The Luck of Roaring Camp

Ok, so this is the first author we've read whom I've not at least heard of before this class. Is it unusual to not have read Bret Harte before? I guess maybe more people from California have heard of him or read some of his works. It's also possible one of my teachers mentioned him or one of his works and I just don't remember it.

I found this story fascinatingly symbolic and realistic at the same time. By that, I mean, the physical descriptions and the men of the camp and their beliefs and attitudes were all extremely informative. This is how these gold mining camps WERE. Harte simply paints a picture of it for those who are not in them. It's realistic.

And yet, there is Tommy Luck, who is symbolic- symbolic of sudden success in their gold mining. They all adored him and lavished him in gifs more than what was necessary. He improved their entre camp- physically and morally and, man, they were on top of the world. They had a truly glorious summer.

But the flood returns us somewhat to the realism. In a moment, all of their glory (and their Luck) was taken away from them and they were left with almost nothing.

This was quite the common experience for the gold miners in California, if I'm not mistaken.

I enjoyed Harte's style. I liked his way of subtly writing in some of the dialect without making it overbearing or difficult to read. I thought the story flowed well and was entertaining to read. But mostly I loved his way of writing something so real and informative that was also symbolic. It's simply fascinating.

Tennessee Journalism

I found the style of the writing humorous and the story easy to read. Also, the point I felt like was really clear and easy to understand.

What I have to say about it is that I think the point is still extremely relevant today. The media all over the nation have become like what Twain labels the fervent spirit of the South. Journalism today is almost entirely about sensationalism; it's about the extremes and it's usually focused around the negative. Instead of presenting the information and allowing each reader to consider for themselves and form their own opinion about it, the media intentionally (though often subtly) influences how we perceive the presented information. This is dangerous because it discourages critical thinking from the general public. 

I think this piece could be classified as satire as it uses humor to point out and hopefully correct negative behavior. Was this intentional satire on his part? Was satire a common genre at this point?

Whitman and Dickinson

From Whitman, I am much intrigued his theme of singing and song. Almost every poem we read made a reference to singing or someone or thing's song.  I'm not sure that it's actually all that significant or intentional; I just like it. I love the idea that all of life is a song and that every one and thing has a contribution to make- what's the quote that ends with "that I may contribute a verse"? Hmm, I'm going to have to look it up.
Ah, yes, it is a different Walt Whitman poem. That would explain why it came to mind here. I heard O Me! O Life! quoted in Dead Poets Society. Whitman goes through some of the worst aspects of life and asks, "What good amid these, O me, O life? Answer. That you are here—that life exists and identity, / That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse."
I adore Whitman's concept of the beauty of just being alive. I strive for the same outlook, really. Particularly, I loved When I heard the Learn'd Astronomer because of the idea that learning is fine but you also need to stop calculating and just appreciate beauty.

As for Dickinson, I strongly reacted to This World is Not Conclusion but I can't even articulate to myself why. I think her poetry looks straightforward and then I read it and feel like it all goes way over my head. I enjoy her rhythms and am intrigued greatly by her rather unique style. But I don't actually understand any of it.