So, you know how every once in a while a particular passage speaks to you? More than others? That happened to me today in Scott Russell Sanders' "After the Flood." When he describes his time coming back to the place he loved so much as "this moment from dream [. . .]" (786), I fell in love with this work. In my opinion, that is one of the most intriguing ways to describe an unmet expectation; and how society has impacted the land he once loved. Everything in this passage from this part is described as grey, giving the impression of lifelessness or death. It is haunting and more importantly it connects with the reader on such a unique level that he is able to appeal to empathy in a way that most authors would come off as preachy. He does not make his experience sound as an appeal to society but rather uses it to speak for itself (although to be fair he does use language in a very subtle yet persuasive manner).
To couple this with the Crumb comic is a way to reinforce this idea that is shown in pictures and in text. It is almost as if they were meant to be read side by side.
Jewett's short story, "The White Heron," is an amazing story which deals with the issue of people ruining nature in a narrative way. This story portrays how youth can still stand up for the future of nature. While Sylvia understands what she can receive from telling the Hunter where the bird is she still values the bird's life more. I understand this is a very pessimistic view to share, but, I do not believe the story would have the same ending if Sylvia was in her mid to late twenties and was even less financially stable than she is currently. This story (to me) seems to touch on what the younger generation can do as long as they do not let themselves grow into the older. It's possible to suggest that Sylvia's grandmother would have done the same thing when she was younger. Yes, this conjecture lacks proof but I still think that Sylvia's age plays a huge role in this story.
I apologize to everyone reading this blog and who is following my trains of thoughts, it has been a stressful day and I'm practically writing in my sleep. So, yes, this is being cut short tonight, but expect longer and more easily understandable posts in the future.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that the story "The White Heron' has a lot to do with the innocent youth standing up against the evils of man. But I think it has to do more with her defending her environment because she become close, or possibly one with nature. The main character's interactions with the White Heron when she was in the tree made her realize how precious and wonderful that bird was. She saw its beauty and intelligence. It made her feel like she was in aw, and that she was the only person in the world that got to see this. She chose to keep that contact with pure nature instead of helping out hunter who simply wanted to damage the environment that she knew and loved so much. Perhaps nature has more power and persuasion over us than even our fellow man
ReplyDeleteI agree that After the Flood is an especially nostalgia and heartbreaking piece. It connected with me as well! Your thoughts on the White Heron are interesting and valid, I believe. The girl was young and saw the bird as a symbol of hope in the wilderness. I wonder though, what you might think of what Sanders' speaker might do were he confronted with a similiar situation? Would his powerlessness to stop the flooding of the valley be indicative of the older generation's inability to save their environment? Would he neglect the Heron, as he has his childhood home? I believe a deeper connection between these two stories is warranted,if you mention them together. Otherwise, great job!
ReplyDeleteThis is certainly an interesting comment on The White Heron, especially since I disagree that age had much to do with it.
ReplyDeleteDid the author use Sylvie's use to represent innocence and purity? Yes, of this I have no doubt. However, I would take note in the story that the grandmother did not resort to evil tactics to get Sylvie to tell him where the bird was when it was pretty clear she know. You do not have to be young and innocent to respect others wishes as well as the forest itself.
Still, very good post. =)