Culture and values:
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Question one
Romantic poets are present in the romantic era which consists of poems inspired by the Romanism era. One of the common lines during this era is by Jane Austin’s pride and prejudice “It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife”. Romantic art on the other hand, is defined by a Romanism point of view through the easy of an artist. The use of landscape painting features greatly in this era making it one of the influential methods at the time. One of the monumental paintings is represented by the Natchez by Eugene Delacroix. Both the artist and the poet are evoking passion, selflessness and sacrifice. This form of expression is ideal for the reflection of the era whose intent is to defy the rules of the traditional forms of art and poetry (Zach & Pallua, 2010).
Question two
Romanism is marked by the acceptance of new ways of expression which are contrary to the period of enlightenment. Nature is a significant part of the Romanism era in that it defines the shift from scientific theories to religious theories. This is composed of philosophical definitions that show the order of God and man. One of the examples is the definition of natural laws which are defined by good and evil. These laws are still in effect in the present world in that they are adopted in some of the present subjects.
Question three
One of the influential figures in the African American history, Fredrick Douglas defies the odds by using his slavery background to express the situation of slavery and oppression of his people. Douglas embodies the lives of the black man at the hands of the white man. His use of first person narrative brings out his personal account on the situation at hand. It also places emphasis on the level of turmoil his community bears due to their submission into slavery. Sojourner Truth uses third person narrative as opposed to Douglas giving his opinion a different meaning. The effect of her work is thus different from the one of her counterpart. Truth uses the experience of members of her community to show how the entire community is affected. The message therefore, has a different effect in that the use of different characters showcases the opinion of the affected person’s thus provoking intimacy in his readings.
Question four
“Well, if I ever struck anything like it, I’m a nigger. It was enough to make a body ashamed of the human race”. Mark twain, huckleberry Finn.
“It was considered as being bad enough to be a slave; but to be a poor man’s slave was deemed a disgrace indeed!” Autobiography of Fredrick Douglas
Similarities
Both passages refer to the state of being a slave in America and the damage it does to their self esteem. The question of ownership by another human being is not an ideal situation due to the lack of self respect and respect from the other races. This triggers the feeling of inferiority making a slave lose their substance in the society.
Difference
The first passage evokes personal feelings of being associated with being referred to as a Nigger. It shows disappointment on the part of the Black man due to the cruelty that comes with this type of branding. The second passage focuses on the extremes of slavery. It is harder being a slave of a non influential member of the society. This exposes slaves in this situation to more forms of oppressions compared to their counterparts.
Question five
“I am not going to die, I am going home like a shooting star”. Sojourner Truth
“I looks like gwine to heaven, an’t thar where white folks is gwine? S’pose they’d have me thar? I’d rather go to torment, and get away from Mas’r and Missis. I had so.” Harriet B. Stow.
Similarities
The first passage showcases Truths confidence in her beliefs. This passage is referenced to her view of life after death. Born into slavery, truth experiences all forms of oppression from her masters. This influences her not only to fight for the rights of black but for women’s rights. Religion is essential to sojourner which is evident in the passage. Stow on the other hand, reveals the extent to which blacks long for freedom. The passage also has a religious reference which signifies the significance of religion during this era (Zach & Pallua, 2010).
Differences
The passage is a personal take of truth on her present and past life. The dedication to the abolishment of slavery gives her the confidence of her future in that she has lived her underprivileged life to the fullest.
The second passage is a reflection of the life of the thoughts of the average slaves. Stow uses her level of education to display the persistence of the slaves in their fight for freedom (Zach & Pallua, 2010).
Reference
Zach, W., & Pallua, U. (2010). Racism, slavery and literature. Frankfurt am Main: Peter Lang.
