Dissection of the Prologue in Invisible Man

Currently, I am reading a novel called Invisible Man which is written by Ralph Ellison. As I read the prologue of the novel, I came to an understanding of the whole book. I believe the prologue was incorporated in order to depict and firmly state the narrator’s state of mind.  In the beginning of the prologue, the narrator quotes “I am an invisible man.” (3). When I think of the word “invisible”, I first come up with the meaning of not being seen. Therefore, it seems likely to me that the narrator is metaphorically referring himself as “invisible” in order to convey his thought that no one really SEES him. However, I know that the word “invisible” can mean other things as well. Hence, I searched the word “invisible” with the Merriam Webster Dictionary. I found that the word “invisible” can mean incapable by nature of being seen, hidden, imperceptible, and not being reflected in statistics. Surprisingly, all these definitions of this particular word all fit within the prologue. For instance, the meaning of incapable of being seen can be applied with what the narrator says in the beginning of the prologue. He states that when people approach him “they see only my surrounding, themselves, or figments of their imagination-indeed, everything and anything except me” (3). In other words, the narrator is stating that it is inherent for people to be unable to really look and see others. People are so caught up with their own lives and thoughts that it is impossible for them to really look into a person’s true self. Secondly, the definition of hidden and imperceptible can also be found in the prologue. For example, the narrator mentions how he has “been carrying a fight with Monopolated Light & Power” (5). This particular fight is discovered to be an imperceptible and hidden one because the company fails to notice its enemy, the narrator. The narrator has been secretly draining the company’s power with his “1,369 lights” which correlates with the definition of “invisible” (7). The narrator is hidden and imperceptible to the eyes of the Light & Power Company. Lastly, the definition of not being reflected in statistics appears when the narrator recounts the event when he beat up a white man. His beating of the man was featured in the Daily News which the narrator scoffs at by exclaiming “poor fool, poor blind fool, I thought with sincere compassion, mugged by an invisible man!” (5). In this context, the word “invisible” means  not being reflected in statistics since the news story only covered the victim’s picture and description and not the actual mugger. Essentially, the narrator hopes to convey his real identity, invisibility. The narrator is rather proud that he is invisible because he doesn’t need to care about his appearance or his surroundings. He values truth which is why he possesses “1,369 lights” in his home. He even states that “The truth is light and light is the truth.” which emphasizes his appreciation for truth (7). I believe that this novel is going to be about the importance of truth and reality.

Hamlet's View on Women and Its Impact on His Future

In class, we have briefly discussed about Hamlet’s views toward women. So far only two women, Queen Gertrude and Ophelia, have stood out as the significant women in Hamlet’s life. Therefore, we will first analyze Hamlet’s views on Gertrude, his mother. We have learned in the beginning of the play that Gertrude committed incest by marrying Hamlet’s uncle. (In the Elizabethan Era, marrying one’s brother-in-law was condemned as incest.) Hence, Hamlet looks down on his mother and morally judges her in a negative manner. For instance, he sarcastically remarks to his mother “Ay, madam, it is common” (9). The word “common” connotes vulgarity in this context so Hamlet uses this particular diction to express his disdain for her. In other words, Hamlet is calling his mother vulgar and sinful. Moreover, he attacks his mother’s character by passionately exclaiming “Frailty, thy name is woman” (11). Hamlet disapproves of his mother because she shows weakness in character and judgment. He even manages to call her a “beast” that is illogical and “wicked” (11). It seems very unusual that Hamlet has such negative feelings for his mother despite the fact that they are related by flesh and blood. In my opinion, Hamlet’s rejection of his own kin foreshadows a disruption within his state of mind. He is suddenly overcome with such intense and harsh emotions toward his mother that he fails to maintain his sanity. By focusing only on the negative aspects of his life, Hamlet will most likely be driven to obsession of revenge and disregard for all other women. Speaking of other women, Ophelia seems like a very important individual to Hamlet. We know that Hamlet and Ophelia are lovers but we are not aware of the depth of their relationship. Nevertheless, it seems that Hamlet has a good opinion towards Ophelia but I sense an emptiness/doubt in their relationship. I noticed that Hamlet does not speak or think of Ophelia during the whole first act. Yet, I do not doubt that there SEEMS to be an affection between them. For instance, Ophelia has stated that Hamlet “made many tenders/Of his affection” to her which confirms their relationship (18). However, I still cannot suppress this feeling of doubt over Hamlet’s affection for Ophelia. He has already made his opinion clear on women when he quoted “Frailty, thy name is woman”. Also, what will happen when Hamlet learns that Ophelia will not speak to him because of her father’s command? Will he condemn her as a weak woman for following her father’s orders? (I think Ophelia’s father knows about Claudius’s sins which will further exacerbate Hamlet’s opinions toward Ophelia.) I predict that Hamlet will be disappointed with Ophelia’s obedience to Claudius’s right hand man that he will be driven more to seek revenge. He might feel that he has been rejected by all the people he previously loved, Gertrude and Ophelia. Therefore, he might think all blame goes to Claudius deepening his dangerous obsession. It seems evident to me that Hamlet’s views on women will worsen. Without a woman’s love (motherly or romantic), Hamlet be unable to control his reckless actions and thoughts.

Who is Gertrude?

                In class, we discussed Queen Gertrude, Hamlet’s mother and Claudius’ new bride. Many of my classmates expressed their opinions on Queen Gertrude which was either positive or negative. Therefore, I am here to analyze both sides. First I am going to focus on the positive/good Gertrude. There is this theory that Queen Gertrude only got married to Claudius to protect Hamlet. We know that Claudius is a suspicious and shady character because he married his sister-in-law. Also, he is shown to be antagonistic towards Hamlet by stating to him that “to persever/ in obstinate condolement is a course? Of impious stubbornness: tis unmanly grief” (9). He is basically telling Hamlet that he is just an immature boy who is unnecessarily stubborn. Therefore, Queen Gertrude might have known Claudius’ ill feelings towards Hamlet that she married him to protect her son. She seems worried that her son will lose his life like the late king that she begs Hamlet, “I pray thee, stay with us; go not to Wittenberg” (10). It can be viewed by some people that Gertrude is sacrificing herself depicting her as a strong and heroic individual. Lastly, some might point out Hamlet’s first soliloquy which describes Gertrude’s overflowing grief on King Hamlet’s death. She is said to “have follow’d [Hamlet’s] poor father’s body,/Like Niobe, all tears” which appears as a sincere gesture (11). Her strong emotional response to the King’s death portrays her as a morally good and devoted wife. Yet, the others view Gertrude as a morally corrupt individual by also pointing out Hamlet’s first soliloquy. Hamlet states that “within a month….she married. O, most wicked speed, to post/with such dexterity to incestuous sheets!” (11). Through Hamlet’s revelation, we learn that Gertrude married Claudius, her brother-in-law after only one month after her first husband’s death. To some, her action indicates duplicity and incites suspicions in people’s minds. Did Gertrude only marry Claudius to maintain her position as queen? Was there an affair between Claudius and Gertrude in the past? It seems quite suspicious and abnormal that she married a family member at such speed knowing that she is committing incest. Also, her deliberate disapproval and disregard for Hamlet’s mourning seems cruel. She coldly states to Hamlet, “all that lives must die/ Passing through nature and eternity” (9) which is an unkind gesture to Hamlet’s fragile emotional state. However, I have come to the conclusion that Gertrude is actually a morally good person. I believe that she married Claudius in order to protect her son, the immediate person to the throne of Denmark. She is sacrificing herself and playing the role of a happy wife to preserve her loved ones. She is also a rather alert and wise individual because she quickly married Claudius fully knowing the dangers that could have claimed Hamlet’s life. She threw away her honor, pride, and body to protect her son. (Unfortunately, Hamlet fails to understand his mother’s actions.) But who am I to judge? I just only read two scenes of the first act.

R.I.P Quxxn

       

Bells for John Whiteside’s Daughter

John Crow Ransom

There was such speed in her little body,   

And such lightness in her footfall,   

It is no wonder her brown study

Astonishes us all.

Her wars were bruited in our high window.   

We looked among orchard trees and beyond   

Where she took arms against her shadow,   

Or harried unto the pond

The lazy geese, like a snow cloud

Dripping their snow on the green grass,   

Tricking and stopping, sleepy and proud,   

Who cried in goose, Alas,

For the tireless heart within the little   

Lady with rod that made them rise

From their noon apple-dreams and scuttle   

Goose-fashion under the skies!

But now go the bells, and we are ready,   

In one house we are sternly stopped

To say we are vexed at her brown study,   

Lying so primly propped.

               Over the winter break, I was informed of tragic news that astonished me greatly. My favorite Youtuber, who was called Quxxn, passed away. I was so shocked by this unfortunate and tragic news that I was in daze for some time. It was hard to believe that such an energetic and happy person could be gone forever and never to return. As a result, I often think about Quxxn which led me to discover a poem that reminds me of her. The poem “Bells for John Whiteside’s Daughter” by John Crowe Ransom seems to relate to Quxxn’s passing. First, the title “Bells for John Whiteside’s Daughter” reminds me of Quxxn in a bittersweet way. The speaker of the poem obviously is not well acquainted with John Whiteside’s daughter because he doesn’t even know her name. I, too, don’t even know Quxxn’s real name and life story. I just know that she was a young woman who loved playing The Sims and enjoyed life. Yet, both the speaker and I share a bittersweet feeling for the deceased ones. Even though we don’t know these individuals, we feel sad over their passing because they remain so alive in our memories. For instance, the speaker of the poem reminisces about “such speed in [the little girl’s] little body” and the “lightness in her foot fall” (Line 1-2). By emphasizing lively diction such as “speed” and “foot fall”, the speaker is attempting to depict his memories of the girl as positive and sweet (Line 1-2).. Through this emphasis, we can understand the poet’s astonishment and sadness over the girl’s sudden death. Like the speaker, I am saddened by Quxxn’s passing because I am bombarded with memories of her upbeat and friendly personality. Her videos always started with a happy introduction which depicted her as an energetic and cheerful person so it comes as a surprise that I can never see or hear her voice anymore. However, the speaker and I have realized that death is a natural part of life that we must accept. Therefore, “we are ready” to accept her “brown study” (Line 17-18). (Brown study according to The Free Dictionary means a state of deep thought which represents death in this poem.) The poem definitely discusses a great theme on life which I consider AP Lit merit. As we live our lives, we will be faced with deaths of people who are close to us or slightly acquainted with. It is perfectly normal to grieve for the dead but it is our duty to move on with our lives. We cannot be frozen in a moment that is full of sorrow and regret. Humans are destined to live their lives at full potential. Finally, I can predict that some will argue that the speaker of the poem is indifferent and harsh towards the little girl’s death given that he does not know her name. Yet, I see the speaker’s positive and lively descriptions of the little girl such as “tireless heart within the little/Lady” as an indication of his affection and appreciation for her (Line 13-14).

Unrequited Love

                  In the novel The Age of Innocence, the two main characters, Newland Archer and Ellen Olenska, are supposedly in love. Yet, I find that very hard to believe after analyzing the two individuals. I rather believe that Ellen is the only one who truly loves Archer. Archer has never loved Ellen. (Hence the title “Unrequited Love”) Archer convinces himself that he is in love with Ellen throughout the whole novel (which is frankly quite annoying.) But in reality, he actually wishes to control her. He views Ellen as a woman desperately in need of his “wise” guidance because she is not immersed into New York culture. For instance, his jealousy towards Mr. Beaufort indicates his domineering nature. He “[winces] at the joining of the names” of his and Beaufort during a conversation with Ellen because he believes that he is worthy of correcting the Countess(Wharton 65). Also, he is superficially attracted to Countess Olenska because she breaks social conventions and provides excitement. He often states that the “haunting horror of doing the same thing every day at the same time besieged his brain” so Ellen presents herself as a source of freedom and entertainment (71). Therefore, he pursues Ellen passionately and sets up expectations for her. For example, he has this expectation that Ellen will always approach him and entertain him. He depicts this expectation when he goes to fetch Ellen for Mrs. Mingott at New York. He says to himself, “If she doesn't turn before that sail crosses the Lime Rock light I'll go back.” (182). His thought reveals his belief that Ellen is responsible for providing excitement and entertainment for him. Therefore, Archer can be characterized as a selfish man who is unable to love anybody except himself. (In other words, if Archer cares only about himself, how can he have the time and heart to love somebody else?) On the other hand, Ellen deeply loves Archer and is willing to throw away her status for him. Ellen agrees to Archer's plan to “come to [him] at once” despite the scandal they could bring together (264). Also, she is able to convince Archer that he should marry May regardless of her deep desire to be with him. She is willing to sacrifice her own happiness. Furthermore, the ending of the novel supports Ellen's undying love for Archer. She awaits for Archer's visit at Paris because there are no barriers that could separate them anymore. However, Archer's desire to keep “his youthful memory of her” prevents them from reuniting (303). Ellen will most likely realize that Archer never truly loved her which makes her a tragic character. She is spurned by society, her own family, and the man who could have provided her with hope. Maybe Wharton illustrated this aspect of unrequited love because she has experienced it herself. She had a brief but passionate affair with a journalist named Morton Fullerton. Through this passionate affair, she realized that love is often romanticized and misinterpreted by many people. 

I Support Nora's Decision!

              Henrik Ibsen's play “A Doll House” focuses on realistic aspects of life. Ibsen especially plays close attention to marriage. Therefore, the ending where Nora leaves her husband and children illustrates reality regarding marriage. However, some people argue against Nora's decision to leave her family. They believe that Nora is selfish and leaving her children “motherless” (Ibsen 288). Yet, I actually support Nora's decision because she deserves a chance to discover her self- identity. She was “used to [being] Daddy's doll child” so she had no chance to think for herself (1227). In other words, she was a doll who lived in a “home [that] has never been more than a playroom” (1227). Hence, Nora is unable to become a mother to her children because she herself is a lost child. She needs to “make up [her] mind who is right, society or [her]” to fully grow into a mature woman (1229). It would be a greater tragedy if Nora had continued to stay in the “doll house”. Her children would have continued to be her dolls depriving them of reality and individuality. She is essentially preventing the revolving cycle of lost independence for her children. Another thing to recollect is that Nora is “first of all a human being” who has “sacred duties” to herself (1228). She is a selfish, young woman desperately in need of adversity. Through adversity and harsh reality, Nora will learn about the consequences of selfish behavior and lies. In other words, it is time for her to become a true human being not a pretty, frail doll. I believe that Nora's decision to leaver he family will lead her to people who truly care for her. Also, her decision to leave her children might be the first selfless act she has ever done. Finally, I have to point out about the class discussion surrounding Torvald. Many people came to this consensus that Torvald was going to change. I reject this idea because Torvald does not truly care for Nora. (He barely even notices his own children.) He states that Nora “[has] ruined all [his] happiness” and that his love for her is all in the past when she finds about the forgery(1223). Torvald keeps using words “me” and “my” revealing his indifference for Nora's suffering and his selfish nature. Also, he is easily able to throw away his love for Nora because his appearance is in stake. Torvald seems to only love Nora because of her role as a submissive and beautiful wife. Therefore, he rejects Nora when he realizes that Nora took on the role as a dominant figure. She was the one who saved his life and made the controversial decision to leave her family. Torvald will most likely not change because he is so immersed into the gender role of being the patriarch of his family. He is essentially the product of society. I am certain that he will remarry another woman who will submit to his controlling nature continuing the cycle of gender inequality.  

I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings

The free bird leaps
on the back of the wind
and floats downstream
till the current ends
and dips his wings
in the orange sun rays
and dares to claim the sky.

But a bird that stalks
down his narrow cage
can seldom see through
his bars of rage
his wings are clipped and
his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.

The caged bird sings
with fearful trill
of the things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill for the caged bird
sings of freedom

The free bird thinks of another breeze
and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees
and the fat worms waiting on a dawn-bright lawn
and he names the sky his own.

But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing

The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.

Lately in class, we have been employing gender lens to analyze The Age of Innocence and a “Doll House”. Therefore, I thought it would be interesting to analyze Maya Angelou's “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”. The poem focuses on a caged bird that sings for freedom. The caged bird can be viewed as a representation of social issues such as racial inequality, gender inequality, and the pursuit of individuality. Since we have focused on gender roles, I will be reading this poem through the gender roles. I view the “bird that stalks/down his narrow cage” as a woman trapped in marriage (Line 8-9). The woman is trapped in a cage that symbolizes marriage so she “opens [her] throat to sing” for freedom (line 14). Nora from the “Doll House” closely relates to this bird as well. She often tells lies to somehow escape her role as a doll in her husband's doll house, her captor. Also, the bird's “wings are clipped and/[its] feet are tied” which resembles Nora's situation in her marriage (Line 12-13). Nora's opinion and identity represent the bird's wings and feet. Nora is unable to think for herself preventing her from individuality and independence. Hence, her opinions are “clipped and/[her] identity [is] tied” by her role as a submissive wife (Line 12-13). Another female character relates to the caged bird as well. Ellen Olenska of The Age of Innocence serves as an epitome of a caged bird and captor to society. She is essentially a woman trapped in this expectation that she will become a mistress to a married man(Beaufort especially) or return to her unfaithful husband. Therefore, she “opens [her] throat to sing” like the bird by falling in love with Newland Archer (Line 14). Newland Archer represents to Ellen as a door to “freedom” because he understands her like nobody else (Line 23). He has the ability to convince Ellen “to claim the sky” by allowing her to become a “free bird” (Line 1 and 7). Unfortunately, Archer fails to do so which leads to “the caged bird/ [to] sing of freedom” on the distant hill (Line 38-40). However, the caged bird can also be interpreted as a man imprisoned by gender roles. For example, Newland Archer is a “bird that stalks down his narrow cage” to express his horror on the “sameness-sameness” of life (Wharton 71). The “narrow cage” that he inhabits is his marriage to May Welland, a woman who conforms to society (Line 9). Archer feels suffocated in his dull life that is a repeating cycle of life. Also, he is horrified by the fact that his own wife must conceal her inner desires and passion to blend in with the Old New York society. It can be inferred that the caged bird can be anyone regardless of gender. Also, our society is filled with several 'caged birds” who sing for freedom (Line 38). For instance, adolescents often express their need for freedom and independence by rebelling. (I know this for a fact.)