Summative Entry

American literature is diverse, dynamic and undoubtedly paradoxical in nature. In this unit, we studied a variety of different authors and a plethora of diverse literature. From literature that dabbled in spirituality and the nature of existence, to novels that were embedded within southern customs and racism, to novels that dealt with the plight of Native and African Americans, the body of texts studied undoubtedly reveals an America that is a true kaleidoscope.
Coming into this unit I was excited and expectant, having already partaken in an American literature unit in New York in 2018. Allot of the literature came alive during my time in America as my eyes were opened to the vast underbelly of American history, of spirituality and segregation, of racism and rebellion, of inequality and of intellectual advancement. Perhaps one of the most fascinating aspects of American literature that I experienced then, and now during this unit, was this idea of formless literature. The idea of abandoning the traditional forms and customs of writing to find something more free flowing, something authentic, something genuine. All throughout the unit there has been an echoe from these powerful authors to abandon the traditional approach to literature and even to life. What fascinates me is this departure from the traditional european approach to literature and writing to birth something that is uniquely of the people, something uniquely American. One of my favourite novels in the unit was The Adventure of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain. I was hesitant to read the book but when I did, I couldn’t put it down. It provided such a creative, authentic and vivid snapshot into the past it really took me off guard.
Like my 102 unit, my best blog for this unit would have to be my first blog. I chose to compare two images (one of George Washington, the other of King George). My time in New York was still fresh in my mind when writing this first blog and I feel like the comparison of the two art works highlights what is so unique about American literature and what distinguishes it from that of European literature. I really enjoyed comparing the two art works as I feel they demonstrate the departure from the traditional for the more relatable. I also enjoyed writing my third blog, a creative piece detailing the plight of a young African American boy inlove with a white girl from a different neighbourhood. Another of my favourite blogs, and the blog I enjoyed writing the most in the whole unit was my second blog, a poem I wrote in the style of Emily Dickinson. I loved being able to answer creative blogs like this, because they didn’t require of me a wrong or write answer, rather they allowed me to use my own interests and creativity to engage with the content of authors we studied. In this poem, I used old english words and archaic biblical language to situate it in the 19th century. In the first stanza, I recognise the temporality and shortness of life, in the second I describe how God knows even the small intricacies of our Human existence and in the final stanza I use biblical imagery drawn from Psalms and the book of Jeremiah that speak of person being like a tree planted next to the waters.
All in all it was an enjoyable unit, to brush up and extend my knowledge of American literature. I especially enjoyed answering creative and critical blogs, as well as making up my own questions. It was a great way to end my time at uni but more importantly my blogs serve as but a small testament to the diverseness and dynamic nature of the many voices that make up the rich paradoxical tapestry that is the nation of America.