Final Thoughts...

For my final critique I have decided to continue my analysis of The Idiot Boy after reviewing the perspective of Greg Modzelewski. In his blog post, Johnny. The "Idiot" in all of us, Modzelewski brings up some very interesting details of Wordsworth's poem. There is much similarity between they way both Greg and I examined Wordsworth's poem, but there is also aspects that I did not consider while I read.

Modzelewski writes, "Johnny is somewhat like a ghost to the rest of a society because of his differences from the regular people. He is sort of a "unnatural" being even to his mother" (Johnny). At first, it is obvious to both of us that Johnny is a person who, to society, has a simpler, less-intelligent mind. As I had mentioned in my previous post, one must ask themselves why Johnny's mother would trust him to do such an important task. In my previous analysis of the story, I had simply figured that his mother had enough trust in him to send him out on this journey without much explanation as to why. After reading the post by Modzelewski a possible explanation became clear to me.

Regarding Johnny's detour, Modzelewski writes, "Johnny wanted to leave the world in which he is an "idiot" and be in a place where he could explore himself without the prism of idiocy which is forced upon him by the society" (Johnny). After reading this, many new questions ran through my mind. I began to see Johnny differently than the majority of society would. In my previous post, I focused on the amazing powers nature had on one's mind, no matter how simple or challenged it may be. Now, after further examination, I see that maybe Johnny's mind isn't as simple as I once thought. Modzelewski states that Johnny wanted to "leave the world" and "explore himself". I now think that nature's effect on Johnny was not the sole power behind his detour that day. I believe that there was something more inside of him.

The main question I asked myself was, "Is it possible that Johnny knew much more of his disability than society gave him credit for and was he trying to fight it?" I came to the conclusion that yes, he did know much more than he was given credit for. While society might view Johnny as challenged, he might view himself differently. He may view himself as someone who is misunderstood rather than weak in his mental abilities. His self-realization is amazing to me. I believe he stopped that day to reflect on himself and grow stronger (after all, this class has taught me that nature is our "universal teacher"). I don't think Johnny is a self-centered person in this way, but is forced to be by the demands of normality. I would bet Johnny thinks of himself as different rather than challenged, and stronger because of it. Because difference, to society, is outside the realm of normality, he must believe he has the potential to do amazing things. And for my conclusion, maybe that's what his mom thought that day he sent him out for help.

I believe people who think and act averagely will always remain average in this world. It is those who are or dare to be different that can accomplish amazing things.

For my analogous reference, I have included a link to a psychological picture test. This is called the Rorschach Test, which claims to tap into a subject's unconscious to reveal repressed aspects of personality, motives for achievement, power, intimacy, and problem-solving abilities.

Take this test and maybe you'll find out some different things about yourself you never knew.

http://theinkblot.com/

Have a great summer!

Sources:

http://modrx-lyricalballads.blogspot.com/

The Idiot Boy

In Wordsworth's, The Idiot Boy, the reader is left in great suspense throughout poem. When Johnny does not return with the doctor, and neither the doctor nor his mother can find him, the reader must wonder if the mother's friend will be able to make it as time is running out. The disappearance of Johnny also has the audience wondering. Though the "idiot boy" was not the best candidate for the task to find the doctor, one must believe that is mother had enough faith in him to send him on that journey. This led me to wonder: What could the "idiot boy" possibly be doing or have been distracted by from such an important task? As the story progresses, we learn that the mother finds the pony and her son captivated by a waterfall. Though Johnny had never returned with the doctor, his mother is ecstatic to be reunited with him and says, "Oh! Johnny, never mind the Doctor;/ You've done your best, and that is all" (406-407). There are two things in this poem that at first surprised me, but made more sense when I finished. The first is that Johnny was mesmerized by something so simple relative to the present situation. The waterfall and the surrounding atmosphere seem so simple, but, as we have learned throughout this class, can have powerful effects on the mind and spirit (in this case, no matter who's mind they are affecting). The second is that the mother was so pleased with her son's effort, regardless of the end result. Though I'm sure she would've liked to seen her son succeed in returning with the doctor, she was proud of his efforts being mentally challenged. I also believe this was due to the mother being so caught up in the moment of finding her son after many hours.

Anyone who has participated in or witnessed the Special Olympics can relate to this story. Though, relative to the majority of professional sports, the end result may not always be an amazing accomplishment, the effort and heart put in by the athletes is truly inspiring.

I have included an inspiring YouTube video. In the video, the narrator states, "because there is not effort without error and shortcomings".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHdEadYY8rE

Side note: Though a lot longer than the previous poem, Kubla Khan, I found this poem a much easier read. As I read, I found myself asking more questions to myself and making more connections to the subjects discussed in class. I'm glad I realized this evidence that my knowledge and skills have improved since the beginning of the semester.

Kubla Khan

To be completely honest, I could not begin to interpret this poem. I guess I could sit here and try to make connections and make sense his work, but I would be going in circles, constantly questioning myself. I guess this is why I am a science major. In science, I understand everything much more clearly, everything is concrete and there is always a right and a wrong. In poetry, there are usually several interpretations (which could be "correct") of a same line or story. I think I have a hard time grasping this concept. This class definitely has challenged me to go deeper than just the words written on the page, but this is a tough one.

Back to Kubla Khan, through a little research I did find out that Coleridge was an opium addict and most likely under the influence of drugs when he wrote this poem. Maybe that's why I am having such a hard time understanding his descriptive language and imagery. Or maybe this poem wasn't even meant to be "understood" but left for complete interpretation by the reader; a poem to make your own (high or sober).

Frost at Midnight

In this poem, Coleridge finds himself lost in his imagination due to his solitude, the extreme silence, and his son quietly sleeping by his side. Although not much going on around him he still summarizes the atmosphere by saying, "This populous village! Sea, hill, and wood, / With all the numberless goings-on of life". I believe his statement regarding the "populous village" refers to the many thoughts (past, present, and future) that run through his mind while being in such solitude and silence. It is obviously not describing the current surroundings, but the potential for deep imagination in his state of mind. Through his son's eyes and the sight of his old school he is able to recall his childhood and the connection with nature he has had throughout his life. He also makes a connection with his son first describing his upbringings and then proceeds to say, "But thou my babe! shalt wander like a breeze". Here Coleridge sees the future of his son, growing up as he once did, deeply connecting with nature. Using this connection and appreciation they both will have as his son grows older, one could only imagine the depth of their extensive imagination.

Like Colridge, I too have found myself in such an atmosphere and state of mind. A recent hobby I have taken up has brought me to places with much history. Last week I visited an old military fort on the shores of Lake Michigan. This place is quiet now, and only spirits of those who once lived there dwell. As darkness fell, the silence of my surroundings gave me a somewhat erie feeling. The silence drew thoughts to my imagination that I have never really experienced before. As it got late, I started back towards my car and in my mind I started to see images of men standing in-line preparing for battle. This connection with silence/solitude can be related to Coleridge's feelings as he sat in his cottage. Though no imagination was drawn to my childhood, I felt I saw the area through the eyes as a soldier once did. I have included an image of what someone might picture if they saw the military fort as I did.

Lines Left upon a Seat in a Yew-Tree

In this poem the Yew-Tree symbolizes the beauty of nature one should appreciate. Wordsworth tells us that the tree "stands far from all human dwelling" on a beautiful coast that "lull(s) the mind". In the first section of the poem (lines 1-7), the atmosphere is briefly described and in the second part the reaction and feelings of the Traveller are told. The description of the Traveller's feelings toward the nature tells us that he is a man who does not appreciate anything outside of his own being; he is somewhat of an egoist. He is described as "The man, whose eye/ Is ever on himself".

In my own opinion, I relate this man to someone who rejects faith, someone who refuses they need an outside source or higher power to obtain happiness or inner peace. Therefore, the Yew-Tree can be seen as a symbol in which someone can appreciate and have compassion towards (this can be related back to my previous post about Pantheism, where God and Nature are viewed as the same power). I think religion in general is the accepting and believing in a higher power in order to better the quality of one's life. This is a quality the the Traveller does not have.

I have included a picture of a beautiful Yew-Tree in a cemetery, a symbol of God or Nature that most can appreciate. It looks almost magical.

The Haunted Beach

Robinson begins this poem by setting a rather dim mood. She describes the landscape as "lonely" and "haunted". He describes the ocean and surrounding caves as "yawning" with "shad'wy jaws". After the first few descriptions we see that this beach is a dismal place where one could also feel very erie. Throughout the poem, Robinson ends each stanza describing the "green billows", this monotonous, almost hypnotic description, adds the the erie mood. This escalation makes the reader believe that there is something more to this story than what simply is described. We find out that the body of a mariner lay dead in the sea weed while the waves roll it about. When the fisherman sees this it is a sight he will never forget. "Destin'd mis'ry to sustain", Robinson tells us that the fisherman will forever be haunted by that night.

I believe it wasn't the sight itself but the atmosphere in which he saw the lifeless body that haunts him. When seeing a dead body it is not always terrifying, it could even be somewhat peaceful to some, such as seeing an undisturbed body laying in a casket at a funeral. The difference between the sights of dead bodies is in the context they are seen. As many Loyola students know, a body was seen by students washed up against the rocks outside of Lake Michigan. I had a friend who had seen the body personally, and though she was disturbed by it, I could tell it was something she was not terrified by. It was not an event that will haunt her for the rest of her life like the fisherman in Robinson's poem. The difference between the two is that in the case on Lake Michigan there was no haunting environment to further the horrible scene. Nonetheless, seeing a dead body in real life is most always disturbing, but can have different effects depending on the situation. Here's a link to the article of the body found on the shores of Loyola.

http://cbs2chicago.com/local/loyola.body.found.2.1305948.html

Sonnet IV - To the Moon

In this poem the moon is described in depth as both an object and a place of rest/relief from earth. "The sufferers of the earth may go", the speaker, Charlotte Smith, uses the moon as a symbol of Heaven. The descriptive language in the poem is mostly dark and saddening, which "brightens" the effect of the moon (Heaven) in the night sky. He calls earth a "toiling scene", speaking of all the evils and sin on earth. The moon would be a great Heaven, even when the world is dark, it remains shining bright.

Throughout the whole poem the mood is somewhat dim, but towards the end there is an escalation to a happier ending. He starts to propose the idea that the moon is where he will have his final rest and then ends with a bang and shouts "Oh! that I soon may reach thy world serene,/ Poor wearied pilgrim - in this toiling scene!" It is an attractive destination because of its peacefulness and its never-ending light in darkness. It is a place where, unlike earth, there would be no evil and no conflict.

Everybody imagines their own Heaven, for Smith it is the moon. Ever since I was very young I have been going to a tiny cottage in a small town in southern Wisconsin. This is where I find my piece of Heaven, and I imagine that my true Heaven will look something like the image above. I find my peace in the simplicity of life there.

Many people imagine Heaven in different ways, here's one of my favorite songs that further describes that "small town".

Small Town USA - Justin Moore

Sonnet on Seeing Miss Helen Maria Williams Weep at a Tale of Distress

Though this is a short poem, I see it as kind of a roller-coaster ride. At first, Wordsworth is saddened by the sight of tears. "Dimming were my swimming eyes - my pulse beat slow". Though he is not directly affected by something that would make him sad, he feels saddened by the sight of sorrow. This contagious sense proves there is a subconscious compassion in everyone's heart. There is not anyone in the world who has not felt another's pain or has not cared for someone or something at one point in their life. The upside to this poem is in the natural counteraction to the sadness. An optimistic view most of us have, that after sorrow comes happiness. "And bright will shine in misery's midnight hour". Life changes around us everyday, and with the changing moments in our life come changing emotion. Relating this to chemistry, atoms always flows from a high to low density. If there is a high density of happiness, sadness will one day come. Again the upside to this, if there is a high density of sadness, happiness and joy will inevitably fill our hearts. It is a cycle that lives in all of us and proves that everyone has compassion in their hearts.

I have attached a link that will make you feel the sadness that this person feels. At the end of the video I felt sad too, but I guarantee sorrow will not be your only reaction after watching this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wp94lfqSTJU&feature=related

Lines Written a Few Miles above Tintern Abbey

After five long years, Wordsworth returns to the Tintern Abbey. He revisits not just the abbey itself, but the nature surrounding it. He starts off by describing the landscape in detail and in extraordinary fashion. Making it seem like nature was all that there was surrounding him, engulfing him. He describes the nature as, "The anchor of my purest thought, the nurse,/The guide, the guardian of my heart, and soul/Of all my moral being." We see here that he regards nature as the divine aspect of life. He does not go so far to reject that God is all divine but believes nature and God are one (a pantheistic view). Read out of context, one would think that this quote relates to Christianity, and rightly so, because of the similarities in beliefs. Wordsworth illustrates that it is not the beliefs that are different, but it is the form in which they are presented to us. In Christianity, God is found within us through prayer and devotion. In Wordsworth's pantheistic view any divinity is seen through nature. He describes himself as a "worshipper of Nature". Here, I don't believe Wordworth means that he worships nature directly, but he believes that nature is the portal in which divinity comes to us. I found a very interesting YouTube video that I think describes pantheism well. I can't say it changed my thinking after I watched it, but it did help me understand the belief better.

Nature is my God

Expostulation and Reply

In this poem, Wordsworth is asked why he sits on an old stone dreaming his time away. Wordsworth begins to reply, "The eye it cannot chuse but see,/ We cannot bid the ear be still;/ Our bodies feel, where'er they be,/ Against, or with our will." Here he tells Matthew of the senses that are stimulated while being surrounded by nature (whether one would like them to or not). Nature is something you can see, hear, touch, smell and taste. The imagination is stimulated by actual sensations happening to your body, and that is what Wordsworth is trying to explain to Matthew. Matthew believes knowledge through reading is more valuable. He might not understand until the end that when one's imagination is stimulated through text, no actual stimulants affect your body, except ones you could only imagine. What Wordsworth makes clear to the reader is that both the presence of nature and knowledge through text are both forms of dreaming, but the actual sensual stimulations received by nature cannot be reproduced in text. Therefore, dreaming in nature is more valuable.

Let's test Wordsworth's philosophy.

First, read this poem slowly and imagine what all five of your senses would be like if you were experiencing this for yourself.

The Snow

Second, go outside, close your eyes, take a deep breath and take time to think about anything for a minute. Which one is more stimulating to the sense? Which did you gain more from mentally?

We Are Seven

"And there upon the ground I sit - I sit and sing to them." Here the little cottage girl sings to her brother and her sister as they sadly lay in their graves. For her to sit and sing to them in the church-yard illustrates a strong sense of hope and never-ending love of family. It is obvious to the reader that the little girl believes that all of her brothers and sisters are all still together in spirit, no matter where they are (physically or spiritually). Her attitude towards the questions asked of her remains positive and hopeful. Hopeful, because she believes her family of seven will all be reunited once again whether it be during their lifetimes on Earth or in Heaven. I believe the pessimism of the man asking her all of the questions only strengthens her beliefs in the unity of her family. The man is misguided in the eyes of the little girl. "But they are dead; those two are dead! Their spirits are in Heaven!" There is an agreement on where their spirits have gone to, but what the man does not understand, and the little girl does, is that their spirits still have a presence inside of her and she will one day be reunited with them. The unity and bond will forever remain. The supposed innocence of the little girl is not to suggest her being naive, her innocence shows the grown man a new way to look at something he may have overlooked in his life. A great connection to the hopefulness and optimism in this poem is also found in one of my favorite country songs by Steve Wariner.

Click the link and then the play button on the first search result.

Holes in the Floor of Heaven

Goody Blake and Harry Gill - A True Story

"The cold, cold moon above her head, Thus on her knees did Goody pray, Young Harry heard what she had said, And icy-cold he turned away." In this quote we see a sort of coldness of Harry Gill. Not simply the obvious physical cold read throughout the whole poem, but a coldness of heart. Once Harry catches Goody Blake trespassing and stealing, she prays to Heaven and Harry turns away. I don't believe that Harry is a compassionate man, especially if he waited long days to catch his trespasser. On the other hand, Goody seemed somewhat warmer at heart. The cold that chatters the teeth of Harry Gill never leaves his body. The word cold is used in a sense of cold-heartedness and lacking God. I think he realizes at the end of the poem when he finally does catch Goody Blake that it simply was not worth it. The cold days were synonymic to the cold that was in his heart, and Harry would now never know the feeling of that warmth. Now unfortunately he realizes how "useless" the matter was, and for his actions it seems he will never be warm. This poem expresses the idea of knowing what is important in life and what is not, and how to deal different situations. Harry had made a bad decision and will regret it. Maybe he needed more of God in his life to keep him warm.

Photo from: http://www.jimmorlock.com/winter_farm_2.jpg

The Rime of the Ancyent Marinere

In "The Rime of the Ancyent Marinere", the Marinere encounters many troubles, but some good luck too. After the Marinere admitted to shooting the Albatross with his crossbow, the crew is very angry. Then they realize the Albatross was not responsible for the wind behind their sails (but for the fog), and they praise the Marinere. But when the ship sails into the evils of the sea the crew then hangs the dead Albatross around the Marinere's neck, he is blamed once again. "Instead of the Cross the Albatross About my neck was hung". I see the dead Albatross as a symbol of the wrong-doing ("evils") of the Marinere and the devil that resides in him. Not only is it clearly stated as an antonym to the Cross (his exclusion from Christ), the Marinere and the crew encounter evils (Death, Life-in-Death, slimy sea creatures) on their continued voyage. In addition, "I look'd to Heaven, and try'd to pray; but or even a prayer had gusht, A wicked whisper came and made My heart as dry as dust". The Marinere tried to pray to Heaven but was unable to, and during the seven days and seven nights his cursed crew lay dead around him he was not able to die, be saved and go to Heaven. I feel the Albatross was what was holding him back from his prayer and salvation. When he had unknowingly blessed the sea creatures, he found himself able to pray again and the Albatross had fallen off his neck. It was apparent in many different stanzas that the Albatross was the cause of the Marinere's unrest.

Halfway through reading this poem I searched some images to help give me a mental picture while reading, the above image is one of a few I found.

Photo taken from: http://www.martinezbeavers.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/albatross.jpg

Lines Written in Early Spring

In this poem the only line repeated was "What man has made of man". Stated in the beginning as a thought and later as a question, this line is what I believe the reader ought to think about after having read the poem. I can't say I have ever been able to relate to most poetry, but after reading this poem once, I felt a connection. It's saying if you look around at nature, everything is so pleasant and harmonic, but if you look at the nature of man it is filled with conflict and sin, and no one is to blame but man himself. A deeper meaning may be that the evils and sin of man can be overcome by understanding and appreciating nature; the larger picture of the world we live in. I can relate to this in that I have always loved the outdoors and being in nature's presence. I love fishing, golfing and hiking just to name a few hobbies I enjoy outdoors. I could always tell that experiencing and understanding nature has always mentally removed me from the unavoidable stress of man's modern life and put me at peace with myself.