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.

CRITICAL:  What do you think Faulkner might have meant by the caption that is around his neck in the image at the top of this blog?

In life I believe people get caught up in a sort of intellectual competitiveness, and at times it can be almost hidden. What I mean by this, is that people stretch themselves, they strive and labour to better or smarter then the smartest person they know. In essence they fall into the trap of doing things for the wrong reasons. Whilst there is nothing wrong with healthy competitiveness, by trying to exceed the efforts of those around or before you, Faulkner here emphasises the true person to overcome is yourself. The benchmark to beat is not those around you rather inside of you. You should challenge yourself to be the best you can be, to overcome your faults, your trials, your shortcomings. I believe this quote highlights how allot writers, but people in general, loose their identity and sense of individuality in always trying to compare themselves and compete with others. You are not a carbon copy, and I believe all men are created unique, we were created to stand out, so there is not use trying to fit in. I dont mean by this people should live rebellious lives and bend the rules, rather do not be conformed to who the world says you should be. Dont try and be better then the person next to you, dont walk around with a log in your eye!

Lili that was an absolutely amazing blog, it was pleasure to read. It was so vivid and authentic, you have a great narrative voice in your writing. Your use of short concise sentences make it easy to read yet carry allot of meaning. I like how you didn’t get caught up on one aspect of the train ride, rather a variety of aspects. You begin with an awesome sort of introduction where you personify the train itself and then give various descriptions of all the things around you. What was also most relatable was the joy you portray in people watching and the pleasure of appreciating the simplicities in other peoples lives.
You brought a simple train ride to life, I literally felt like I was on a Sydney train when reading!
Keep up the great work 😀

My peer review of Lili Braidners 5th blog. Awesome blog, so authentic and vivid, it was a real pleasure to read.

Link: https://lilibraidner.home.blog/2019/10/01/stories-on-trains/comment-page-1/?unapproved=80&moderation-hash=3239858d2aba180009c39010cd957435#comment-80

CREATIVE – Try to write either a William Carlos Williams, an Ezra Pound or an e.e.cummings poem using your own subject matter but sticking to their language and form. As a starting point you might try either “The Red Wheelbarrow”, or “In a Station of the Metro” or e.e.cummings “in Just-”

“Young pupils studying for their future,
Prolonging the call of mammon.”

I have chosen to write a short poem in the style of Ezra Pound, specifically his poem “In a station of the metro.” Pound in a few words manages to portray depth and meaning. Each word can be broken down and meaning deduced from it, this style of poetry is simple yet powerful.
In my above rendition, I have attempted to create a short poem highlighting the plight of a student who is studying a uni degree, having just finished highschool, with the lingering pressure of making money and being financial stable overhead. Many students are supported by their parents while they pursue their university studies, but at some point in their life will finish their degree and leave the shelter that 14-15 or so years of education provided them throughout their lives. Mammon is an Aramaic word that Jesus uses in the new testament when rebuking the Pharisees for their love of money. In context, Jesus is telling them they cannot serve God and money, it is one or the other. I find many people to be caught in this situation, both God and money are calling them. This creates a sort of contrast with the earlier statement in the poem, where “Young” and “pupils” are words that encompass ideas of freedom, of youth, of vigour and of life, juxtaposed with the idea of being enslaved to money.

Maria,
I enjoyed reading your blog post and I like your addition to Ezra Pounds list of dont’s. You have definitely kept true to the general theme of this unit in providing advice that encourages poets to maintain individuality, authenticity and a free flowing nature to their work. I like how you said in 28 to not use words for the sake of filling a poem, but especially 25, I like how you are encouraging people to stay true to themselves when writing!
Awesome blog post keep it up 😀

My peer review of Maria Lo Campos Blog 4. Maria added some insightful points to Ezra Pounds list of Dont’s. She really kept with the theme of the poets we studied in class in encouraging writers to maintain their individuality, free flowing nature and to be true to themselves when writing.

Link: https://marialocampo.wordpress.com/2019/10/02/blog-4-4/comment-page-1/?unapproved=43&moderation-hash=0067c6c72a60768a2c57b44fff45030b#comment-43

Creative – Construct a creative story that captures the plight of the negro living in a country which promotes racism and segregation.

Carniel always took Lafayette avenue home, even though it was much quicker to cut through Norstrand. It was the winter of 1977 in the Brooklyn suburb of Bedford-Stuveysant. Maggie Eldrich lived just off Lafayette and he would purposely walk that way for the opportunity to see her. Carniel wasn’t the best looking young man from the neighbourhood, nor was he the smartest, but he had a heart the size of gold. On this particular day, he had on his best slacks and his afro combed out to perfection – it formed a sort of halo around his head. His favourite yet tattered brown turtle neck hugged the lower rim of his neck and adorning his body was his dads black leather jacket. This weekly routine was risky business. If Carniels grandmother new he was cutting class to come and see a girl – a white girl, the consequences would be dire. He remembered the fiery rebuke last time he was caught truanting to explore the white parts of his neighbourhood.
“Boy, what are you doing running round Lafayette, are you tryin’ to get yourself killed? You dont have no business being around there. Those folks will never accept you!”
He pleaded his case, a case of love, but that only further goaded her rebuke.
“A girl, a white girl? Whats wrong with you Carniel, I raised you better then that! What you need is a nice young black women, a women with soul, a woman of faith, a woman of beauty!”
“My dear, even if things worked out with her, what about the family? They will never accept you!”
The words of his grandma, as powerful or true as they may have been, did not deter him from his mission. As he reached the corner of Lafayette and Marcy, he defiantly turned his head towards a place he knew he had no business in, to a suburb where he was not welcome and to an area that would put him in danger. He didn’t care what anyone said or thought, he didn’t even care about the risks involved with courting a white girl from a different area. Love was more important, his heart spoke louder then the logic of his grandmother.
Head held high and in his best outfit, Carniel marched forward down Lafayette avenue, excited, nervous, and longing for the day that he can freely walk around his own town without want or care, a day were he could be free to be who he wanted.

Huzaifa, that was an awesome blog post. You have a great syntax in your writing, your sentence structure is polished and you use complex/descriptive language. You did a great job at identifying Whitmans affinity towards Lincoln as he too was a man of the people, one that championed the cause of slaves. I also like how you made a connection between Lincoln being a captain of a boat, captaining the ship of 19th century America through the turbulent times of war and slavery. Great stuff, keep it up 😀

My peer review of Huzaifa Shakirs blog. Huzaifa has an eloquent and structured style of writing and answered the question really well. Great blog post!

Link: https://huzaifasblog.home.blog/2019/09/06/blog-2-whitmans-o-captain-my-captain/comment-page-1/?unapproved=1&moderation-hash=05b142c958f2ae00a973e82957e30023#comment-1

Creative – Create a poem in the style of Emily Dickinson

As the grass that fadeth away
Like the dust that takes flight on the wind
Our sojourn on earth is but temporary
Where can I then begin

The hairs upon my head are numbered
And my days full of mirth
He knows even when 2 sparrows
Take their rest on the earth

A willow next to a stream
Whos roots extend into the waters
With the logos in my heart
My fruits shall never falter

Nancy, that was an awesome blog, I love how you tackled the question. I like how you started the blog by giving a subtle insight into the power of art in conveying experience and meaning, before moving into a concise, well worded and insightful comparison between the two art pieces. You did a great job at comparing the relatable and humble nature of Washington with that of the pompous King George.
Keep up the good work 😀

My peer review of Nancy Davids blog 1. This blog was a pleasure to read, it was insightful and Nancy is a great writer!

Link: https://nancysliteratureblog.home.blog/2019/08/22/blog-1/