Jean-ah Poquelin

In southern Gothic, symbolism is one of the main elements as it encourages the reader to look more in depth to what the author is trying to get across and the theme of the work. In Jean-ah Poquelin I see many instances of symbolism, particularly involving the bayou and the house. It seems as though the bayou symbolizes the old South. I think this is so because although the bayou is cut off from the canal it is still running very slowly, just as the Old south is being pushed out by the New South the creole are holding on to their traditions by speaking Creole and doing other things that would be considered Old South.

Our Nig

Although Our Nig is a great piece of work and good narrative, there is a mystery of why it was lost to scholars for over 120 years. I feel one reason for this is the title Harriet E. Wilson uses. It may be due to the title, "Our Nig" that scholars wanted nothing to do with this narrative. Just by looking at the title of the novel, one may think it is a mockery of African-American people, and this is what may have shied scholars away. Upon reading Wilson's narrative, it comes to mind that maybe this narrative was purposely lost in order to hide or cover up the harsh realities that freed Blacks faced in the North, although there were abolitionist present and the North was looked upon as a better place for Blacks at the time. In the narrative Wilson describes many beatings and times in which she was mistreated as though she were an animal. At the time this narrative was first published, these kinds of stories about the North were unheard of.

House of Usher

An unknown narrator is used in "The Fall of The House of Usher. I feel he is reliable because he is telling us the story as he goes through it as opposed to him reflecting on the story, he is taking us alongside him as he visits the house. The narrator does not seem to have any biases or mental problems which is related to that of an unreliable narrator. I think Poe chose to use this type of narrator in order to allow the reader to take the information the narrator presents and analyse it for themselves, instead of letting the narrator explain things. Poe does this so the reader can look for clues on their own, and to keep the reader curious and wanting to figure out more.

Young Goodman Brown

Hawthorne uses a great deal of symbolism as he tells the story of Young Goodman Brown. He chooses the names of his characters very carefully in a sense that they stand for many things. For example Young Goodman Browns name is Faith. As the story progresses Hawthorne reveals to the reader that Faith is not just her name, for it actually symbolizes Faith. Hawthorne also names Young Goodman Brown his name as a form of a symbol. Young Goodman Brown symbolizes any young man. Hawthorne uses these names to explain the characters to the readers and for them to easily identify the meanings of them. Hawthorne also places symbolism in the settings and surroundings of the story. Most of the story takes place in a forest and the wilderness, Which symbolizes how a man must make his decisions alone and learn to think for himself.

Female Gothic

Upon reading "Lois the Witch" I can see some sort of take on the Cinderella formula, as Lois' story is very similar to that of Cinderella's. Both are orphans in a sense as they have to go stay with a different family. Both have the form of the evil step mom and evil sister who treats them terrible. Although Lois the Witch has some Cinderella elements it is not the classical Cinderella story. Lois the Witch lacks the element of the glass slipper which is a key ingredient in the Cinderella formula. Along with the element of the glass slipper missing, Lois is not saved at the end of the story. There is a form of the prince in Lois but he fails to save her which ultimately leads to her death.
I see women writers sending the message that women need to get away from being caught up in the fairy tale story where they think some sort of prince will come and save them form their problems. It seems as though the writers have no problem with women having faith in men saving them but they are more focused on getting the message across that women need to fend for themselves and speak of for what it is that they believe in.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

As we all know, in Gothic literature, setting is very important as it sets the mode and sometimes provides you with vital information to understand what is going on within the literature. In Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Stevenson does not use a castle but he does use other settings such as the laboratory and house of Dr. Jekyll, the city of London and the courtyard to create the element of terror. In the story it states that the morning Mr. Utterson and Inspector Newcomen of Scotland Yard went to look for Mr. Hyde, It was very dark and heavily foggy with high winds which makes the scene seem a bit scary. The weather conditions are in correlation with the personality of Mr. Hyde.

Castle of Otranto

The Castle of Otranto is a story filled with all types of chivalry and romance. The two are promoted throughout the text. For instance one type of romance and chivalry are the fact that the death of Manfred's son Conrad has heightened his feelings for Isabella, Conrad's wife. Due to the untimely death of Conrad, Manfred is afraid that his name and family's rule will be over unless he has an heir to his throne. Manfred reacts desperately and takes likes to Isabella and chooses her to bear him an heir to his throne, basically leaving his wife in the wind because of her sterility.
Another case in the text that promotes romance or heightened sensitivity to feelings and emotions is when Isabella meets the peasant while on her attempt to escape Manfred. The peasant is willing to put his life on the line due to his uneasiness towards Manfred and his rule in order to assist the terrified Isabella. the peasant states, "I value not my life, and it will be some comfort yo lose it in trying to deliver you from his tyranny." (page 27)

The Goophered Grapevine

First off, I thought The Goophered Grapevine was very amusing as it humored me a few times. Chestnut introduces Julius as a nice person who is willing to help the narrator. I think Chestnut does this to identify the with the stereotypes of the common black person at this time. Julius' heavy Southern accent and broken English persuades the reader and the narrator that he is not an intelligent person. I think this is part of the performance in which Julius is putting on for his white audience. He may not speak proper English or seem very bright but, truth of the matter is, he has created this story to fend off people from buying this land. Meanwhile he enjoys the benefits of eating and making profit off the grapes in the grapevine. Although his story does not keep the narrator from buying the land, it goes to show that Julius was not as dumb as he was presented to be.

Novel Reading

After our discussion about Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey in class, and watching the movie, I have mixed feelings about novel reading. On one hand, I think it is healthy for the mind to feed your imagination with the contents of some novels, while on the other hand, I think using your imagination too much can get you in trouble (as it did Catherine). I do see value in reading novels. Novels can provide lots of information and point of views that other forms of literature do not provide. In one week alone, I have learned new things and now I find myself being interested in Gothic novels. Novels teach us much about society mainly because it's characters and situations are that of actual people. When reading novels most can find similarities in these characters and situations, which makes them seem close to that character. This allows you to learn from that character.

terms of syllabus

I agree

introduction

Here is just a lil intro about me.

im a 22 year old college student from New York. i really dont like to read but i think bloggin is cool. i may pick up a few magazines but no books, unless they're for class lol. im in to sports. well not all sports, mainly basketball and football. im a very laid back person with a cool personality so check my blog out!!!