There is a sense of closure with the visit to the ruined plantation. Yet the imprint of the experience of both Kevin and Dana is still very potent. They both had to fight their inner demons and confront their own weaknesses. Yet, the lasting impact of that remains unclear creating a sense of almost despair.
Even at the end I never felt connected to Dana. She was a dichotomy of cowardice and strength but her courage seemed false.Only at the end, when she was willing to do what was necessary, did she impress me. Throughout the novel she never completely conformed but kept herself apart in an effort to remain superior to those around her. She was selectively defiant rather than really courageous. Throughout the novel there is a sense of disconnect between Dana and others for which she feels sympathy but not true empathy until the end when Rufus in his temper treats her as treats the other slaves. She never understood people like Sarah and even thought herself above them because through her connection to Rufus she could be an observer for the most part. This seen by her condemnation of the title of Aunt Sarah or Mammy.
Rufus never truly matures, his needs and wants just progress. In that society, since plantation owner's children never were given real responsibility that lack of maturity of selflessness was common.
While every character is shaped by their culture, one must never discard an individual's own contribution. Rufus was always vengeful and selfish and while the culture permitted and encouraged this, in the end it was his own free will that shaped him into what he became.
Race is merely an excuse for prejudice. Prejudice allows subjugating people which in turn allows the elevation of others. Everyone seeks superiority even Dana and race is a convenient way to satisfy this need.
This novel dealt with the psychology of slavery for both the slaves and the masters. At the end I found myself not hating the plantation owners but mankind in general for his nature that makes oppression so appealing
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
After Fight
At this point I found myself conflicted between understanding and condemnation for many of the characters. Dana has caused the least conflict as she has reacted relatively rationally given the situation yet their lacks a sense of connection or empathy that usually the protagonist invokes in me.
In many ways I see her as more of a product of her environment then an individual. She reacts but as she comments on earlier in many ways she is an observer rather than a participant. At the end of the fight the issues with Alice and Rufus draw her into a more active role in ante bellum South. She shows strength threw her sense of identity but remarkably foolish idealism as well through her trust in Rufus.
Rufus is the product of his raising as the saying goes. His father desires perfection and obedience while his mother fawned obsessively over him causing an unstable environment and model for relating to people. he employs both his parents styles. His obsession with Dana and Alice which he deems love is akin to his mother's obsession with him but its hardened by his father's apathetic attitude making it a selfish all consuming obsession rather than love.
Rufus's father is a hard man but nit cruel. In his own way as Rufus says he is fair. he has an overwhelming sense of his superiority and authority but his harsh implementation and his reaction to any perceived defiance be it from slave or his son is dealt with harshly and pitilessly. In many ways he is apathetic rather than sadistic making him an enigma and therefore more dangerous which accounts for Dana's instinctive fear of him. His actions are motivated solely by societal standards and society's perception of him.
Dana seems to have reached a breaking point as has Kevin as they both exhibited highly emotional responses especially Kevin. This is a turning point for both as Dana has lost her idealism and Kevin seems to have lost his identity and his time due to his prolonged stay in the South and the acclimation to that lifestyle.
This novel shows society's profound influence on individual's behavior as it promotes and feeds upon the natural instinct to strive for superiority.
In many ways I see her as more of a product of her environment then an individual. She reacts but as she comments on earlier in many ways she is an observer rather than a participant. At the end of the fight the issues with Alice and Rufus draw her into a more active role in ante bellum South. She shows strength threw her sense of identity but remarkably foolish idealism as well through her trust in Rufus.
Rufus is the product of his raising as the saying goes. His father desires perfection and obedience while his mother fawned obsessively over him causing an unstable environment and model for relating to people. he employs both his parents styles. His obsession with Dana and Alice which he deems love is akin to his mother's obsession with him but its hardened by his father's apathetic attitude making it a selfish all consuming obsession rather than love.
Rufus's father is a hard man but nit cruel. In his own way as Rufus says he is fair. he has an overwhelming sense of his superiority and authority but his harsh implementation and his reaction to any perceived defiance be it from slave or his son is dealt with harshly and pitilessly. In many ways he is apathetic rather than sadistic making him an enigma and therefore more dangerous which accounts for Dana's instinctive fear of him. His actions are motivated solely by societal standards and society's perception of him.
Dana seems to have reached a breaking point as has Kevin as they both exhibited highly emotional responses especially Kevin. This is a turning point for both as Dana has lost her idealism and Kevin seems to have lost his identity and his time due to his prolonged stay in the South and the acclimation to that lifestyle.
This novel shows society's profound influence on individual's behavior as it promotes and feeds upon the natural instinct to strive for superiority.
Intro
Hello fellow FYS members!
Well, the basics first, I suppose:
My name is Shireen Tabrizi, I am 18 years old, and I live in the fantastic city of Austin, TX.
I plan on majoring in International Studies, possibly double majoring in Political Science. Who knows, really. I'd like to eventually work for the UN or something along those lines. I plan on joining the Peace Corps after completion of my Bachelor's but I suppose I can't really predict where I'll be in four years.
I volunteered in an orphanage this summer for three weeks in Tanzania and it was definitely an experience to stay with me forever, in every aspect. It kind of helped me see what direction I'd like my life to go in, in a sense.
I'm extremely excited to start something as new and big as college. Then there's that whole living on my own thing I've been fantasizing about for years...even though I'll only be 30 minutes from home at most. Minor detail, right?
I love music...don't we all? Well then I'll be seeing a good portion of you at ACL this year, I assume! Two words: Bob Dylan.
That, I guess, would be me in a nutshell. A nice, long nutshell. I tend to ramble, I apologize.
I look forward to meeting you all surprisingly soon!
Well, the basics first, I suppose:
My name is Shireen Tabrizi, I am 18 years old, and I live in the fantastic city of Austin, TX.
I plan on majoring in International Studies, possibly double majoring in Political Science. Who knows, really. I'd like to eventually work for the UN or something along those lines. I plan on joining the Peace Corps after completion of my Bachelor's but I suppose I can't really predict where I'll be in four years.
I volunteered in an orphanage this summer for three weeks in Tanzania and it was definitely an experience to stay with me forever, in every aspect. It kind of helped me see what direction I'd like my life to go in, in a sense.
I'm extremely excited to start something as new and big as college. Then there's that whole living on my own thing I've been fantasizing about for years...even though I'll only be 30 minutes from home at most. Minor detail, right?
I love music...don't we all? Well then I'll be seeing a good portion of you at ACL this year, I assume! Two words: Bob Dylan.
That, I guess, would be me in a nutshell. A nice, long nutshell. I tend to ramble, I apologize.
I look forward to meeting you all surprisingly soon!
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Conclusion Reaction
Overall, I really enjoyed this book more than I anticipated. As I mentioned in my previous posts, I was greatly impressed by Butler's ability to utilize two unassociated concepts which culminated into an exceptional literary work. I found the book hard to put down, although I the idea of posting a reaction blog after certain sections slowed my progress (hence the reason for the major time lapse between this blog and the last one).
I was amazed at the fact that I felt connected to the characters, as well as a part of the story. I could feel the characters' emotions and myself relating to their actions and reactions. Their anger became my anger; their desires became my desire; their fight became my fight; and their pain became my pain. I also found that towards the end of the book, I didn't want it to end. I recall purposely slowing down so that it wouldn't end so fast, or waiting a couple days (as hard as it was) to pick the book up again and finish reading it.
I found it uncommon that the book's prologue was actually part of its culmination. I also didn't like the fact that Dana and Kevin were left to mend their lives back together after such unnerving experiences. They had to keep all that had happened to themselves, otherwise they might both end up in a psychiatric hospital. Despite these few qualms, I really did enjoy the book
I was amazed at the fact that I felt connected to the characters, as well as a part of the story. I could feel the characters' emotions and myself relating to their actions and reactions. Their anger became my anger; their desires became my desire; their fight became my fight; and their pain became my pain. I also found that towards the end of the book, I didn't want it to end. I recall purposely slowing down so that it wouldn't end so fast, or waiting a couple days (as hard as it was) to pick the book up again and finish reading it.
I found it uncommon that the book's prologue was actually part of its culmination. I also didn't like the fact that Dana and Kevin were left to mend their lives back together after such unnerving experiences. They had to keep all that had happened to themselves, otherwise they might both end up in a psychiatric hospital. Despite these few qualms, I really did enjoy the book
Monday, August 6, 2007
More on Rufus...
Originally, I put this in the comments, but it got so long that it seemed a bit ridiculous for a comment. So, I thought I'd make it its own entry. Feel free to respond in comments or start your own post about these issues.
Micah, thanks for reiterating that you think Rufus's capacity for change is what made him so intriguing to us. And thanks, Lauren, for reminding us to be cautious of using judgments like "good" or "bad" too simplistically.
I'm curious about this statement from Micah, though: "I was being too much of a rationalist, trying to avoid the idea of some mystical force working in Rufus...."
I'm not clear what you mean here, probably because this just typing, rather than face-to-face interaction. I think what you're saying is that Rufus's interaction with Dana is a kind of mystical force--even though you wanted to be rational and resist staying that, but in the end you were forced to concede that the book is decidedly irrational and mystical (which I also take to be one of the things that really disappointed you about the book). This is when classroom discussion is much better than electronic communication. It's sometimes hard to verify what other people mean when all we have is this typing.
But discussion brings up an aspect of the book that I'd like all of us to continue to think about. Is it because Dana's presence is bizarre, mystical, and almost supernaturally powerful that she changes Rufus? Or, does she affect Rufus so much because she is not afraid to present herself as smart and capable when she first arrives, making her the first assertive black person that Rufus has ever met? Or, do we think that if any young white person in the south had a meaningful interaction with a slave that s/he, like Rufus, would be capable of change?
To me, this isn't just a moot point or a question of semantics. It goes to the heart of the book. Dana acts the way she does, at first, because she really doesn't know better. She even judges the slaves around her for not being "stronger." As she gains more experience in the antebellum south, she realizes the complexity of slave situations and the very real and gruesome dangers that aggressive slaves face. Ultimately, this gives her more insight into why slaves feel and act the way that they do. (The most obvious example is when it comes to escaping, but I think there are others as well. I mentioned the "mammy" figure in one of my comments. In some ways, I do think Butler wants to redeem--or at least complicate--the "mammy" figure, which has often been derided as a kind of female Uncle Tom.)
So, I find this compelling because it seems that we are saying that Rufus is capable of more change than other whites because of his interactions with Dana. If Dana's interactions are unique because she is assertive, then Butler's novel provides important insight into the catch 22 of slavery. (1) Only smart, assertive, vocal slaves might be able to change people's minds and lives. But (2) most slaves learn that to stay alive, they need to act the part of a submissive even not too smart person--a part that will likely encourage whites to see blacks in the same condescending way.
Again, I don't think this is just an issue of semantics. I've found that many of my students, when we read slave narratives, seem perplexed that slaves don't escape or "demand their freedom" more forcefully. This response seems reasonable to me, in many ways. Obviously, I'd like to believe--as I suspect Dana wanted to believe about herself--that I would have demanded my freedom. But I think Butler's novel really helps us understand how that's a safe, abstract belief, when we're sitting in the US in the 21st century. Dana is forced to rethink her preconceived notions of slavery once she's actually placed in the situation.
Micah, thanks for reiterating that you think Rufus's capacity for change is what made him so intriguing to us. And thanks, Lauren, for reminding us to be cautious of using judgments like "good" or "bad" too simplistically.
I'm curious about this statement from Micah, though: "I was being too much of a rationalist, trying to avoid the idea of some mystical force working in Rufus...."
I'm not clear what you mean here, probably because this just typing, rather than face-to-face interaction. I think what you're saying is that Rufus's interaction with Dana is a kind of mystical force--even though you wanted to be rational and resist staying that, but in the end you were forced to concede that the book is decidedly irrational and mystical (which I also take to be one of the things that really disappointed you about the book). This is when classroom discussion is much better than electronic communication. It's sometimes hard to verify what other people mean when all we have is this typing.
But discussion brings up an aspect of the book that I'd like all of us to continue to think about. Is it because Dana's presence is bizarre, mystical, and almost supernaturally powerful that she changes Rufus? Or, does she affect Rufus so much because she is not afraid to present herself as smart and capable when she first arrives, making her the first assertive black person that Rufus has ever met? Or, do we think that if any young white person in the south had a meaningful interaction with a slave that s/he, like Rufus, would be capable of change?
To me, this isn't just a moot point or a question of semantics. It goes to the heart of the book. Dana acts the way she does, at first, because she really doesn't know better. She even judges the slaves around her for not being "stronger." As she gains more experience in the antebellum south, she realizes the complexity of slave situations and the very real and gruesome dangers that aggressive slaves face. Ultimately, this gives her more insight into why slaves feel and act the way that they do. (The most obvious example is when it comes to escaping, but I think there are others as well. I mentioned the "mammy" figure in one of my comments. In some ways, I do think Butler wants to redeem--or at least complicate--the "mammy" figure, which has often been derided as a kind of female Uncle Tom.)
So, I find this compelling because it seems that we are saying that Rufus is capable of more change than other whites because of his interactions with Dana. If Dana's interactions are unique because she is assertive, then Butler's novel provides important insight into the catch 22 of slavery. (1) Only smart, assertive, vocal slaves might be able to change people's minds and lives. But (2) most slaves learn that to stay alive, they need to act the part of a submissive even not too smart person--a part that will likely encourage whites to see blacks in the same condescending way.
Again, I don't think this is just an issue of semantics. I've found that many of my students, when we read slave narratives, seem perplexed that slaves don't escape or "demand their freedom" more forcefully. This response seems reasonable to me, in many ways. Obviously, I'd like to believe--as I suspect Dana wanted to believe about herself--that I would have demanded my freedom. But I think Butler's novel really helps us understand how that's a safe, abstract belief, when we're sitting in the US in the 21st century. Dana is forced to rethink her preconceived notions of slavery once she's actually placed in the situation.
End
Rufus’ death was predictable, since an obvious ending for the book would be to sever the connection between him and Dana. But Dana being the murderer surprised me.
Yes, the concept of racism is horrible and unimaginable for our day and age, but do we feel this way because we’ve had about 150 years of civil rights to reflect on. In the 1800’s racism wasn’t an atrocity, but the way it had always been. I wonder how our lifestyle would be viewed by someone from antebellum south. Say the book was to be reversed. Would Rufus be just as disgusted with our way of life as we are with his.
Notes while reading:
-I’m surprised by Mr. Weylin’s reasonable nature.
-If you became “useless” you were likely to be sold. Sickness or accidents life altering enough as they are, rendered you unnecessary. Kind of scary, I would become very cautious.
-If he was considering suicide he is mentally unstable, and his favorite woman to sleep with just killed herself. Now Dana is alone with him… not a good idea!
Yes, the concept of racism is horrible and unimaginable for our day and age, but do we feel this way because we’ve had about 150 years of civil rights to reflect on. In the 1800’s racism wasn’t an atrocity, but the way it had always been. I wonder how our lifestyle would be viewed by someone from antebellum south. Say the book was to be reversed. Would Rufus be just as disgusted with our way of life as we are with his.
Notes while reading:
-I’m surprised by Mr. Weylin’s reasonable nature.
-If you became “useless” you were likely to be sold. Sickness or accidents life altering enough as they are, rendered you unnecessary. Kind of scary, I would become very cautious.
-If he was considering suicide he is mentally unstable, and his favorite woman to sleep with just killed herself. Now Dana is alone with him… not a good idea!
Friday, August 3, 2007
The Book is Over... My Thoughts Now.
I enjoyed the book all the way until Alice killed herself... well her killing herself was fine, but everything after was not on the same level as the rest of the book.
As Rufus forces himself on Dana all respect I had towards the book was gone... I get it, Rufus loved Dana because she was "half of a whole woman" with Alice, but I didn't Rufus to end up being a despised character, I wanted him to free all the slaves and live a nice, long life watching his children grow and tell them of the woman named Dana... I also wanted Dana to reveal herself as a future relative. There were just so many let downs at the conclusion of this book.
So the book started out as a favorite, but the end left a bad taste in my mouth... oh, and the way her arm got caught-- LAME!
As Rufus forces himself on Dana all respect I had towards the book was gone... I get it, Rufus loved Dana because she was "half of a whole woman" with Alice, but I didn't Rufus to end up being a despised character, I wanted him to free all the slaves and live a nice, long life watching his children grow and tell them of the woman named Dana... I also wanted Dana to reveal herself as a future relative. There were just so many let downs at the conclusion of this book.
So the book started out as a favorite, but the end left a bad taste in my mouth... oh, and the way her arm got caught-- LAME!
Thursday, August 2, 2007
The novel has definately taken a much more sinister turn than I initially expected, but I believe it is admirable that it is depicting slavery in what seems to be an accurate way. Dana's assimilation into the Weylin plantation is disturbing to say the least. While Dana claims that "we were simply actors", it appears, especially after the beating and subsequent enslavement, that the "acting" has stopped. The scenes of brutality are especially hard to read, and it is hard to imagine that humans are capable of such atrocities. Dana's comparison of the slave plantation to Nazi Germany is particulary fitting.
Rufus' character developemnt is interesti0ng because, while he has been influenced by Dana, he is much more influenced by the ways of his time. The fact that he is now capable of rape, and that the laws of his time don't punish him, only seems to fuel his tendency to become more like his father. Ironically Dana's very existence depends on the crimes that Rufus inflicts on Alice. Dana seems more and more hardened as time goes on, even to the point she believes herself capable of murder (something she has yet to attempt despite the hardships she faces at the hands of the Weylins). The scene where she goes to tell Alice that she must go to Rufus that night is disturbing, because Dana seems to inform Alice of what she must do with a "determined calm". She realizes that her very existence depends on their "relationship" and therefore she knows what she must do, but it is still hard to imagine allowing Alice to relive her rape again. It will be interesting to see Dana's character continue to develop. The novel as a whole is disturbing, but it tells a gripping story.
Rufus' character developemnt is interesti0ng because, while he has been influenced by Dana, he is much more influenced by the ways of his time. The fact that he is now capable of rape, and that the laws of his time don't punish him, only seems to fuel his tendency to become more like his father. Ironically Dana's very existence depends on the crimes that Rufus inflicts on Alice. Dana seems more and more hardened as time goes on, even to the point she believes herself capable of murder (something she has yet to attempt despite the hardships she faces at the hands of the Weylins). The scene where she goes to tell Alice that she must go to Rufus that night is disturbing, because Dana seems to inform Alice of what she must do with a "determined calm". She realizes that her very existence depends on their "relationship" and therefore she knows what she must do, but it is still hard to imagine allowing Alice to relive her rape again. It will be interesting to see Dana's character continue to develop. The novel as a whole is disturbing, but it tells a gripping story.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
First chapter
Upon reading the first chapter, there is a sense of bewilderment as it starts at the end rather than the beginning. I'm intrigued by the impossibility of Dana's situation but at the same time it doesn't engage any empathy.
The prologue is rooted more in reality with Dana and to a lesser extent, Kevin, departing from it with their explanation of her injury. Dana's reaction to her amputation isn't emotional but deep as she analyzes her own reactions and compares them with norms rather than just reacting. They are grounded as seen by their ready understanding of the cops' motivation and assumptions. Yet both the police's reaction to Dana's injury and Kevin's to the accusations shows an undercurrent of distrust and perhaps racism.
The first chapter begins grounded in reality but becomes fantastic when Dana time-travels. Her reaction to this bewildering experience is exceptional and pragmatic. She doesn't bemoan what happened but responds instinctively to the needs of the child. While her actions are considered and selfless, the mother's action show hysteria and helplessness. This formed my impression of Dana, Kevin through his rational analysis and calm interpretation established himself as rational and caring, and this family who just reacted.
I think self-control or the lack of it as seen by these opposing groups is going to come into conflict in the novel.
The prologue is rooted more in reality with Dana and to a lesser extent, Kevin, departing from it with their explanation of her injury. Dana's reaction to her amputation isn't emotional but deep as she analyzes her own reactions and compares them with norms rather than just reacting. They are grounded as seen by their ready understanding of the cops' motivation and assumptions. Yet both the police's reaction to Dana's injury and Kevin's to the accusations shows an undercurrent of distrust and perhaps racism.
The first chapter begins grounded in reality but becomes fantastic when Dana time-travels. Her reaction to this bewildering experience is exceptional and pragmatic. She doesn't bemoan what happened but responds instinctively to the needs of the child. While her actions are considered and selfless, the mother's action show hysteria and helplessness. This formed my impression of Dana, Kevin through his rational analysis and calm interpretation established himself as rational and caring, and this family who just reacted.
I think self-control or the lack of it as seen by these opposing groups is going to come into conflict in the novel.
Introduction
hello
My name is Rebecca. I live in Lancaster, CA where you can be baked alive if you dare step outside.
I'm the youngest of three kids and the only girl. Both my brothers are in college and are graduating this year. I'm 17 right now but in two weeks exactly i will be legal, an event I'm looking forward too and dreading.
We have a dumb dog, chickens and a tortoise , all of which are more my mom's than mine.
I'm planning on majoring in political science with a minor in international studies but i have no idea what I'm actually going to do career wise. I used to want to be a teacher but then I realized a good teacher is far more flexible and patient than I. As you might have guessed, I'm very stubborn and have strong convictions about most thing especially political and moral issues.
I'm an avid reader and a professional procrastinator. That is me in a blog
My name is Rebecca. I live in Lancaster, CA where you can be baked alive if you dare step outside.
I'm the youngest of three kids and the only girl. Both my brothers are in college and are graduating this year. I'm 17 right now but in two weeks exactly i will be legal, an event I'm looking forward too and dreading.
We have a dumb dog, chickens and a tortoise , all of which are more my mom's than mine.
I'm planning on majoring in political science with a minor in international studies but i have no idea what I'm actually going to do career wise. I used to want to be a teacher but then I realized a good teacher is far more flexible and patient than I. As you might have guessed, I'm very stubborn and have strong convictions about most thing especially political and moral issues.
I'm an avid reader and a professional procrastinator. That is me in a blog
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