Discrimination in The US Literature - Assignment Example

Literature Anne Bradstreet In the Prologue, Anne Bradstreet reflects on the struggles of being a woman in the Puritan society. Bradstreet acknowledges that the society and even women know that the role of a woman is to remain inferior to the men. She recognizes the superiority of men by stating “Men can do best, and women know it well” which shows the acceptance of inequality in the society. However, Bradstreet becomes conflicted as she feels that women have the potential to generate worthy works. Even though she supports the idea of patriarchy, Bradstreet shifts to advocate for women recognition by stating “Yet grant some small acknowledgement of ours.” In Upon the Burning of Our House, Anne Bradstreet narrates how her entire house with all their belongings perished. She resolves that it is God’s will since earthly possessions perish because everything belongs to God. She cried “I blest his Name that gave and took” offering thanks to God even in distressing situations. However, Anne is also conflicted at losing all her valuable possessions. She asserts, “My pleasant things in ashes lye” which shows she has not let go of her earthly possessions as the will of God (Jabbar 115). Anne Bradstreet poems bring out the theme of conflicts as the society she grew up diminished the role of women. Anne emerged as a poet in an era when women were expected to only get involved in house chores and taking care of children. In the prologue, she states “a weak or wounded brain admits no cure” and this shows how society advocates for submission of women to men. However, Bradstreet does believe that women are intelligent beings who can excel in other areas. The theme of conflict appears through her own case as she defies traditions to take up the role of writing skillfully. Bradstreet knows and accepts that gender inequality is not necessary but she also changes and calls for acclamation of women works. In Upon the Burning of Our House, the same conflict appears as Bradstreet assumes the destroyed home is the will of God, but suffers a deep loss at seeing her valuables gone (Jabbar 116). Phyllis Wheatley In the poem On Being Brought from Africa to America, Phyllis Wheatley feels grateful to be enslaved in American because she got the chance to know Christianity. She declares “Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land” to indicate her resolve that slavery is not a bad occurrence. Similarly in the poem To His Excellency General Washington, Wheatley applauds America for fighting against Britain who had colonized the country despite black people being enslaved (Jabbar 146). However, in the Letter to Samson Occom, Wheatley strongly criticized the American society for oppressing the black people. In a conflicting theme, she does not see America protecting the rights of black people even though they also wanted freedom from British confinement. She declares “How well the Cry for Liberty, and the reverse Disposition for the Exercise of oppressive Power over others agree” in which she sees white American slaveholders as hypocrites (Jabbar 146). Phyllis Wheatley represents a woman who against all odds appreciated that Christianity was introduced to her in America. In On Being Brought to America, she sees this opportunity as freedom to learn about God unlike in Africa, even though blacks were slaves. In a similar manner, the poem To His Excellency General Washington, she strengthens her strive in appreciating and identifying with America. Wheatley approves of the American society for revolting against the British rule and praises the country efforts even though Washington supported slavery. However, in the Letter to Samson Occom, Wheatley finds the American society hypocritical for enslaving black people. She declares that American desired freedom from the chains of Britain but was hypocritical in refusing to offer the same to African Americans (Jabbar 145). Mary Rowlandson Mary Rowlandson describes her painful ordeal after Indians invaded their homes without any warning. She loathes the Indians because they wounded, and killed many English people in the raid. Rowlandson hatred towards the Indian people is justified because she witnessed as the Indians killed and stripped people naked. During her captivity, the Indians treated her roughly with her wounded six year old girl who could not walk. When they fell off a horse while going down a hill, “the inhumane creatures, laughed, and rejoiced to see it.” The Indians did not care if Rowlandson and her child survived or died since they did not provide any support for them. They further separated her from her other children while she suffered working for the Indian master. They were overworked and given little or no time to rest which further increased her hatred for the Indian community (Jabbar). Rowlandson’s hatred and bias towards the Indians is justified because of the mistreatment she saw and underwent. Despite the prevailing circumstances, the Indians acted inhumane while dealing with harmless and defenseless people who were innocent. Many people were killed including children and women and even though the English had invaded their land, they committed many acts against humanity. Their ruthlessness and failure to protect children from such cruelty do not justify their perception of defending their land (Jabbar). Elias Boudinot In An Address to the Whites, Elias Boudinot appeals to the white people as superior and honest beings who can offer the Indians the support they require. He argued, “I ask you, shall red men live, or shall they be swept from the earth?” which shows that he believed that only the white people have the power to save the Indians. Boudinot uses a meek approach of begging the white people to educate the Indians so that they could stop being backward. However, in An Indians Looking Glass for the White Man, William Apess declares that white people are cruel as well as prejudiced and biased against all other races. He directly asserts “Did you ever hear or read of Christ teaching his disciples that they ought to despise one because his skin was different from theirs?” Apess uses an authoritative strategy to claim that all people regardless of their color are equal citing examples from the English bible (Jabbar). Boudinot sympathizes with the white people and tries to convince the Indians they are inferior compared to white people. I agree with the notes that Boudinot relied on flattering the white people and demeaning the Indian culture. He advocates for the Indians to abandon their customs as well as traditions and instead embrace the white way of life. However, on the other hand, Apess criticizes the white people for causing suffering for people based on color. Apess claims that the white people have fallen short of the Christian doctrines they forced on the Indians because Christianity supports love and equality among all nations (Jabbar). Benjamin Franklin Benjamin Franklin attitude in Remarks Concerning the Savages of North America, tells of a caring and honest Indian society while Rowlandson recounts of people who mistreated others. Franklin cites that the Indian people are most hospitable, inviting, patient, and understanding when dealing with strangers. He cites that Indians accept the English religion and systems even though they did not follow or understand, but the English rejected the Native American culture. He offers an example “You saw that we who understand and practise those Rules, believ’d all your Stories: Why do you refuse to believe ours?” Franklin does not believe Indians are savages because he witnessed firsthand how they treated strangers, and he also knows how the American people are money minded (Jabbar 172). Benjamin Franklin reveals an enlightened view of the Indian people and not as savages like the way the English believe. In essence, the Indians are represented as open-minded in listening to the history of Christianity but the English rejected any explanation regarding the Indian background. In this way, it becomes clear that the English people are the backward society who are conceited and disregard of the feelings of others. I agree with the notes that the white man does not understand courtesy and graciousness in interacting with others (Jabbar 172). Benjamin Franklin was a success because from an early age he developed an interest in reading. Franklin began working with his brother in a library, where he accessed many books that he loved to read. He developed exemplary writing skills by the time he was 21 years and could produce pieces that could be used in newspapers. Additionally, Franklin became acquitted with religion where he familiarized himself with various virtues like patience, orderliness, humility, justice, cleanliness, and sincerity among others. He became successful because of the support from his family especially his father who offered wise counsel (Jabbar). Benjamin Franklin grew up in a loving family with a close relationship to his brother and father. Through his brother, he learned the art of trade and making decisions. From the notes, I agree that Franklin traveled to find independence for himself and learn new things. In part two, Franklin narrates his life as an adult, citing how he achieved success especially his efforts to equip the Philadelphia Public Library. He uses his skills to study and through his efforts he understands the concept of religion that opens him up the various virtues. He especially arrives at the virtue of humility and identifies with it while he furthers his writing, which focused on accomplishing perfection in life (Jabbar 172). D.H. Lawrence I agree with D.H. Lawrence’s condemnation of Benjamin Franklin’s ideas on achieving perfection. The idea of becoming “more perfect” in the human kingdom is not possible in a society that raided with limitations. Franklin focuses on moral perfection as a simple act similar to typing commands in a computer. However, it is clear that no human can achieve perception but instead people learn gradually from life through mistakes they make as they mature (Jabbar). Additionally, I do agree with Lawrence that Franklin autobiography focuses on material possessions. There are other things that are more valuable than money and possessions especially the concept of God. Franklin assumes the influence of God on human race is minimal while he glorifies himself as a model for others to emulate. However, I do not agree with Lawrence’s idea of comparing people to animals in the wild. It is evident that humans have a higher intelligence and thought process than animals, and this comparison demeans the value of human nature. Human beings use reason and not instincts in dealing with issues or for solving problems unlike animals (Jabbar). Hannah Webster The Coquette by Hannah Webster recites on the role of women in the traditional society. The story revolves around Eliza who is determined to escape the social expectations of women and gain her own freedom. She wishes to pursue the American Dream of enjoying life and having freedom as a woman to do what she likes. She cries “Marriage is the tomb of friendship” describing the idea of marriage like a death sentence. In the story, she refused to marry Mr. Boyer a decent man who respects women and opts to have an affair with Major Sanford who sees women as sex objects (Jabbar 15). Additionally, Eliza ignores the advice of her mother and friends to settle down into marriage with a man who is respectable. She ends up pregnant by Major Sanford and her reputation in the society is destroyed. Women in the society were expected to give up their rights of freedom and take up duties of taking care of the home and their husbands. Eliza sought love and friendship, but this ended in tragedy as she committed suicide (Jabbar 17). As stated in the notes, Hannah Webster lived in the days that women were oppressed and assumed to be inferior to men. It was a period where women suffered rejection and humiliation if they step away from the social norms. Webster recounts the tale of Eliza who defies social norms in search of love and freedom (Jabbar 18). Harriet Beecher Stowe Harriet Beecher Stowe Uncle Tom’s Cabin describes the fight against slavery using virtues love, honesty and partnerships. The story describes Tom a black man who is an honest slave and about to be sold by his owners because they are in debt. However, on the way to the new slave master, Tom saves a young girl called Eva and her father Augustine St. Clare moved by this gesture, buys Tom. Eva and her father are compassionate to their slaves and upon their death all the slaves are sold to cruel masters. Tom continues being honest but in the end his Master beats him to death but not before helping two young women escape. The escapees Cassy and Emmeline meet compassionate white people who assist them in gaining their freedom (Jabbar 26). Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin came into being at a time when slavery had developed deep roots in the American society. I agree with the notes that the novel created awareness to both blacks and sympathetic whites that slavery was immoral. The novel showed how many whites in solidarity with black people’s plight helped them escape the pangs of slavery. The institution of slavery became more and more immoral as the book became popular, and towards the civil war, the book became a symbol of fighting for freedom and human rights (Jabbar). Work Cited Jabbar, Wisam. A Preface to Colonial American Poetry: A Study in the Poetry of the Age in Relation to American History and Literature. Bloomington, Indiana: iUniverse, 2005. Print. . Read More