Why is studying the Harlem Renaissance still worthwhile in the 21st century?"

I feel that the reason that studying the Harlem renaissance is worth it because of the appreciation for the people that have put so much effort into the advancement of the African American race. These people went against the grain of common society with fear of persecution and extreme resentment in order to further their cause. This cause is one of physical, psychological, economic, social, and political status and needs to be recognized. These morals and values that have been instilled within this time period are the same type that can be used in any situation where oppression and mistreatment are evident. By studying them we are embracing the strength of these people and celebrating their passion.

It is also important to study this subject due to how it has affected us as a society. We take for granted the struggle that African Americans have been put through and we think of it in an abstract regard through literature books, movies, and verbal communications. When we take a subject, such as the Harlem Renaissance and express the causes, content, and effects on society at the time we are taking the abstract issue of racial discrimination and making it reality. We touch on actual topics and works written and bring them to life. By doing this we are becoming aware of current problems in our society and keep our eyes open and await change.

Ending

The portion of the book that I found troubling was in chapter 19. After the storm and when Teacake got bitten by the dog, he seemed to get crazier and crazier. Jaine kept the information of the diagnosis of the rabies from Teacake and he only got worse.

Jaine did not feel safe around Teacake, which is ironic due to how much she loved him. The relationship that they shared was the best of her life. It seemed that throughout her journey throughout the book, she has become liberated. This incident with Teacake signifies the ending of her journey. The moment that she moves the chamber of the gun so that it has to shoot 3 times in order to fire at her shows intent. She knew that if he was going to fire at her, she was going to give herself a chance to fire back. She needed those bullets in the gun in order to prove before a jury that there was an actual threat.

She knew in her heart that in order to preserve this sense of independence and fufilment in her life, she would have to kill Teacake due to the rabies.

Second Reading for Eyes Watching God

Throughout the portion of the novel read thus far, I find it interesting the type of realationships that Jaine has had. In her first marriage she is not drawn to him in a physical or psychologically sense. She is put before him in order to retain a sense of security. The void that he fills with the lack of family in her life is the only reason they are together. Her nanny seemed to exhibit a twisted sense of idealized material moral upon her. It seemed that the nanny figure was trying to make her believe that she should marry for material gain and security, apposed to a sense of love and affection. This caused her at a young age to be confused.

She runs away with her second husband in order to escape the confines and oppression put upon her. She marries her second husband for a sense of romanticism, while still holding onto the morals impossed upon her by her nanny. She starts the relationship with a taste of what she was really searching for, but in actuallity it ends up even worse than her first marriage.

Her final marriage with Tea Cake finally secures her the relationship she was really looking for. She finally feels as an equal and is able to express her individuality and opinions. Tea cake seems a great companion for her thus far in the book.

Characteristics of Negro Expression

I found this piece to a little confusing at first. It seemed that the author was talking down about the negro race in a patronizing manner. The male dominated emphasis on the term "his," accented a condescending tone in the innitial portrayal of the African race. Hurston characterizes the negro's as a race that talks in action words, pictures, and that they act out their speech. In many cases he also talks about the negro's as being a "primitive man" that exchanges descriptive words.

Hurston talks about how the negro's need to emphasis action upon their speach in order to be able to picture an object. This shows a complete detachment from the ability to understand a concept without being able to match it to something familiar. This alone gives the reader a sense that the author is talking negatively about this race. Some other examples are on the description of the negro's taste for art, angularity, dance, and that he describes them as "not a Christian really."

Upon reading the text however, it seems that the author changes his tone about the race. His characteristics and portrayal turn more into a society that has shaped the one we live in now. This possitive portrayal seems evident within the text on the portions of originality and imitation as a mimic through the love and desire or the art, apposed to the need or want to conform to the imitatee. It is also evident when the author talks about the Jook as bieng "the most important place in America," which was born from the negro race.

The essay in general seemed confusing. I wasnt sure what the authors true feelings were about the negro race when I finished it. It seemed that the author was trying to give a two sided representation instead of being part of either one.

America

My favorite poem that I found in the readings of last week was entitled, "America." I absolutely loved this poem. This is in regards to not only the content and message, but also of the fast, upbeat, song-like delivery of the poem. The poem is broken down into short phrases that can be read either slow or fast. I prefer to read it fast. It reminds me of rap lyrics with a story line.

It talks about the children of the low cast being outcasts. It than goes on to talk about America seeking a better way (Stars). A vision of this new society is evident; being born out of the turmoil of the past. We come together through these hardships and enter a society of equality.

It than talks about different people who made this possible. Those bieng Crispus Attucks, Jimmy Jones, and Sojourner Truth. It than goes on to talk about the reality of the situation and how this dream is mearly a dream. That person who is talking is seeking this equality that has not been reached.

A brown Girl Dead

This poem I found to be simple and straight forward. I found the meaning to be expressive and compelling, as well as effective to the reader. The imagery to the color white expresses a sense of innocence. The two white roses upon her breasts, the white candles, and the white dress shows a girl who has been deprived of life. The only time she is able to be dressed up in this way is after life. This delivers a message to the reader that the family in which she belongs is poor and the color of white expresses a essence of purity. When thinking of the racial conflict during the time, it also delivers a sense that white is somewhat powerful and superior than dark. With dressing the child up in white, in essence the parents are trying to make her equal for her journey to the unknown.

Thoughts on Death

In this blog entry I would like to share what the book expressed to me in regards to the cause of Clares death at the end of the text. I feel that Irene pushed her out the window. She was so close to losing everything that she had and the only way to hold onto it was to get rid of the "competition" and the obstacle in her life. I think the last straw for Irene was when she saw Clare clinging onto Brains arm while walking up the stairs. This seems to be the last show of affection that Irene takes in as a hint of betrayal. This betrayal was on both sides of the spectrum. That is from her husband and her old friend. With Clare’s husband coming in and finding out that Clare was a black person, Irene had no other alternative. If he found out, with 100% certainty, that she was black, Clare would of moved out to Harlem and taken Brian away. This was that last thought in Irene’s head that lead her to push Clare out the window.
The moments after where she was just waiting while everyone was going downstairs show the nature of this act. She was spellbound with what she had just done and becomes paralyzed. These are my thoughts on this incident.