A Feminist's Perception

In the opening of act one scene one, I immediately catch sight of a feminist point of view. In this act, King Lear anticipates to divide his power and kingdom among his three daughters. “Demanding public professions of their lives.” Meaning sweet talking, and showering Lear with compliments. However, when Lear’s youngest daughter refuses, Lear takes her dowry away. A Feminist critic might assume that the female characters are portrayed to be inferior human beings in comparison to men, because it is illustrated that this man King Lear, has absolute power, and these three young women are told what to do, and expected to listen. This obligation that Lear expects from his daughters seem so natural, and are qualities expected from his daughters. In act one, scene one, a feminist critic could also conclude that men held the power in society. Act one, scene one, Cordelia admits that she is unhappy. The mistreatment she suffers, as a result of not gratifying her father like the other two sisters, causes her to feel miserable. Cordelia reveals that she only loves Lear “according to her bond. Her obligation pf child and father.” Her duties are listed, “to obey, love, and honor her father”. A Feminist critic would suppose that women were not given many opportunities to make choices on their own. A feminist critic would observe that Cordelia’s lacks independence. Although Cordelia is unhappy, in act one, scene one, the audience does not witness another alternative to Cordelia’s situation. Cordelia’s only option is to continue carrying out her responsibility, which is satisfy her father. Cordelia’s silence makes her motivations hard to understand, for example, her refusal to announce her love for her father at the beginning of the play.

The Controversies of "Disgraced"

After reading Coetzee’s move to Australia New York times article it is now revealed that the author discovered the tensions of post-apartheid. Coetzee is also accessed of being a racist, as a result of his novel “Disgrace” Coetzee denies speaking to the press, or participating in any interviews. “Brutally representing the white peoples perception of the post-apartheid black man and, implying that in the new regime whites would loose their cards, their weapons, their property, their rights, and their dignity, while the white women would have to sleep with Barbaric Black Men.” This is demonstrated when Lucy and David, who were once the dominant whites in their neighborhood, were viciously attacked, by three black men. This attack ruined their lives, causing David and Lucy emotional, and physical distress. David and Lucy are therefore unable to communicate with each other, disagreeing on almost everything they talk about. A “Barbaric Black Man” forced himself on Lucy, impregnating her. Lucy chooses to have the child, a burden that she has accepted to live with. Petrus, on the other hand once looked upon as the uneducated African, who was not that important, has now gained some authority. Petrus has land, and has Lucy, a white female in the palm of his hands. This represents the whites “loosing their property, their rights and their dignity.” To this extent, one would have the opportunity to call Coetzee’s book racist. On the contrary, an authors responsibility when it comes to the views he or she brings forth in their text is to take into consideration the values of their audience

A sense of individuality..

Effects of colonization around the world today include conflicts found in many areas that were once colonized or controlled by Western European authority. Similar to the second half of J.M. Coetzee’s “Disgrace”. Tensions have occurred in Cape town, and it seems as though David, and Lucy’s pride is now lessened. David, and Lucy, once the dominating characters in the novel, have grown apart from each other, now living with several insecurities, and constantly disagreeing with one another’s ideas. In the mean time, Petrus, who was looked upon as the inferior character, has now gained a sense of individuality. At one time in the novel, Petrus even mentions that he “is no longer the dog man”. In the second half of the novel, Petrus is portrayed to be a rebel. For example, in David’s attempt to “nag” Petrus, he says “… I find it hard to believe the men who came here were strangers… “Those men knew about the forestry station. I am convinced they knew about Lucy. How could they have known if they were complete strangers to the district?” Petrus chooses not to take this question”. Petrus continues to not offer David information, which puts David in a rage, to the point where he wants to “take Petrus by the throat.” (pg 119). This demonstrates that Petrus, who was once willing to help David, and Lucy , somewhat a gofer to them, has now stepped up to leading characters, carrying the attitude as if he does not care how they feel. This connection to pos-colonialism, demonstrates the ability of one colony attempt towards liberation. However, the novel this is depicted through individual characters.

Buried Comparsion..

Although J.M. Coetzee’s novel “Disgrace” is different from Conrad’s novel titled “The Heart of Darkness”, it consist of a few similarities. While reading chapters one through six, I began to realize the power David Lurie had. It is evident that Lurie is a white working male, that has the ability to pay off prostitutes for sex. An example, would be a young African American women named Soraya, whom he’s had sexual encounters with for quite sometime. When Soraya is suddenly unavailable to meet with Lurie, he becomes aggressive, by stalking her, calling her, and even showing up at her house, wanting to know why they could not see each other anymore. The act of domination of one over another is demonstrated here. Lurie feels that he owns Soraya, and that their encounters should continue. Soraya is a young African American women, who obtains a job of prostitution. Lurie, on the contrary is a white male, that has a career in teaching. This status allows Lurie to assume he has the upper hand, and the right to control Soraya’s actions, even though she is not willing to. Similar to the idea of post-colonialism in Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness”. The hegemony of one group, idea, or concept over another. Another similarity that I came across was the description of people. In J.M. Coetzee’s “Disgrace”, the remaining prostitutes that are offered to Lurie, when he is unable to meet with Soraya, are described as “exotic”. “Lots of exotics to choose from- Malaysian, Thai, Chinese, you name it.” (Coetzee, 8). In Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness” the humans that Conrad comes across are portrayed as “Black Shadows, Black Bones, Black Shapes”. Achebe mentions that Conrad does have a “fixation on Blackness”, someone’s color. These examples illustrate that the characters are not represented as individuals, but as “stereotypes”. Due to the women’s sexy qualities, they are depicted as “exotic”. As a result of the Africans dark complex, they are portrayed to be something other than human. Achebe, believes that Conrad “devalues” the African people. After comparing both works of literature, one is able to see how domination can be demonstrated in various ways.

The Battle of Algeria

Algeria is a prime example of a colony that fought its way to become decolonized. During 1954 in Alger a time when the war started in Indochina Algeria desired their independence. The Frenchmen have been the dominant culture for over one hundred and thirty years, and the Algerian people were ready for a change. One particular problem that Algeria had to face were the tactics and plots the Algerians had to create to help them step up to the French. The Algerians organized their communities by allowing their women to remove their head dresses, and other clothing, to blend in, and look more like the French women. This tactic gave the Algerian women the opportunity to step foot into closed places where large populations of French people gathered. When the women arrived in these place, such as eateries, they placed their hand bags with grenades inside under tables, and chairs. Minutes later the grenade would go off killing thousands of French people. Algerians began their rebellion on November 1, 1954, to gain civil rights, which have not been given to them under French rule. The revolution, was organized by a small group of nationalists who called themselves the “National Liberation Front (FLN)”it became known as, a guerrilla war in which both sides targeted civilians and otherwise used brutal tactics. The French had massive weapons, ammunition, and other military items to attack the Algerian people. The announcement that declared Algeria their independence was held in Algeria on July 1, 1962. France stated Algeria their independence on July 3. formally elected president.
As a result, the French win the battle of Algiers , however they loose the war for Algeria.
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/8005.htm

the significance of ones words

Ironically, although it may seem that Conrad is a “bloody racist” in fact he is not. Conrad is describing in full detail what he encountered. However there are reasons for why one may think he is a racist. For example, Conrad mentions “Black shapes crouched lay, sat between the trees leaning against the trunks, slinging to the earth, half coming out, half effased within the dim light, in all the attitudes of pain.” As a result of Conrad’s choice of words, and the lack of identifying the “Black shapes” as men, is one factor that may lead one to believe that Conrad is a racist. “…the work was going on. The work! And this was the place where some of the helpers had withdrawn to die.” This quote gives the impression that Conrad was waiting for the Africans to die. Although Conrad is not a “bloody racist” another reason for why he appears to be one is because of his description, “They were dying slowly- it was very clear . They were not enemies, they were not criminals, they were nothing earthly now- nothing but black shadow of disease and starvation…” This portrayal removes the Africans humanity . Conrad mentions they are “Black shadows of disease and starvation”. As inhumane as it may seem, Conrad gives the reader factual information, “brought from all the recesses of the coast in all the legality of time contracts, lost in incon- genial surroundings, fed on unfamiliar food, they sickened…” This was an unpleasant period for the Africans. There are no inoffensive words that could describe their circumstances. The Africans physical, and mental state could have accurately described as “black shadows, shapes, and bones.” One may answer no, Conrad is not a racist for using those terms. His method allowed one to paint a clear image in their mind. As a result of Conrad referring to the Africans by their skin color, it is easy to assume that he represents a racist. Conrad also calls the Africans “creatures”, when he describes how one attempted to rise to his hands, and knees, on all fours, to get a drink from the river. Again, this explanation does not mean that Conrad is a racist, yet it leads one to think he is. As a result of the Africans mistreatment , and loss of humanity, they were looked upon as animals. As “creatures”, that had no authority. Conrad is basically giving light to the truth which had been verbally untold.

the impact of subjectivity and gender

“each individual is different, each possesses a unique subjectivity yet also and paradoxically, each shares a common human nature.” this quote implies that as a result of each individual being different, that is what cause others to find ways in which they do not accept them, or may cause conflict. However, the ones that are responsible for this action, do not see that they are in fact similar, or share a common characteristic with the one they were subject to. “Theory of culture, theory of society, the ensemble of symbolic systems are religion, family, language, everything elaborates the same system. And the movement by which each opposition is set up to produce meaning is the movement by which the couple is destroyed”. This quote allows one to come to the conclusion that as a result of the regions that are formed, and language that is spoken, people try to conform. No one wants to be a victim of subjectivity. this “movement is destroyed” when there is no room for one to express what they want to do, or have a sense of individuality. It seems as those the authors are trying to investigate, the cause on way subjectivity and gender is a large issue, and the reason for why people will not overlook this topic. “Of a women, upon whom he no longer depends, he retains only his space, always virginal, matter subjected to the desire that he wishes to imprint.” From this quote I can conclude that one wants to be there own person, I believe maybe they want to “ imprint” there own thought.

Pride and Prejudice, through a Feminist's eyes..

The first novel that came to mind when thinking about feminist readings, was “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen. During the openings of this novel, Mrs. Bennet is extremely determined to find husbands for her three daughters. A Feminist critic would focus on the obstacle which may be preventing these women from finding their own husbands. One day at a gathering ,Mr. Bingley, a single wealthy man, has immediate attraction to Jane, one of the three daughters. Due to Bingley’s interest in Jane, they are expected to get to know each other, and soon marry. A feminist critic, would note that Jane did not have a voice in this situation. “Pride and Prejudice” has many themes. However, the theme of gender inequalities is what a Feminist critic would be interested in. In the novel, several female characters, one in particular, Charlotte are very anxious, and feel the need to marry men who they really do not love. Their goal is to marry to gain financial safety, because they don’t possess any of their own. The males dominated everything. They were considered the fortunate, and working class. Mr. Bennet’s manor that Mrs. Bennet and their three daughters live on suffers a downfall, leaving the daughters in a terrible financial state, that calls for them to marry. A Feminist critic would note that women were portrayed to be not as gifted, and able to carry out the different jobs as well as men. A Feminist critic would note that women’s lower statue in society was unfair. The novel however, reached its climax when Elizabeth is bale to maintain her happiness, despite going against the traditional ways of being married, for financial reasons. Elizabeth marries a man who she cares for and deeply loves.

feminist literary critics...

After reading several feminist texts, Feminist literary Critics focus on how various works represent women, and the superior status men hold over them. Femisinist literary critics also focus on how women are denied a voice. Feminist Critics determine how literature imitates the ideologies of today’s society that relate to ones gender, and the amount of power one will hold. In the reading titled “Things Fall Apart” and Feminist Criticism, by Chinva Achebe, the author states “ this work challenges these misreading and positions the female characters at the center of the text. Instead of focusing on Okonkwo, as most critics have, this reading is focused on two major female characters, Ekwefi and Ezinma, and one minor figure, Ojiugo.” This quote demonstrates that feminist critics are concerned with the women’s perspective. Feminist critics try to interpret the reason and meaning of each line in a given text. Culler (1982), from the reading “Things Fall Apart” writes, “For a women to read as a women is not to repeat an identity or an experience that is given but to play a role she constructs with reference to her identity as a women, which is also a construct. Female literary critics may usually look for the definite meaning of “man and women.” Feminist readings of text show their essential differences from the male readings. “women’s experiences, many feminist critics claims, will lead them to value works differently from their male counterparts, who may regard the problems women characteristically encounter as of limited interest.” Culler (1982), from “Things Fall Apart.” Some question the “supremacy of the privileged term.” Feminist critics look form sexual differences. Some Feminist Critics attempt to set standards for a work of literature that does not condemn individuals because of their “class, race, or sex.” Some discuss the various representations of women in literary traditions. One such Feminist critic has investigated the reason why “To be seen as a women writer, was to be seen in a subcategory.” Several feminist critics discover the challenges to a literary principle that is dominated by men. Implying the inclusion of female writers that ate ignored or rejected. Feminist criticism entail the study of a literary women writers. Feminist critics use Gynocriticism, a term used to describe the means concerning itself with the works by women. Their goal is to eliminate the traditional ways of a patriarchy, the ideology that males are more dominate them females. Feminist criticism demonstrates that male and female reader portray different viewpoints to texts, producing different meanings. Feminist critics consider women’s opinions, that were formerly ignored by the dominate group.

Inequalities of women

“ladies are only admitted to the library if accompanied by a fellow of the college or furnished with a letter of introduction.” This quote was found in Virginia Woolf’s “A Room of one’s own”. The quote describes the unfair treatment women received. On one occasion, Woolf desires to take a look at a manuscript in the library at the University of Oxbridge. Yet she was stopped and told the following mentioned above. This becomes a problem, and Woolf has no choice but to wait outside, feeling bothered by her limitations. In “The Second Sex” by Simone de Beauvoir, one particular quote states “men use them (women) as a pretext for increasing the misery of the feminine lot still further, for instance by refusing to grant women any right to sexual pleasure, by making her work like a beast of burden.” This quote implies that men dominate women. The men call women “the other” which takes away their dignity. Women are considered objects in this passage, there for men’s sexual desires. These passages compare because both illustrate the unhappiness of women, due to their inequalities. “The Second Sex” states that men are significant, while women are insignificant. These problems have to do with literature because these ideologies were enforced in different writings, and throughout history. “Only in work can she achieve autonomy, if women can support themselves, she can achieve a form of liberation.” This was considered a solution. Yet it is not plausible, because some women did not or could not support themselves, but had the right to equality. Working together, proving that they deserved the same rights as men, by speaking on their opinions, acting on what they say, seems like a more plausible solution. After all, the inequality of women was very effective in the past, yet as a result of the women protesting in feminist movements, and many other efforts they made, women were granted the rights they deserved.

Course of Marxism..

During the course of Marxism, I have learned a great deal about Karl Marx. The fact that Marx was determined to fight despite the many obstacles he faced, against oppression and exploitation, and seeing socialism as the only means of liberation, was very impressive. The most compelling aspect of what I studied was the ability to interpret various readings, and short films from a Marxist point of view. Allowing room for another opinion besides my own, gave me a better understanding of the text. The classic story/movie, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” is one example, where I was able to discover a different meaning, other than my own. The least interesting from the course of Marxism, were the challenging readings that I sometimes slogged my way through, to understand the message the author presented to the reader. I also learned the different elements Marxist readings consist of, and what a Marxist may look for when examining a piece of literature. Such as examples of social class, differences between the dominant group and subordinate group, if there are any. What type of people belonged to these groupings. How the dominate group maintains their power over the subordinate group. A Marxist reading may also entail the characteristics of what is accepted in these two groups. The concept of Hegemony was also new to me. Discovering the definition for the word; the ideologies created by the dominant group, that the subordinate group follows, I realized that this concept is still practiced today. I made connections between the concept of hegemony and how it is going on in Cuba, by a selfish ruler, who establishes rules that his country has to follow. The course of Marxism taught me a different approach that is useful when analyzing literature. Often, I find myself looking for at least one of the elements, mentioned above in the readings I come across.

Williams & Cole Responses..

Raymond Williams
“The concept of ideology did not originate in Marxism and is still in no way confined to it. Yet it is evidently an important concept in almost all Marxist thinking about culture, and especially about literature and ideas.” Raymond William goes on to explain that although the concept of ideology is found in almost all Marxist readings, this concept of ideology can be found in any class society. Raymond Williams believes that the concept of ideology should not just be related to Marx, because it did not originate in Marxism, and this concept can be identified with other. “The damage can be realized if we compare it for a moment with Marx’s description of human labour…” Raymond Williams is trying to say that this idea of Marx beliefs create a one-sided vision of ho things may seem. Allowing no room for our on reason for why classes or salutations in society are the way they are now.
Russell Banks “Sarah Cole”
Russell Banks, “Sarah Cole” can connect to our class discussion in a way in which it demonstrates the concept of Hegemony. Which is when the Dominant group creates an ideology to subject the subordinate group. When Ron and Sarah continuously go places together, various people in the neighborhood would considered them “Funny looking”. Due to the ideologies that the Dominant group created, the subordinate groups have come to accept that socializing with someone from a different social status is not considered ideal. A “Marxist” reading of this story might entail the emphasis on social classes. From a Marxist point of view, the description of the men in Concord New Hampshire ,…”three piece suits and loosened neckties..” would categorize them as the “Dominant group” or lawyers as they mentioned in the story. These men were mostly “good looking.” From a Marxist point of view, Cole on the other hand would represent the subordinate group, because she was unattractive, had a “rapidi voice, and her dumpy off center wreck of a body.” The author goes on the describe the difference in neighborhoods. Cole’s south end of concord apartment was a second floor tenement building. Half stripped cars on cinder block in the driveways, cracked sidewalks. Ron’s, however representing the upper class, lives Downtown, where the streets are much cleaner, and the driveway is usable for his car, which is a Datsun fastback coupe. The kinds of things Banks would fixate on if it were a Marxist reading would also be on the society/community in which they both live. A Marxist would believe that because Ron and Sarah are afraid of making love for the first time is because they are so socially, physically, and mentally different. Ron at first has a problem with going out with Cole in public in the beginning. A Marxist would believe that he’s afraid of what society may think of him, because he’s dating a women who is not in his social group. Also from a Marxist reading, the characters sense of style would be taken into consideration. The dominant men in the story were “over-dressed”, yet the characters in Sarah’s community dresses different. EVERYONE was in jeans, and cowboy boots, and this was considered appropriate.

Gramsci & Marx

When describing hegemony, Gramsci means groups that have less priority in a society accept the ideas and beliefs of the more dominating class because they “have reason of their own.” Stating that they believe it is good sense, or good judgment. According to Gramsci, “…the Bourgeoisie is based on two equally important facts: economic domination and intellectual and moral leadership.” Those that lacked these characteristics were considered much lower. The “dominant groups in society” maintain their power through their clever tactic, “spontaneous consent,” which help give them the lead.
“Capitalism was clearly doomed to imminent failure in 1846”, yet it seem to continue because of the concept of Hegemony. One class has dominated the other classes in society, and therefore developed the ability to introduce their ideologies. Overtime these ideologies have conditioned the other classes into believing that those ideas and beliefs were accurate, and that there was no room for change. The other classes of society come to accept the dominant groups own “moral, political, and cultural values.” This concept of Hegemony is then views as “common sense” the “dominant ideology is practiced and spread.” It seems as though there is more wood that is being added to the fire. There is no change, no (water) to help put the fire out…
Karl Marx believed that capitalism would produce conflict, that would eventually lead to a society’s downfall. A Marxist would most likely think the concept of Hegemony is a problem; because Marxist believe in communism. Communism, a socioeconomic structure that consist of no classes. It is solely based on the common ownership of the means of production. In general, Gramsci’s concept of Hegemony describes how the dominant groups holds power, and as a result the other classes accept their values. At this point, a Marxist would identify the issue, almost certainly stating…first there needs to be a society free of class.
After reading the Marxist readings, particularly “Rudolph’s Shiny New Economy”, one is able to determine the most useful technique. Which is the author’s skilled way of describing how class structure is introduced through television shows that most Americans view as harmless towards children. One example would be “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” The story reaches its climax when Rudolph attempts to socialize with the other reindeer, yet is rejected due to his shiny red nose; which is extremely bizarre to the other reindeer. This reading has to do with literature, because it shows how different “ranks of society” existed. Rudolph desired to fit in, and participate in the “jockish activities of head butting and other forms of male bonding.” The least useful in this particular story, are the struggles that characters often encounter to be accepted, sometimes it seems that the characters will do just about anything to avoid being eccentric.

Karl Marx & Friedrich Engels

"Such countries have no other natural premises than the individuals, who settled there and were led to do so because the forms of intercourse of the old countries did not correspond to their wants. Thus they begin with the most advanced individuals of the old countries, and therefore with the correspondingly most advanced form of intercourse, before this form of intercourse has been able to establish itself in the old countries." I am having difficulty understanding the message the author is trying to send the reader.