Analytical Piece

                                                Edgar Allan Poe

The notorious dark romantic author Edgar Allan Poe has depicted himself as an unusual, yet pleasing writer that incorporates petrifying elements to add zest into his stories. Critics have asserted the idea that his disturbed attitude, depicted in his writings, are due to unfortunate events which stretch out throughout his life influencing his writings. Such an event took place around the time of his infancy where his family was torn apart due to the unfortunate death of his parents (Charles, N.P.). These conflicts greatly impacted Poe’s writing by forcing him to write using negative connotations and by perceiving the world as an atrocious environment for human development. This is illustrated amongst the several works he has contributed for society. Amid these works are the components of his style of writing and symbolism. Poe portrays the characters in his story as morally corrupt and he clearly expresses his general perception on the conflicts that overtake us in the world, thus illustrating that humans are insane and have a cynical behavior which leads to a demoralized society.
                Edgar Allan Poe demonstrates many essential styles of writing as he descriptively represents the characters by supporting the argument that humans are morally corrupt. For instance, in The Black Cat, Poe vividly enhances a new meaning behind the man by painting an illusion of how the man is kindhearted and compassionate by showing at first that he “ was especially fond of animals, and was indulged by [his] parents with a great variety of pets” (Poe, 59). This exposes the better side of the man by cleverly, at first showing that he is a good and normal man who adores animals and pleasures their accompaniment. As the story progresses, Poe surreptitiously gives indications that the man is losing all sense of consciousness and is forming into a new ghastly and malicious person. This is shown when we see that the man has taken up a new hobby of drinking alcohol which makes his attitude “more moody, more irritable, more regardless of the feelings of others.”… “But my disease grew upon me –for what disease is like Alcohol!...” (Poe, 60). It is evident that Poe cleverly describes the transition from a gentle, animal-loving man into a new form of a monster that is engulfed in the intoxication of alcohol. This evolution of the man shows how people are susceptible to making wrong decisions that in the end cause them much suffering, consequently resulting in a more corrupt society. Through this style of writing, Poe uses his characters to illustrate how the attitude of contemptuous humans causes the destruction of humanity. Also, Poe vividly exposes the intensity of the certain conditions in which the man was compelled to brutally murder his cat. He describes the owner’s emotions when he expresses that he “…hung it because [he] knew that in doing so [he] was committing a sin-a deadly sin that would be so jeopardize [his] immortal soul as to place it- if such a thing were possible-even beyond the reach of the infinite mercy of the Most Merciful and Most Terrible God,” (Poe, 61). It is evident how the man has clearly admitted to obligating to a sin and soon after feels no remorse for his actions. The author emphatically describes the emotions running through the man’s mind as he is committing the horrible sin which represents how his insanity takes the better of him and his love and devotion he once had for the feline has vanished.

                In addition to demonstrating multiple writing techniques, Poe efficiently expresses various examples of symbolism throughout his works. For example, in the story “The Tell Tale Heart”, the heart takes the role of symbolizing the ignorance of the man by disregarding his fear of guilt for slaughtering the old man. As the heart continues to beat through the floor boards of the house, the man grows more anxious and anxiety-filled as he tries to advance with a normal life. “No doubt I now grew very pale; --but I talked more fluently, and with a heightened voice,” ( ). The man grows more impatient and this reveals how people, under guilt and pressure are definitely going to react in a more nerve-wrecking way compared to a state of tranquility. Yet, each beat of the heart reminds him of each moment contributed into killing the innocent old man and therefore, creates the build-up of guilt within his own heart. He “paced the floor to and fro with heavy stride, as if excited to fury by the observations of the men—but the noise steadily increased.” (Poe, N.P) In a continued manner, the man “foamed—[he] raved—[he] swore! [He] swung the chair upon which [he] had been sitting, and grated it upon the boards, but the noise arose over all and continually increased. It grew louder—louder—louder! And still the men chatted pleasantly, and smiled. Was it possible they heard not?”(Poe, N.P.). Along with the heart, the black cat also is significant in showing symbolism in the story The Black Cat. For instance, the black feline is portrayed as “a remarkably large and beautiful animal, entirely black, and sagacious to an astonishing degree,” (Poe, 60). This alludes to the fact that Poe greatly emphasized on the beauty yet devilish appearance of the cat which represented its character of a friendly presence and also the cause of a great misfortune. Critics have argued that in this story, “Despite the narrator’s explicit claim of sanity in the story’s first paragraph, he immediately shows himself self-deceived by terming his story ‘a series of mere household events.’” (Prinsky, N.P.) This evidently expresses the man’s true insanity in believing that the dreadful that has been committed by his own hands is only a “series of mere household events” (Prinsky, N.P.) which means that he believes that this would happen in anyone’s home and it is a normal thing. We can see here how the man has no morals and completely proves himself to be crazy in having such a belief.  It is seen in society how the black cat is visualized as bad luck. It is clearly portrayed in this story as it seen that the man transforms into a horrible who murders the cat.

                Therefore, although Poe has faced many obstacles in his life which forced him to become such a dark romantic author, his works that have been displayed in society has brought much pleasure to the public. With his elements of writing techniques and the way he includes meaningful symbolism shows how Poe, in most of his works, represents the human as a person that has contributed to disheartening the society around them due to their disparaging behavior and their own ethical corruption.

                                                                                                Works Cited

·         Prinsky, Norman. "The Black Cat." Masterplots II: Short Story Series, Revised Edition (2004): 1-3. MagillOnLiterature Plus. Web. 26 Apr. 2013.

Analytical Piece

You’ve got a Dad in Me

                 A father and son’s journey is established the moment a child makes its way into the world, with bright curious eyes, as they lay upon that one man who will mold their life from scratch. But is this one bond, strong and unbreakable, only defined by the blood running though their veins? In the novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, the relationship between a father and son is proved to not be only perceived by blood, but by love itself. Twain uses the personas of Jim and Huck to erase the thin line of what defines a true family relationship. As both lack the love and commitment of someone in their lives, both of them quickly and closely unite themselves as one and they express their desperation for someone to fill the empty place left by someone such as Pap. By using qualities possessed in a father that are decidedly portrayed in the character Jim, the author innovatively creates a pure relationship that has no room for criticism or discouragement.  As Jim escapes from being sold off and finds himself with Huck, a small amount of time momentously makes them both become fully immersed in the admiration for each other due to the love and concern Jim has for Huck, the protection Jim provides for him, and the guidance that Jim delivers through his simplicity and intelligent nature.  

                A mutual trait found between a father and son is the longing to see each other well and content. The immense care and love that the two characters have for each other clearly proves the paternalistic dedication in Jim towards the son like figure in the portrayal of Huck. For example, as the two are lost in a blinding fog that engulfed the both of them, the separation causes much pain to Jim. When they are reunited after a long intermission, Jim expresses his aching desire to see Huck when saying, “Goodness gracious, is dat you, Huck? En you ain’ dead—you ain’ drowned—you’s back again? It’s too good for true, honey, it’s too good for true. Lemme look at you, chile, lemme feel o’ you,” (Twain, 84). Jim displays severe emotions as he is devastated with his detachment from Huck. He describes him as his “chile”, proving his vision of Huck as a son-like figure who holds much importance in his life and which without; it would be hard to withstand. Although it is seen that Huck is a young boy yet to mature, his love is reciprocated for Jim as well which is evident when he says, “I was ever so glad to see Jim. I warn’t lonesome, now,” (42). Huck massively relies on Jim to be there for him as well as support him by eliminating his loneliness by just his very presence. A deep eagerness to meet Huck is also realized when Jim explains, “When I got all wore out wid work, en wid de callin’ for you, en went to sleep, my heart wuz mos’ broke bekase you wuz los’, en I didn’ k’ yer no mo’ what become r me en de raf’, (86). Jim waits impatiently for the unification with his “son” and he explicates his grief as he believes he won’t see his Huck again. Similarly, a father could be seen performing and feeling the same as he waits with pain to catch a glimpse of his son. As this value emerges in both Jim and Huck as their journey progresses over time, a father-son relationship also arises as they both convey an understanding and solid bond filled with love for each other without ever questioning race, heritage, or the blood identifying them.

                Although love is a major component of the father-son relationship, a virtuous father also comprises the significant quality of protecting his child from danger; whether it is emotional or physical. Likewise, Jim performs in the same way for Huck. Unaware of his true father’s whereabouts, Huck was oblivious to the fact that his father was actually dead. Before having to encounter this truth, Jim had already saved him from being exposed to his father’s dead body when it was first discovered abandoned on the floating house. To prevent this Jim held, “It’s a dead man. Yes, indeedy; naked too… Come in, Huck, but doan’ look at his face—it’s too gashly,” (50). Even though Jim knew at first glance that the man who was deceased and bare was Huck’s own biological father, he chose not to reveal this truth which was eventually unveiled before Huck later when Jim said, “Doan’ you ‘member de house dat was float’n down de river, en dey wuz a man in dah, kivered up, en I went in en git yo’ money when you wants it; kase dat wuz him,” (293). Jim is seen shielding his “son” from the real truth and saving him the pain mentally. Although this news wasn’t as shocking to Huck, it was most probable that his own Pap never succeeded in being the ideal father who stands like stone next to his son for support and encouragement which lessened the pain for Huck. According to Tuire Valkeakari, “Huck in, at this point, mainly preoccupied with the latter problem: he is already sure that Pap Finn—an abusive parent—is alive, and for the young boy this state of affairs translates, tragically, as extremely disconcerting news; he is, in fact, horrified,” (Valkeakari, n.p.)  As Huck is terrified of having a father like Pap, he finds refuge under Jim’s wing as he replaces Pap’s place although having no intention of doing so.  

                Finally, a true father is undoubtedly defined by the guidance that they deliver to their pupil as they are emerging to become a wise and mature adult. Morals, ethics, values are all rooted deep into them by the teachings of a father. For instance, when notifying Jim that Pap was back and alive, Jim replied, “Dey’s two angels hoverin’ roun’ ;bout him. One uv ‘em is white en shiny, en t’other one is black. De white one gits him go right, a little while, den de black one sail in en bust it all up…You gwyne to have considable trouble in yo’ life, en considable joy. Sometimes you gwyne git hurt, en sometimes you gwyne to git sick; but every time you’s gwyne to git well agin,” (18).  Demonstrating his values and his beliefs to Huck show Jim’s paternal instincts that guide Huck and generously teach him that it will be difficult and distressful  to make right decisions but even if he may be swayed in the wrong direction, he must stand tall and brave to accept what’s right and proceed with it, no matter the consequence. Also, Jim issues a huge message in a short while saying that life will not always be what you want it to be but it’s necessary to go along with it without any regret or worry. Notably is another experience with Jim that helps teach Huck to attain knowledge in the brain, not just the heart. As the two of them are embarking on their journey, Jim uses his intelligence to predict the course of the Mother Nature. This is illustrated when Huck said, “Some young birds come along, flying a yard or two at a time and lightning. Jim said it was a sign it was going to rain,” (45). Despite being an illiterate man who was also a degraded slave, Jim utilizes his knowledge and awareness and communicates another lesson to Huck about how to make predictions in life. Just like a mother bird nurtures her offspring and helps them learn one step at a time before letting them fly into the world themselves, Jim uses his knowledge to pass on to Huck so that he can be fortunate enough to apply these skills when he is on his own. An essential part of fatherhood is teaching the child how to survive in the world without holding onto a finger that guides them the whole way. The finger slowly loses its grasp from the elder experience and thus letting the child create independent adventures to pursue. Jim guides Huck by instilling these values in him at a young age so that as he grows older, he can distinguish right from wrong and learn about the truths in life which is a major role of a father.

                Blood is not the sole characteristic that defines a relationship; especially that of a father and son. This relationship of Jim and Huck propose Twain’s interpretation of relationships which are molded purely from the love that both people share with each other that binds them so closely.  Portraying the uneducated and belittled slave Jim, who at first seems insignificant, has unknowingly attributed to a true bond with Huck as being his paternal figure when he had lost his own long ago when he had denied his responsibilities as a parent. Huck, an immature, yet wise boy slowly grows to become a part of Jim. Jim exemplifies to Huck the values of love, protection, and guidance which doesn’t require genetic reports to prove that, ultimately, Huck is my son.

               

Works Cited

·         Smith, R. T. "Finn." Magill’S Literary Annual 2008 (2008): 1-3. MagillOnLiterature Plus. Web. 4 Apr. 2013.

·         Pittman, Frank. "Fathers and Sons”. Psychology Today. 1 September 1993. Web. 2 April 2013.

·         Valkeakari, Tuire. “Huck, Twain, and the Freedman’s Shackles: Struggling with Huckleberry Finn Today.”  Atlantis. December 2006. Web. 2 April 2013.