to advise him that I would not make up any stories but, that the situation did not involve me and that I would also not inform her of where he was for lunch. My boss’ personal indiscretions, so long as they do not interfere with work, are not something that I feel is appropriate to be concerned with even if I am the person setting up the weekly date.








What would you do?

References

Abigail, R. & Cahn, D. (2011). Managing Conflict Through Communication: Fourth Edition.           Allyn & Bacon: Boston.