in positions of power see bursts of violence from minorities as unjust or unnecessary while those carrying the weight of oppression see them as battle cries for equality and freedom; a phenomenon that still exists today.
They become the devil because of their actions that were inspired by the English
This imbalance allows for the subjectivity of innocence to continue polarizing until it becomes nearly impossible for some to see the truth.
Was anyone truly innocent?
he too painted himself to be an innocent victim. Despite being saved by the very people whose land he set out to invade, his narrative focuses on the savagery of his “melancholy and wretched captivity” (49)
The colonial encounter being written by the English seems unfair in this story; she is writing about her trauma and loss, but completely neglecting the same feelings of the Native Americans.
It did not matter that her dreadful experience was a result of a last-ditch effort by the Native Americans to cease a genocide caused by people like her.
She and the English had very selfish thinking and painted them as evil for the problems they started.
The problem is not that Mary Rowlandson wrote about her captivity. The problem, rather, is that she—and society as a whole—deemed the context of her captivity unimportant.
Felt too much sympathy for themselves to understand why they are in this position in the first place! Privilege.
By elevating tragic, white-authored colonial encounters, the image of indigenous savagery is maintained and with it spreads the toxicity of imperialism and systemic racism.
Elevates the stories somber details of her journey made this read confusing and hard to follow. I questioned many aspects of the story that seemed unfinished.
prescribes an overdose of sorrow, disillusionment and hypocrisy to the unsuspecting reader.
Feeling both empathy and a sense of confusion because of the racism and hypocrisy of the story
The current version of this anthology represents each and every student’s thought process and deeper reading skills. It features our own unique textual interpretations and what they may mean to us on a more personal level.
Interpretation matters a lot, which is why it is important to have explanantion on why you might think that way. Providing a "why?" in English Literature helps other readers see your view, and maybe open up a new one for others.
It seems imperative that scholars continue to question what truly characterizes American literature within and beyond national boundaries.
Has a lot to do with comprehension and perception.
American literature down to make our own, new anthology that is meant to be a free resource for all.
Being able to change the Anthology and advocate for writers and their texts who we think are worthy is a privilege
we hope that future PSU English students will feel inspired to contribute to, annotate, and continue this project, constantly refining, remixing, and reworking it going forward.
Its interesting to combine the past, present, and future of literature and not being able to find a correct or moral definition.
Moreover, this anthology asks us to consider what it means for literature to be “American.” How can we possibly define American literature without comprehending the fragility, complexity, and pride that accompanies such a term?
How can we define "American" when learning about our land beign stolen.
However, this anthology takes things a step further because it makes connections between important works of American literature and contemporary culture (such as films and other references).
The conections to the past is what makes literature matter today, and who we truly recognize today.
This anthology provides specific details and insights into multiple texts from diverse authors that are important representations of American literature.
Discrimination against authors
“what is American literature?”
Is there even a defined answer?
How does the in-depth study of early American literature prompt us rethink representations of American culture today?
It helps us understand the past and where this literature began.
we questioned the very parameters of what counts as American literature.
We question the location, author, and the context of the text to further examine weather or not it is consered literature. On the other hand, we question what CAN we qualify as literature and why we are the ones who get to decide.
It was next decreed that the boys of the tribe should take the war-clubs of their fathers and, driving the animal into the forest, beat him to death.
Why do these stories have so much violence and Gore?
“Ugh!” she said, “you are a coward, though you are so big and great.”
Don't judge a book by its cover
As White Feather looked at her he saw tears shining in her eyes, and almost before he knew it he wished himself a man again. In a moment he was restored to his natural shape, and the woman flung her arms about his neck and kissed him.
Greed/self-control
He had never seen a woman before, and this one was so beautiful that he wished himself an elk at once for he was sure she would bewitch him.
Are they taught this?
Come hither, you wearer of the white feather. You do not yet wear it, but you are worthy of it.”
Worthy to become Cheif?
Then the giants killed the father instead and ate his flesh, grumbling and muttering vengeance with every mouthful.
Killing whats valuable, or just killing to cause hurt?
If you win you shall have our sons and our daughters to do with them as you please, and if we win we will take yours.”
Why trade children? What do the Native American children do/have that is a valuable trade?
The giants believed the story and sought to prevent it coming true. So they said to the Dacotahs: “Let us run a race.
Did they know nothing else then to believe whatever folk tale was said to them?
This great chief should wear a white feather and should be known by its name.
This reminds me of how Natives are portrayed in movies or TV shows, feathers, little to no clothes, markings on skin.
The old man who had been known to live in it was supposed to have died;
Why was he supposed to die? How did he stay alive?