"Can't See the Forest for the Trees"

As we were discussing whether 'wilderness' is a man-made construct, I started thinking about a recent pilosophy discussion about the concept of 'forest'. In that discussion, I realized that one can never know if they are looking at a forest. We can only see the trees, and then assume they are a part of a larger picture- the forest. I think the idea of wilderness is equally complicated.

In our discussion today in Cameron Park, we connected wilderness with both nature and the unknown. The concept implies a naturalness untainted by man-made structures and ideas. Isaac finds that he must leave behind his compass, map, gun, and watch (links to man-made cilivization) to truly enter the wilderness and see Old Ben. Wilderness, both to us and to Isaac, is the unknown, natural world devoid of human obscurities.

By this definition, it becomes clear that wilderness is a man-made construct. Man made building, pollution, and technology. We refer to the areas that man has not yet reached or changed to as 'wilderness'. So, without man-made constructs, everything would still exist in it's natural state, and there would be no need to define anything as wilderness. After all, what we term as 'wild' is simply the world in its natural, untainted state.

The Bear

In William Faulkner’s The Bear, the animal world is a prominent force in the short novel. As the title implies, Old Ben, a two-toed bear (on account of hunting traps) is a really important animal in the lives of the hunters. This bear is a source of entertainment and wonder for Ike and the men, as they aspire each year to outsmart him. It is the bear that captures the interest of Ike throughout his childhood, and teaches him diligence, humility, and courage as he prepares for the yearly hunt.

I think the selection of a bear as the central animal in Ike’s life is significant to his development and transition into manhood. Bears are thought to be among the top of the animal kingdom. They are vicious, large, fast, and terrifying creatures. From a distance, they look like friendly, oversized, furry dogs. However, they are extremely strong and forceful animals, capable of killing humans and animals alike. Ike establishes independence and displays bravery by encountering Old Ben without a gun. He respects the animal, and even recognizes that he seems almost human (hence the human name) compared to other creatures. Yet, however strong the bear is, he is not invincible. Even in death the bear’s presence seems to provide lessons to the boy.

A more realistic bildungsroman

Hurston's work is a different kind of bildungsroman than those we have previously read. Janie, the protagonist, experiences growth and maturity (as is typical in bildungsroman novels), but does not end up finding the love she had always desired.

Janie's third marriage ends in pain, trial, and heartache. While she certainly loved Tea Cake, he still abused her and felt the need to possess her. Janie never found the relationship built on equality and understanding that Lucy found in the last reading. Janie ends up alone, reciting her live's story to a friend.

Although her marriages were not successful, Janie grew through all of her experiences. She learned to develop her innerself, that can remain secure when she had to endure abuse and pain. Janie learned to protect herself, and ultimately saves her own life by bravely turning a gun at Tea Cake when he threatens her life. Janie's growth is obvious. Even though she ends up alone, she also ends up a stronger individual who has found peace with herself. She is an inspiration to Pheoby, who now desires more in her life after hearing her life story. Janie will always value the ideal of love, but doesn't need a man to be fulfilled.

'Their Eyes were Watching God'- a title of significance

While reading the book, I couldn't figure out where the title came from until I reached the hurricane scene with Janie and Tea Cake on page 160. In this incredibly vivid scene, they strain their eyes (and their souls) desperately wanting to know what will happen to them.

"They seemed to be staring at the dark, but their eyes were watching God." -160

Hurston has a way of saying a lot in a few simple words. This phrase, appearing also as the title, shows that Janie is a product of her experiences and surroundings. The struggles in her life, and failing relationships were out of her hands. In reading about her experiences up to that scene, I get the feeling Janie knew she was intended for greater purposes and she always had some hope in the future. In a sense, she was always 'watching God', or being a spectator- observing the events that occured in her life, knowing there was only so much that she could control. Janie is always seeking something greater, and is fixated on her ideals (love, equality, understanding). She seems equally focused on this greater power, wanting to know what He has in her future.

Love from a Child's Eyes

"Did marriage end the cosmic loneliness of the unmated?
Did marriage compel love like the sun the day?" -p.21

Janie's transition into womanhood is extremely troubling because it is marked by the end of her simple hope that events in life should happen just as they ought to. She models pure idealism, agreeing to marry to please her dying grandmother, and believing love is the inevitable byproduct of marriage.

When Janie is married to Logan and realizes she still doesn't feel passionate love for him, she naively thinks her grandmother can simply teach her how to love him. This young version of Janie sees all of the beauty and potential in the world, without yet being marred by its destructive potential. Despite her difficult upbringing, Janie managed to hold on to her idealism until her teenage years. When she finally loses it and realizes that marriage doesn't always entail love, "she became a woman" (25).

It is the death of her dream that markes her entrance into adulthood, which is a troubling thought for a reader to contemplate.

Lucy goes out the window!

Lucy goes out the Window

In A Room with a View, Lucy is the protagonist in this bildungsroman. A young woman, Lucy is a product of her upbringing and her surroundings. She is cordial, proper, and concerned with marrying up in society. However, love wakes Lucy up and helps her to realize that her life is destined for passion and excitement.

As Lucy falls in love with George Emerson, the most unlikely of all bachelors, she slowly starts thinking on her own. She develops her own ideas and sense of individuality. Lucy yearns to be in a relationship where she is an equal, and she ultimately finds this with George.

Lucy matures over the course of the book, and finally chooses George over Cecil Vyse. This action shows that she values love over wealth and status, even at the cost of her family’s approval. She becomes a strong woman, eagerly taking her life into her own hands, and out of the typical conventions of society.