27 Matching Annotations
  1. Sep 2021
    1. What I have related will, no doubt, appear to you a fable. You will believe that calamity has subverted my reason, and that I am amusing you with the chimeras of my brain, instead of facts that have really happened. I shall not be surprized or offended, if these be your suspicions. I know not, indeed, how you can deny them admission.

      The passage I think was meant to be read as entertainment, but possibly with a deeper meaning. I had contemplated this idea and after reading this portion I feel that my thoughts have been confirmed.

    2. Next day arose in darkness and storm. Torrents of rain fell during the whole day, attended with incessant thunder, which reverberated in stunning echoes from the opposite declivity. The inclemency of the air would not allow me to walk-out. I had, indeed, no inclination to leave my apartment. I betook myself to the contemplation of this portrait, whose attractions time had rather enhanced than diminished.

      Another focal point and passage that promotes the gothic appeal. It paints a picture and focuses on the sullen nature of the scene.

    3. His gait was rustic and aukward. His form was ungainly and disproportioned. Shoulders broad and square, breast sunken, his head drooping, his body of uniform breadth, supported by long and lank legs, were the ingredients of his frame. His garb was not ill adapted to such a figure. A slouched hat, tarnished by the weather, a coat of thick grey cloth, cut and wrought, as it seemed, by a country tailor, blue worsted stockings, and shoes fastened by thongs, and deeply discoloured by dust, which brush had never disturbed, constituted his dress.

      The description of this stranger helps round out the characterization. We have in depth details that bring them to life rather than a flat, uncertain description.

    4. I never saw him so much subdued by an untoward event. His thoughts were employed in accounting for the silence of his friends. He was seized with the torments of jealousy, and suspected nothing less than the infidelity of her to whom he had devoted his heart. The silence must have been concerted. Her sickness, or absence, or death, would have increased the certainty of some one’s having written. No supposition could be formed but that his mistress had grown indifferent, or that she had transferred her affections to another.

      This is an example of where we can see the "gothic" style of writing. We see moments where melancholy and dark observations are made to be the focus of our attention and overall themes to the story.

    5. As the evening advanced, my father’s inquietudes increased. He sat with his family as usual, but took no part in their conversation. He appeared fully engrossed by his own reflections.

      My previous annotation and thoughts have now switched as our narrator now is focusing on his father. The tale has referenced several family members and relations at this time. My feelings regarding the nature of the story remain the same.

    6. My grand-father was a younger brother, and a native of Saxony. He was placed, when he had reached the suitable age, at a German college. During the vacations, he employed himself in traversing the neighbouring territory. On one occasion it was his fortune to visit Hamburg. He formed an acquaintance with Leonard Weise, a merchant of that city, and was a frequent guest at his house. The merchant had an only daughter, for whom his guest speedily contracted an affection; and, in spite of parental menaces and prohibitions, he, in due season, became her husband.

      Our narrator is telling the story of his grand father's father in law. The hesitancy in our narrator's voice and script give me the feeling that this story is not one that ends well.

    1. I do not say they would have been contented without it, by no means, for in every human Breast, God has implanted a Principle, which we call Love of Freedom; it is impatient of Oppression, and pants for Deliverance; and by the Leave of our modern Egyptians I will assert, that the same Principle lives in us.

      It is very significant that Wheatley is writing to Rev. Occum regarding this topic because he too is someone who has rose into a significant role despite his heritage. Rev. Occum was Native American who assimilated to the culture around him, however he had faced similar adversity to Wheatley.

    2. MÆCENAS

      Per Google: Maecenas was the wealthy patron of classical Roman poets Virgil and Horace, whom Wheatley draws on in complex ways. Wheatley was versed in Latin and must have felt a connection to Maecenas based on how she writes to him with passion.

    3. She has a great Inclination to learn the Latin Tongue, and has made some Progress in it. This Relation is given by her Master who bought her, and with whom she now lives.

      Looking at the introduction and the information provided, there seems to be a heavy stress on that Phillis was a slave but is treated as an exception compared to her fellow slaves. I can't help but notice they mention her master ALMOST as much as the mention her.

    1. 1. TEMPERANCE Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation. 2. SILENCE Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation. 3. ORDER Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time. 4. RESOLUTION Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve. 5. FRUGALITY Make no expensive but to do good to others or yourself; that is, waste nothing. 6. INDUSTRY Lose no time; be always employed in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions. 7. SINCERITY Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly; and, if you speak, speak accordingly. 8. JUSTICE Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty. 9. MODERATION Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve. 10. CLEANLINESS Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes, or habitation. 11. TRANQUILITY Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable. 12. CHASTITY Rarely use venery but for health or offspring–never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another’s peace or reputation. 13. HUMILITY Imitate Jesus and Socrates.

      I think this text resonates with lots of people because of their want to attain moral perfection. It also helps that is was penned by a famous founding father who still remains a house hold name.

    2. It was about this time I conceiv’d the bold and arduous project of arriving at moral perfection. I wish’d to live without committing any fault at any time; I would conquer all that either natural inclination, custom, or company might lead me into.

      I do agree that this is a straight forward story; a "rags to riches" in a sense. We can view the progress and work Benjamin did when he was younger and what benefits he reaped from his personal morality and hard work.

    3. And, lastly (I may as well confess it, since my denial of it will be believed by nobody), perhaps I shall a good deal gratify my own vanity. Indeed, I scarce ever heard or saw the introductory words, “Without vanity I may say,” &c., but some vain thing immediately followed.

      I think this was a great way for Ben to provide a little of that "grounding" and plea for forgiveness as he continues to talk about his family and himself.

    1. But there are many more of these Bloody Imitations, if the Confessions of the Witches are to be Received; which I confess, ought to be but with very much Caution.

      Knowing what unfortunate events took place in the reality of Salem, it provides this text with a very eerie aura. I could have read this with enjoyment, but the fact that young innocent women were persecuted for crimes they could not and would not commit make it a touch less appealing.

    2. Robert Downer testified, That this Prisoner being some Years ago prosecuted at Court for a Witch, he then said unto her, He believed she was a Witch. Whereat she being dissatisfied, said, That some She-Devil would shortly fetch him away! Which words were heard by others, as well as himself. The Night following, as he lay in his Bed, there came in at the Window, the likeness of a Cat, which flew upon him, took fast hold of his Throat, lay on him a considerable while, and almost killed him. At length he remembred what Susanna Martin had threatned the Day before; and with much striving he cried out, Avoid, thou She-Devil! In the Name of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, Avoid! Whereupon it left him, leap’d on the Floor, and flew out at the Window.

      I feel that these particular accounts could be very inspirational to future gothic writers by providing dark, eerie content with suspense and wonder. Obviously, this wasn't necessarily by intention, however the focal points seem to very much be influential of proto gothic.

    3. that at this extraordinary Time of the Devils coming down in great Wrath upon us, there are too many Tongues and Hearts thereby set on fire of Hell; that the various Opinions about the Witchcrafts which of later time have troubled us, are maintained by some with so much cloudy Fury, as if they could never be sufficiently stated, unless written in the Liquor wherewith Witches use to write their Covenants; and that he who becomes an Author at such a time, had need be fenced with Iron, and the Staff of a Spear.

      I feel that this elaborate explanation of the times at hand are quite descriptive in regards to the devil and his influence upon the "witches" of Salem. The Puritan influence and fear is tangible in this explanation.

    1. And now God hath granted me my desire. O the wonderful power of God that I have seen, and the experience that I have had. I have been in the midst of those roaring lions, and savage bears, that feared neither God, nor man, nor the devil, by night and day, alone and in company, sleeping all sorts together, and yet not one of them ever offered me the least abuse of unchastity to me, in word or action.

      In this particular excerpt, we see the Native Americans being assimilated to the likes of "roaring lions and savage bears". We also witness a transformation begin to emerge from Mary given by the grace of God.

    2. I had not seen my son a pretty while, and here was an Indian of whom I made inquiry after him, and asked him when he saw him. He answered me that such a time his master roasted him, and that himself did eat a piece of him, as big as his two fingers, and that he was very good meat. But the Lord upheld my Spirit, under this discouragement; and I considered their horrible addictedness to lying, and that there is not one of them that makes the least conscience of speaking of truth.

      The secondary aspect in the captivity monomyth is torture. We witness this in a few different areas throughout the text, however this particular part jumped out to me. Mary's resilience is keen and strong at this particular time.

    3. Now away we must go with those barbarous creatures, with our bodies wounded and bleeding, and our hearts no less than our bodies. About a mile we went that night, up upon a hill within sight of the town, where they intended to lodge. There was hard by a vacant house (deserted by the English before, for fear of the Indians). I asked them whether I might not lodge in the house that night, to which they answered, “What, will you love English men still?”

      Mrs. Mary discusses the initial trials and occurrence of their capture previous, however this particular portion of The First Remove is what I would consider to be the initial phase of captivity and separation, following the monomyths discussed.

    1. His Mother sighs to think of Paradise, And how she lost her bliss, to be more wise, Believing him that was, and is, Father of lyes.

      I can see why this is considered the first "nature" poem of the New World with many examples. Throughout the poem, Anne discusses Paradise as well as the heavenly wonders of the skies, the trees, and the nature surrounding. This is all directing to the wonders of God's creations, however we view appreciation to many aspects of nature being written with high admiration.

    2. Nor Sun nor Moon they have no need For glory doth from God proceed. No Candle there, nor yet Torch light, For there shall be no darksome night. From sickness and infirmity Forevermore they shall be free.

      Here is an excellent example of a traditional couplet scheme. Anne is rhyming line right after one another in the pattern of AA BB CC DD and so on throughout the poem.

    3. The Prologue

      After the initial read through, I would consider this to be a "meditative" poem. I may not be correct, but the tone and narrative sounds very much like an internal discussion, one that someone has as they meditate and contemplate emotions, thoughts, and feelings.

  2. Aug 2021
    1. Of a time long ago these things are said. The first world was small, and black as soot. In the middle of the four seas there was an island floating in the mist. On the island grew a pine tree.

      In Genesis, we read immediately that God created all things from nothing. It makes sense to me that in the Navajo creation, nature had previously existed. The respect Native Americans hold nature and the land is of utmost reverence and in a spiritual nature. I expect to read more about the spiritual influence nature has on the creation.

    2. The Black Cloud and the White Cloud came together in the East, and the wind from the clouds blew. From the breath of wind, First Man, Áłtsé Hastiin, was formed and with him the white corn, Kóhonotʼíinii, perfect in shape, with kernels covering the whole ear. Crystal, symbol of the mind and clear seeing, was with him. The Blue Cloud and the Yellow Cloud came together in the West, and a wind from the clouds blew. From the breath of wind, First Woman, Áłtsé Asdzą́ą́, was formed, and with her the yellow corn, perfect in shape, with kernels covering the whole ear. White shell, and turquoise, and yucca were there with her.

      This was a pretty significant difference I noticed between Genesis and the Navajo Creation. In Genesis, Eve is made from Adam's rib whereas here we see First Man and First Woman being made simultaneously from Nature...with unique yet similar features.

  3. cwi.pressbooks.pub cwi.pressbooks.pub
    1. hózhó is not just an important word in culture; it’s an entire “complex wellness philosophy” that includes the basic principles of living.

      This provides me with an understanding of it being a state of mental well being, not just an important word. I compare this to "Hakuna Matata" and the philosophy of Timon and Pumba. This resonates with me in a way that I can relate to and understand the level of importance this holds within their culture.

    1. Unessay Project (Signature Assignment): For the first half of the semester, the major project will be to engage with a primary text (e.g., a poem, short story, or work of prose) in a creative way that makes it more relevant. This project is very open-ended and intended to be an alternative to traditional essays. This project is also our Signature Assignment and maps to the Integrative Learning Gen Ed Outcome.

      This seems like a very interesting "Signature Assignment". I am curious to learn more about it!

    2. As faculty, we will:Instruct through the classroom through BlackboardAssess through the assignments throughout the semester, culminating in the Signature Assignment and a Course ReflectionInform through lessons on BlackboardFacilitate through online instructionAs students, you will:Attend by consistently participating in the weekly assignmentsSubmit quality and individualized (i.e. no plagiarism) assignments as designated in the syllabus, course syllabus, and assignment instructionsParticipate by remaining an engaged student onlineInteract by utilizing the platforms established in this syllabus and in the Blackboard weekly folders.

      This is always a good reminder to understand and refresh our online and virtual communication skills. With these applications, I think it is important we all participate in a timely manner. I look forward to learning and collaborating with all of you!

    3. Through Hypothesis (details in Blackboard)Through Discord (details in Blackboard)

      I am curious about these multiple tools we will be using. Previous courses usually utilize just blackboard and I am intrigued to know what these additional tools provide to us.