Wow, I can't believe we are already at seven weeks! It seems like we just began the course. I was very excited for this course, and I am happy to say that I was not disappointed. The readings, although sometimes a bit depressing, vividly depicted human struggles and the importance of religion. I felt that each book carried with it a significant weight in terms of new insights, ideas, and expectations. I was grateful that we were able to delve into several books that were all very different in terms of plot, but they all seemed to tie together in the themes of acceptance, understanding, self-worth, and self-discovery. Religion can be a very touchy subject for many people; however, this class and the novels we read perfectly shed light on various views, ideas, and injustices without being preachy, demanding, or judgemental.
I wish that we could have more time, because unfortunately in seven weeks we can only brush the surface of religion and literature. However, I think this class was able to build a framework for me in terms of reading literature with a religious perspective. This is the first time that I read books searching for the religious connections, and I loved it. I felt that I learned so much and even achieved a deeper understanding of the novels through the religious analysis.
I think that we easily meet all course objectives and that the work was meaningful in terms of what was expected for the course. Christine, thank you for choosing interesting novels and facilitating fascinating conversations. Fellow classmates, thank you for your interesting and poignant insights -- I learned so much from all of you!!
Monday, May 5, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
The Power and the Glory
When I began reading the novel, I anticipated reading about a holy, dignified, and likeable priest. However, I was surprised to read about a priest that was not entirely likeable, trustworthy, or religious.
As I read the novel I attempted to give the priest the benefit of the doubt. I kept thinking if I were on the run and was unable to practice my religious faith then I may not be so pious with my faith or positive about my view of the world. However, the more I read the more I questioned the priest's behavior.
I am a Catholic and have spent my life as an active member of my church. I am well aware that not all priests live particularly "holy" lives. I am not oblivious to the priest scandals or the ill behavior exhibited by many of these men. However, I am not naive enough to think that these scandals or ill-behavior are strictly associated with the priesthood. Unfortunately, in recent years the priest scandals are what the media exploits rather than scandals in other religious groups. So, maybe I am a bit sensitive to the characterizations of priests.
I was frustrated with the portrayal of Brigida in the novel. Her presence only furthered my assumption that the priest was not suited for his career choice. Not only did he have an illegitimate daughter (from an affair), but he also seemed annoyed by the townspeople asking for a service. I could not believe that he asked for money. I understand a little compensation would have helped him with his travels, but I thought he was a bit excessive. I assumed that if you were banned from participating in what you supposedly loved then money would be out of the question.
Although I was not fond of the priest, I was surprised that he was eventually killed. The lieutenant and the mestizo seemed completely oblivious of the priest, but the priest's luck finally caught up with him. I found it interesting that alive the priest was referred to as the "whiskey priest." A priest that should not be prayed for, looked up to, or even thought of kindly. However, as soon as the priest is killed the perceptions surrounding him immediately change. This change in attitude seems quite common in society, but it was interesting how quickly it occurred in the novel. It made me wonder how many other "holy" priests were once "whiskey priests" before they became martyrs.
As I read the novel I attempted to give the priest the benefit of the doubt. I kept thinking if I were on the run and was unable to practice my religious faith then I may not be so pious with my faith or positive about my view of the world. However, the more I read the more I questioned the priest's behavior.
I am a Catholic and have spent my life as an active member of my church. I am well aware that not all priests live particularly "holy" lives. I am not oblivious to the priest scandals or the ill behavior exhibited by many of these men. However, I am not naive enough to think that these scandals or ill-behavior are strictly associated with the priesthood. Unfortunately, in recent years the priest scandals are what the media exploits rather than scandals in other religious groups. So, maybe I am a bit sensitive to the characterizations of priests.
I was frustrated with the portrayal of Brigida in the novel. Her presence only furthered my assumption that the priest was not suited for his career choice. Not only did he have an illegitimate daughter (from an affair), but he also seemed annoyed by the townspeople asking for a service. I could not believe that he asked for money. I understand a little compensation would have helped him with his travels, but I thought he was a bit excessive. I assumed that if you were banned from participating in what you supposedly loved then money would be out of the question.
Although I was not fond of the priest, I was surprised that he was eventually killed. The lieutenant and the mestizo seemed completely oblivious of the priest, but the priest's luck finally caught up with him. I found it interesting that alive the priest was referred to as the "whiskey priest." A priest that should not be prayed for, looked up to, or even thought of kindly. However, as soon as the priest is killed the perceptions surrounding him immediately change. This change in attitude seems quite common in society, but it was interesting how quickly it occurred in the novel. It made me wonder how many other "holy" priests were once "whiskey priests" before they became martyrs.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Uncle Tom's Cabin pages 251-456
I thought the first half of Uncle Tom's Cabin was heartbreaking; however, after finishing the novel I am astounded by what happened to the characters that I felt deep compassion for and the ability that Stowe exhibited in creating a masterpiece.
The second half of the novel allowed me to feel more appreciation and compassion for Eva and Tom. These two characters continued to be my favorite characters in the novel. Each had to live with their own hardships; however, Stowe made them quite likeable and almost too good to be true. They lived pious, compassionate lives that most of us hope we live. I was shocked by their deaths. Although, I was not as surprised by Tom's, it was still painful to read. Stowe was smart in creating these wonderful characters; however, showing the reader that although they were close to perfect their lives were just as fragile as everyone else.
Religion played a larger role in this section of the novel. Although religion and faith are present throughout, I seemed to notice the discussions of Christ and faith more, especially with Eva and Tom.
Eva proclaims her religious faith and the good of Jesus Christ to anyone that will listen. She uses her love of Jesus to appease Topsy and make her feel better about her situation with Miss Ophelia. She tells Topsy that she and Jesus both love her. Eva even proclaims her death while she is on her death bed. She prays that the slaves can lead christian lives and continue to treat each other kindly.
Eva has unwavering faith, but Tom's faith surprisingly wavers throughout the second half of the novel. Tom begins the second half as pious as he was in the first. He prays for St. Clare when he cannot; thus helping St. Clare to find faith for himself. However, his faith begins to waver when he is sold to Legree. Legree is a terrible man and the heinous acts around Tom begin to take a toll. However, Tom is able to regain his faith when he is sees apparitions of Eva and Jesus on the separate occasions he begins to falter. After Tom's faith is regained he continues to spread the word of Jesus to anyone that will listen -- even to those that believe there is not God.
I think it was important for Stowe to show Tom as human. Tom lived a terrible life in slavery and his devotion to Christ was inspiring, yet it also seemed almost too good to be true. It is a normal feeling for humans to question and even to lose faith from time to time. Stowe showing Tom feel this way made him become a more real and sympathetic character.
Uncle Tom's Cabin was incredibly difficult to read, although I am glad I was given the opportunity to reread the novel. I read the novel in my undergraduate education and I think I was able to take more away this time. Stowe intelligently designed a classic that will continue to resonate, outrage, and instill compassion and the need for equality.
The second half of the novel allowed me to feel more appreciation and compassion for Eva and Tom. These two characters continued to be my favorite characters in the novel. Each had to live with their own hardships; however, Stowe made them quite likeable and almost too good to be true. They lived pious, compassionate lives that most of us hope we live. I was shocked by their deaths. Although, I was not as surprised by Tom's, it was still painful to read. Stowe was smart in creating these wonderful characters; however, showing the reader that although they were close to perfect their lives were just as fragile as everyone else.
Religion played a larger role in this section of the novel. Although religion and faith are present throughout, I seemed to notice the discussions of Christ and faith more, especially with Eva and Tom.
Eva proclaims her religious faith and the good of Jesus Christ to anyone that will listen. She uses her love of Jesus to appease Topsy and make her feel better about her situation with Miss Ophelia. She tells Topsy that she and Jesus both love her. Eva even proclaims her death while she is on her death bed. She prays that the slaves can lead christian lives and continue to treat each other kindly.
Eva has unwavering faith, but Tom's faith surprisingly wavers throughout the second half of the novel. Tom begins the second half as pious as he was in the first. He prays for St. Clare when he cannot; thus helping St. Clare to find faith for himself. However, his faith begins to waver when he is sold to Legree. Legree is a terrible man and the heinous acts around Tom begin to take a toll. However, Tom is able to regain his faith when he is sees apparitions of Eva and Jesus on the separate occasions he begins to falter. After Tom's faith is regained he continues to spread the word of Jesus to anyone that will listen -- even to those that believe there is not God.
I think it was important for Stowe to show Tom as human. Tom lived a terrible life in slavery and his devotion to Christ was inspiring, yet it also seemed almost too good to be true. It is a normal feeling for humans to question and even to lose faith from time to time. Stowe showing Tom feel this way made him become a more real and sympathetic character.
Uncle Tom's Cabin was incredibly difficult to read, although I am glad I was given the opportunity to reread the novel. I read the novel in my undergraduate education and I think I was able to take more away this time. Stowe intelligently designed a classic that will continue to resonate, outrage, and instill compassion and the need for equality.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Uncle Tom's Cabin pages 1-250
Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote Uncle Tom's Cabin in order to bring attention to the horrific nature of slavery; however, it seems as though she also wrote one of the first feminist novels. As I read the first part of the novel, I was blown away by the courageous, cunning, and compassionate women that Stowe describes throughout the novel.
All of the women described, except Marie St. Clare, is compassionate and courageous towards the plight of the slaves. The women described, especially Mrs. Shelby and Mrs. Bird, openly acknowledge that what their husbands are doing is wrong and that slavery should be illegal. I was impressed by the outward disapproval these women should for their husband's actions. During this time period, women and African Americans had no rights or the ability to make the laws just. I admired how Mrs. Shelby did everything in her power, along with the slaves, to stall Haley so that Eliza would have the opportunity to get further away. Similarly, Mrs. Bird was courageous in telling her husband that the law he signed was immoral.
Not only did Stowe show women standing up for what they felt was right, but she also described heartbreaking stories of slave women that would do anything to keep their families together and most importantly protect their children. Eliza risks her life in order to protect Harry. I can't imagine how desperate she must have been to jump into icy water to avoid the risk of being caught. However, I found the story of Prue the most heartbreaking. Prue seemed so innocent and sweet; however, she has lead an incredibly tumultuous life. She confesses that she drinks away her pain, although I do not know anyone that would blame her after understanding the suffering she must have endured with the starvation of her child. I can not even imagine how it would feel to watch your child wither away and you could not do anything to help. Although her death was brutal, I felt a bit relived because I thought now she could be with her baby.
Uncle Tom's Cabin is a heartbreaking account of the lives of slaves; however, it also shows the difficulty of being a woman during this time period. I don't know if Stowe intended to create such strong female characters; however, her characterizations bring these women to life and as I reader all I wanted to do was reach in the pages and help them.+
All of the women described, except Marie St. Clare, is compassionate and courageous towards the plight of the slaves. The women described, especially Mrs. Shelby and Mrs. Bird, openly acknowledge that what their husbands are doing is wrong and that slavery should be illegal. I was impressed by the outward disapproval these women should for their husband's actions. During this time period, women and African Americans had no rights or the ability to make the laws just. I admired how Mrs. Shelby did everything in her power, along with the slaves, to stall Haley so that Eliza would have the opportunity to get further away. Similarly, Mrs. Bird was courageous in telling her husband that the law he signed was immoral.
Not only did Stowe show women standing up for what they felt was right, but she also described heartbreaking stories of slave women that would do anything to keep their families together and most importantly protect their children. Eliza risks her life in order to protect Harry. I can't imagine how desperate she must have been to jump into icy water to avoid the risk of being caught. However, I found the story of Prue the most heartbreaking. Prue seemed so innocent and sweet; however, she has lead an incredibly tumultuous life. She confesses that she drinks away her pain, although I do not know anyone that would blame her after understanding the suffering she must have endured with the starvation of her child. I can not even imagine how it would feel to watch your child wither away and you could not do anything to help. Although her death was brutal, I felt a bit relived because I thought now she could be with her baby.
Uncle Tom's Cabin is a heartbreaking account of the lives of slaves; however, it also shows the difficulty of being a woman during this time period. I don't know if Stowe intended to create such strong female characters; however, her characterizations bring these women to life and as I reader all I wanted to do was reach in the pages and help them.+
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
My Name is Asher Lev part 2
I really liked the end of the novel and I was actually surprised by how Asher's life turned out. I am an eternal optimist, so I thought Asher would be able to pursue his gift while maintaining his religion and a stable relationship with his family.
I was happy to read that Asher finally became a successful artist; however, I was surprised by the means that he took to accomplish his goals. The Rebbe made it possible for Asher study and practice his craft; however, he still urged Asher to follow his religious beliefs. I thought that Asher, although an artist which was unfavorable to his father, would certainly maintain his religious integrity and support his Hasidic views. I really did not know what to think when Asher painted his parents in the two crucifixions. I was confused as to whether the crucifixions were a jab at his parents, his religion, or if they were purely just a release of the years he suppressed many of his emotions. After Asher witnessed how upset his parents were at even the mention of the name Jesus, it seemed completely out of character and surreal that Asher would paint those images. I imagine for Asher the paintings were a release. I don't think that he intended malice by the portraits in any aspect; however, he was aware of how his parents and fellow religious peers would react.
Although I was surprised and confused by the paintings I was pleased that Asher finally received the recognition that he had worked so long and hard for. I found it heartbreaking for him that he was finally receiving acclaim from the people that mattered most to him; however, these positive comments and feelings were shattered after the night of the show. Only those he meet and worked with in the art world were able to understand and comprehend Asher's actions.
I found the crucifixions an interesting culmination of Asher's worst fears. Throughout most of his life he tried to stop painting in fear that the painting was evil and he would hurt his family. Once he finally accepted his life as an artist is when he finally creates damage for himself and his family.
I wish the novel would not have ended with the tragic image of the apartment window and his parents peering out at him. As a reader, I routed for Asher the entire novel and was left feeling hopeless, frustrated, and unsure of the future. However, this may have been Potok's goal, because I am sure these were the same feelings Asher was trying to cope with as he pulled away.
Overall I felt that Potok brilliantly displayed the torture, excellence, and frailty of a young boy turning into a man dealing with an incredibly strict religion and family and his meaning in the world. Asher was portrayed as an endearing figure with wonderful and flawed qualities journeying through the world searching for his niche.
I was happy to read that Asher finally became a successful artist; however, I was surprised by the means that he took to accomplish his goals. The Rebbe made it possible for Asher study and practice his craft; however, he still urged Asher to follow his religious beliefs. I thought that Asher, although an artist which was unfavorable to his father, would certainly maintain his religious integrity and support his Hasidic views. I really did not know what to think when Asher painted his parents in the two crucifixions. I was confused as to whether the crucifixions were a jab at his parents, his religion, or if they were purely just a release of the years he suppressed many of his emotions. After Asher witnessed how upset his parents were at even the mention of the name Jesus, it seemed completely out of character and surreal that Asher would paint those images. I imagine for Asher the paintings were a release. I don't think that he intended malice by the portraits in any aspect; however, he was aware of how his parents and fellow religious peers would react.
Although I was surprised and confused by the paintings I was pleased that Asher finally received the recognition that he had worked so long and hard for. I found it heartbreaking for him that he was finally receiving acclaim from the people that mattered most to him; however, these positive comments and feelings were shattered after the night of the show. Only those he meet and worked with in the art world were able to understand and comprehend Asher's actions.
I found the crucifixions an interesting culmination of Asher's worst fears. Throughout most of his life he tried to stop painting in fear that the painting was evil and he would hurt his family. Once he finally accepted his life as an artist is when he finally creates damage for himself and his family.
I wish the novel would not have ended with the tragic image of the apartment window and his parents peering out at him. As a reader, I routed for Asher the entire novel and was left feeling hopeless, frustrated, and unsure of the future. However, this may have been Potok's goal, because I am sure these were the same feelings Asher was trying to cope with as he pulled away.
Overall I felt that Potok brilliantly displayed the torture, excellence, and frailty of a young boy turning into a man dealing with an incredibly strict religion and family and his meaning in the world. Asher was portrayed as an endearing figure with wonderful and flawed qualities journeying through the world searching for his niche.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
My Name is Asher Lev pages 1-197
I did not know what to expect when I began to read My Name is Asher Lev. I was surprised by how immediately riveted I was by the young boys story as soon as I began to read; I had to force myself to put the novel down several nights so that I could go to sleep.
Asher has a difficult life that he seems, at times, to not be aware of. He discusses difficult situations (i.e. his mother's breakdown, the absence of his father, and the lack of support he receives from everyone in his life except for Yudel Krinsky) with an attitude like it doesn't really matter. He seems to allow a great deal roll off of his back. As I was reading I just wanted to shake the parents and tell them to wake up and realize what they were doing to their son; however, Asher played off most of these instances as if they were not important.
It is only until Asher seems to slip into almost a depression-like state that it becomes obvious that the world around him is beginning to take a toll. I thought of children that suffer abuse and pretend they are in another place or the drastic circumstances when they create multiple personalities. Asher became one of these children when he would slip in and out of consciousness with his drawing. Drawing seemed to be the only thing in his life that he could latch onto, that he could call his own. When situations became too tough or when Asher was unable to handle the stress of the world around him he would draw, sometimes these drawings would be conscious but others he was not aware.
I felt so sad for Asher when his parents, teachers, and peers would discuss his drawings as "foolishness." Asher obviously had a gift, a fact that was reiterated by everyone in his life. However, because of his religion and lifestyle he was expected to stifle this gift. As a result of the negative feedback that Asher endured, he began to feel ashamed of his drawing and would hide it and tried to stop. Eventually Asher began to rebel when he realized that there was no stopping his need or desire to create.
I am excited to continue reading and am routing for Asher that he is able to live his life to the fullest rather than live an oppressed life. My hope is that his parents (especially his father) stop being selfish and begin to want what is in the best interest of their son, rather than for their religion and reputation.
Asher has a difficult life that he seems, at times, to not be aware of. He discusses difficult situations (i.e. his mother's breakdown, the absence of his father, and the lack of support he receives from everyone in his life except for Yudel Krinsky) with an attitude like it doesn't really matter. He seems to allow a great deal roll off of his back. As I was reading I just wanted to shake the parents and tell them to wake up and realize what they were doing to their son; however, Asher played off most of these instances as if they were not important.
It is only until Asher seems to slip into almost a depression-like state that it becomes obvious that the world around him is beginning to take a toll. I thought of children that suffer abuse and pretend they are in another place or the drastic circumstances when they create multiple personalities. Asher became one of these children when he would slip in and out of consciousness with his drawing. Drawing seemed to be the only thing in his life that he could latch onto, that he could call his own. When situations became too tough or when Asher was unable to handle the stress of the world around him he would draw, sometimes these drawings would be conscious but others he was not aware.
I felt so sad for Asher when his parents, teachers, and peers would discuss his drawings as "foolishness." Asher obviously had a gift, a fact that was reiterated by everyone in his life. However, because of his religion and lifestyle he was expected to stifle this gift. As a result of the negative feedback that Asher endured, he began to feel ashamed of his drawing and would hide it and tried to stop. Eventually Asher began to rebel when he realized that there was no stopping his need or desire to create.
I am excited to continue reading and am routing for Asher that he is able to live his life to the fullest rather than live an oppressed life. My hope is that his parents (especially his father) stop being selfish and begin to want what is in the best interest of their son, rather than for their religion and reputation.
Monday, March 24, 2008
A Wrinkle in Time
I was pleased when I saw A Wrinkle in Time on the reading list. I had not read the book since I was in junior high, and I was actually surprised that I would be rereading the novel in a religious perspectives class. I could not remember if and where the book discussed religion. I remembered the book had a strong sense of right and wrong; however, I guess I just never connected the religious significance.
L'Engle does an excellent job of establishing the separate and unique personalities of all the characters. As a young adult, I found the eccentric behavior exhibited by the characters to be comforting as I read the novel. Too often young adult novels have "cookie-cutter" characters that do not allow most readers to connect. I loved L'Engle ability to showcase that not all young adults are like the twins.
As I read through the novel I was surprised by how many times God and various Christian beliefs were embedded into the actions within the novel. The characters tend to grasp at Christian ideas and sayings when presented with a problem or when attempting to understand the problem. For instance, Mrs Whatsit attempts to explain the music they hear as the fly over a garden. Mrs Whatsit explains (in Meg and Calvin's words) that they are singing about the Lord.
I found it interesting when and where L'Engle would incorporate these various religious items. They did fit within the framework of the story (the battle between good and evil); however, they did not seem necessary or important for the reader to grasp the major themes.
The religious ideas presented are very elementary. Basically, there is a bad or dark force and a good force within the universe. L'Engle's ideas are not solely based around the earth, but that religion and faith can transfer beyond our planet and is present throughout the universe (unbeknownst to us).
Overall I enjoyed the book and I loved the message that it presents. Meg, the outcast in society, is able to save the day because of love. Regardless if you believe in religion or not, that is a wonderful message that I think is important for all individuals to hear.
L'Engle does an excellent job of establishing the separate and unique personalities of all the characters. As a young adult, I found the eccentric behavior exhibited by the characters to be comforting as I read the novel. Too often young adult novels have "cookie-cutter" characters that do not allow most readers to connect. I loved L'Engle ability to showcase that not all young adults are like the twins.
As I read through the novel I was surprised by how many times God and various Christian beliefs were embedded into the actions within the novel. The characters tend to grasp at Christian ideas and sayings when presented with a problem or when attempting to understand the problem. For instance, Mrs Whatsit attempts to explain the music they hear as the fly over a garden. Mrs Whatsit explains (in Meg and Calvin's words) that they are singing about the Lord.
I found it interesting when and where L'Engle would incorporate these various religious items. They did fit within the framework of the story (the battle between good and evil); however, they did not seem necessary or important for the reader to grasp the major themes.
The religious ideas presented are very elementary. Basically, there is a bad or dark force and a good force within the universe. L'Engle's ideas are not solely based around the earth, but that religion and faith can transfer beyond our planet and is present throughout the universe (unbeknownst to us).
Overall I enjoyed the book and I loved the message that it presents. Meg, the outcast in society, is able to save the day because of love. Regardless if you believe in religion or not, that is a wonderful message that I think is important for all individuals to hear.
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