Summative Journal - Conflict's Cost

            What defines conflict? Is it perpetual? Is it an aspect of chaos? Or an opportunity for growth? Why is it often labeled as a property of evil? These are the questions that I have finally resolved with the conclusion of Wuthering Heights.

In the novel’s final pages we learn of the demise of Heathcliff, a man who’s existence is within itself the a representation of conflict’s continuity, The fact that he was an orphan instilled within him a need to oppose society’s perception of him with the acknowledgement that with perseverance “his very [weaknesses would] sharpen his wits to find a substitute to strength” – pg 273. Unfortunately his substitution was the conflict of others, and the weapon he forged through it had a second blade as a handle, which with ever use, bled him of his sanity. Soon the loss became too great for his body to compensate and he died a restless death; “with a frightful, lifelike gaze of exultation [which] would not shut //[and] [sneered] at attempts //[with] parted lips and sharp white teeth” – Pg 318. The conflict so ubiquitous in his life not only drained him of his health, but also proceeded to contort his body, almost as if it buckled under the overbearing pressure of conflict’s presence.

I have come to believe this as the essence of conflict. It’s a drug like caffeine; in small doses it gives us the strength to persevere, but in large doses we become dependant on it and it begins to rule our lives. We search daily for a fix and refuse to operate without it; all the while it undermines our independence and manipulates our priorities and actions.

Beyond analyzing the overall effect of prolonged conflict, we also observed the different forms conflict presented itself in. The traditional physical aspect was present, however as was emotional conflict. Throughout the novel we learned of Linton’s condition. His position in society is alike Heathcliff, however his sickly stature prevents him from executing physical abuse so instead he torments those around him emotionally; “Linton had that distorted nature. He’ll never let his friends be at ease, and he’ll never be at ease himself.” – Pg 243 No one was more effected by this than Catherine.

Catherine’s character began as a timid young girl curious and open to the world, however her interactions with Linton changed that. “Catherine’s face [became] just like the landscape – shadows and sunshine flitting over it in rapid succession; but the shadows rested longer, and the sunshine was more transient; and her poor little heart reproached itself for even that passing forgetfulness of its cares” – Pg 253. As apposed to making her fearful and untrusting as physical conflict would, emotional conflict changed and hardened her, which ultimately was reflected in her appearance.  This has led us to believe conflict is a tool for growth, however the strength gained often undermines innocence and morality. Furthermore, conflicts lost both weaken us and undermines our moral compasses in further engagements. It is because of this that conflict acts as an aspect of chaos and darkness; despite the strengthening effect it can create.

Overall I feel this novel draws numerous parallels to society. Upon finishing the novel, I was given time to reflect upon the story as a whole. The novel connects to society on many levels; the harsher aspects of human nature, the struggles for power of varying levels we face each and every day, and even our perceptions on the former. For example, Heathcliff and satan's character in Milton's Paradise Lost are nearly identical in biography and appearance, and even more so in their reception. They also have similar derivation for their inner darkness; they both lost power in a place they once felt acceptance/in shelter; Heathcliff in the first days he was adopted, and satan in Heaven before being banished. 

I believe our group has worked quite effectively overall, however we didn’t have much discussion this week due to the fact that we finished the book and had many of our questions answered. The discussion we did have was in relation to conflict and violence and was quite rich. My goal for the next lit circle is to pick on of the words to focus our discussion on before we read, as I felt it was much easier to see the examples within the text and form opinions/interpretations and build upon each other’s understandings as apposed to trying to match our discussion to a word afterwards having it. 

Journal 4 - Conflict and Decay

            What defines conflict? Is it perpetual? Is it an aspect of chaos? Or an opportunity for growth? Why is it often labeled as a property of evil? These are the questions that I have finally resolved with the conclusion of Wuthering Heights.

In the novel’s final pages we learn of the demise of Heathcliff, a man who’s existence is within itself the a representation of conflict’s continuity, The fact that he was an orphan instilled within him a need to oppose society’s perception of him with the acknowledgement that with perseverance “his very [weaknesses would] sharpen his wits to find a substitute to strength” – pg 273. Unfortunately his substitution was the conflict of others, and the weapon he forged through it had a second blade as a handle, which with ever use, bled him of his sanity. Soon the loss became too great for his body to compensate and he died a restless death; “with a frightful, lifelike gaze of exultation [which] would not shut //[and] [sneered] at attempts //[with] parted lips and sharp white teeth” – Pg 318. The conflict so ubiquitous in his life not only drained him of his health, but also proceeded to contort his body, almost as if it buckled under the overbearing pressure of conflict’s presence.

I have come to believe this as the essence of conflict. It’s a drug like caffeine; in small doses it gives us the strength to persevere, but in large doses we become dependant on it and it begins to rule our lives. We search daily for a fix and refuse to operate without it; all the while it undermines our independence and manipulates our priorities and actions.

Beyond analyzing the overall effect of prolonged conflict, we also observed the different forms conflict presented itself in. The traditional physical aspect was present, however as was emotional conflict. Throughout the novel we learned of Linton’s condition. His position in society is alike Heathcliff, however his sickly stature prevents him from executing physical abuse so instead he torments those around him emotionally; “Linton had that distorted nature. He’ll never let his friends be at ease, and he’ll never be at ease himself.” – Pg 243 No one was more effected by this than Catherine.

Catherine’s character began as a timid young girl curious and open to the world, however her interactions with Linton changed that. “Catherine’s face [became] just like the landscape – shadows and sunshine flitting over it in rapid succession; but the shadows rested longer, and the sunshine was more transient; and her poor little heart reproached itself for even that passing forgetfulness of its cares” – Pg 253. As apposed to making her fearful and untrusting as physical conflict would, emotional conflict changed and hardened her, which ultimately was reflected in her appearance.  This has led us to believe conflict is a tool for growth, however the strength gained often undermines innocence and morality. Furthermore, conflicts lost both weaken us and undermines our moral compasses in further engagements. It is because of this that conflict acts as an aspect of chaos and darkness; despite the strengthening effect it can create.

I believe our group has worked quite effectively overall, however we didn’t have much discussion this week due to the fact that we finished the book and had many of our questions answered. The discussion we did have was in relation to conflict and violence and was quite rich. My goal for the next lit circle is to pick on of the words to focus our discussion on before we read, as I felt it was much easier to see the examples within the text and form opinions/interpretations and build upon each other’s understandings as apposed to trying to match our discussion to a word afterwards having it. 

Lit Circle Summative 1

Pain Glog

My glog is a representation of pain in both the literal sense and in the imagery used. I brought in my connection in the form of a pop culture music video from youtube(Grenade by Bruno Mars). For the section on growth, I brought in images of trees to represent two things. The first is how pain spreads to it's surroundings like wild fire, burning away all the nutrients for a nourished and comfortable life. The second is the way pain alters our needs. I placed the tree in a splotch of red (blood) to symbolize how Heathcliff feeds of the pain of others. He uses it for growth and survival to compensate for his social disadvantages. Finally i used quotes from various characters to emphasize the different ways pain can be received and interpreted. Although they are all similar, their ideas on how pain can be dealt with vary largely. The moving eyes in the title are an extended illustration of Heathcliff's quote in that they represent the mistrust and eternal inner conflict that arise as a result of pain felt from a young age.

Response

Well done you are on the right path! YOu have many great and insightful points which you have well supported. YOur discussion about your group is well done is well aussi. You also look at teh big picture by discussing by looking at humanity. I am not sure what else to tell you. You know what to do. You can try challenging yourself by trying a variety of connections in one journal. Keep up the good work.

Lit Circle Journal #2

This week our lit circle read up to chapter 18. This middle section of the book by far mitigates the darkness of the beginning. We have further investigated the past of Heathcliff and learned the extent of his evil nurturing. Rather, though, than empathize with his condition, we are nearly as desensitized from his pain as he is from his emotions. When we read of Catherine’s death we learned a frightful truth in his reaction. “I thought the very intensity of his gaze would bring tears to his eyes; but they burned with anguish, they did not melt” –P 155. Although he had lost the one thing he truly cared for in life, he couldn’t express his emotions. The pain had made him stereotypically strong in the masculine perception and allowed him to grow into a man indifferent to pain, but through the eyes of a human he was weak and destroyed. He became even more obsessed with preventing the loss of the little he had. He prayed that Catherine “not rest as long as [he is] living” - P 163. He was so lost that he wished her to “be with [him] always” and “not leave [him] in the abyss where [he] cannot find [her]” – P 163. Our group discussed this and debated the definition of love; is it always healthy, or is it an obsession we obtain with others that we must learn to balance? Is it because Heathcliff’s life is so out of order and lost that his love has taken this misguided form, or something deeper?

            As mentioned earlier, the novel also delves deeper into the divisions of class we assert upon ourselves and the distinction of man and animal. Heathcliff’s wife Isabella often asks “Is he a man? If so, is he mad? And if not, is he the devil?” P 134. Throughout the novel his apathy leads us to believe that he is more of a fiend than anything else. The reason for this can be found through his treatment of Isabella; “ [she] gave him [her] heart, and he took and pinched it to death, and flung it back to [her]. People feel with their hearts, and since he has destroyed [ours], [we] have not the power to feel for him” P 168.  The cruelty he has shown is short of barbaric, and as human we are hard stricken to forgive. Because of this both the characters and we have lost the ability to sympathize with him, which makes him appear all the more cruel. Our tendencies to label and categorize the world around us make us blind to the existence of multiple aspects to identity; instead of seeing a building with a multitude of varying infrastructures that allow it to exist cohesively, we see a single piece of plywood. Instead of realizing it is capable to fix a single structure and save the larger identity, we see a hole that must be patched. Normally our humanity to drive us attempt to patch it anyway, in Heathcliff however, the hole appears to outdo the value of workable material; he is to hard to patch.

            In conclusion our group decided that pain does bring growth, but in the way a muscle is strengthened. Pain destroys the weaker portions of us and allows our strengths to fill the gaps, however if the pain exceeds the capacity of the person, it takes away our strength as well. If we can find redirection or intervention it is possible to make a recovery over a period of time, if not the pain often consumes us. As if Heathcliff wasn’t enough proof, Hindley lives example; “Grief, and that, together transformed him into a complete hermit. When we have no where to turn, we often resort to the dark recesses of our humanity, we weave a shell of mistrust and hatred and don’t give others the chance to hurt us as we hide behind it.

            I feel our group was particularly effective this week with our discussions. We all contributed and challenged each other’s ideas, which allowed us to understand the essential questions to a deeper extent and see the different ways we interoperated the character’s identities. My goal for next week is to ask questions more closely related to the EQs as apposed to individual quotes and wording as I felt the best understanding came from analyzing the text in relation to a EQ.

response

Ok- I just typed in your comment and hit something and lost it. so here goes round two. Your analysis is insightful, well supported and so true. Why is it that he feels so much of an outsider? he is wanted yet he can't be accepted? will he ever be? Does society even today in certain circles accept those who are different.? heatcliff tries to belong but doea he ever fit in?
Could you also add to your reflection your metacognition piece. How you felt you contributed or were involved inthe discussion. Do you think you are doing ok adn actively grouwing from discussing the novel etc....

Overall, your analysis was very well done, I will have to sit and chat with your group because gthere is so much to discuss with your book and all the layers of what is occurring,.

Lit Circle Journal #1

This week we read the first 7 chapters of Wuthering Heights and began to analyze the setting and the difference/ similarities between Heathcliff and Lockwood. We noted that class seemed to be a defining attribute that Lockwood based his assumptions on, which tells not only of his character but the time of the novel. We focused on distinguishing factors between the two characters, such as Heathcliff being a "dark-skinned gypsy in aspect in dress and manners a gentleman..."- pg 11, a man who doesn’t conform to stereotypes, while Lockwood is more of the traditional image of class. Their appearances also somewhat reflect their identities; Heathcliff being a dark and mysteriously foreboding orphan. Lockwood on the other hand is a man very aware of his social standing and is willing to assert his perceived authority granted by class. As we delve deeper into the novel we learn of the twisted family tree that exists while we begin to question the concept of family. Although many of the characters are related, they often appear to be enemies who grieve at the presence of one another. It almost seems a warning of a dark past best not explored.

         We also explored the setting. It was dark and most foremost unwelcoming. Lockwood exists the prevailing cold and enters the mysterious house “without any introductory lobby or passage” – pg 11. He also notes that “in Wuthering heights the kitchen if forced to retreat” into the far corner of the house. – pg 10 This simple implication; the heart of this house is far hidden, and there is no welcome to be found here, further emphasizes how cold and desolate the scene is. The entire place screams outwardly against intrusion, and the quickening winds set an atmosphere of chaos and danger.

         As we read further we learned more of Heathcliff’s past, and questioned the connotations the book creates around darkness, pain and conflict. Our group concluded that each one of those reflections of Heathcliff was a result of the psychological and emotional suffering he experienced as a permanent outsider in a home that couldn’t accept him. 

Movie Analysis-Conveyance of Evil

The Dark Knight tell the story of the famous Batman on his newest crusade against evil, only this time around evil takes a mature political face and intensifies it’s definition. The story starts with the Joker’s plot to bring Gotham City to it’s knees and beg for mercy. As the story progresses another villain is revealed in the form of Harvey Dent, an important and well known political figure who’s bent on revenge against Batman for failing to rescue the love of his life.

            On a literal level, we see aspect of darkness portrayed through insanity from complete loss of identity in the Joker and revenge in Harvey.  The plot shows how evil can be triggered through loss and how it is often used to disposition personal grief and suffering. In one of the key scenes of the plot, Harvey states, “You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain”.  This line claims that evil is within every being, and to say other wise is to be disillusioned by the idea that you are above humanity itself.  People don’t create evil, evil is created within them by horrors they experience throughout their lives. It can be something as common as poverty and abuse as in the case of the Joker or as torturous as knowing that your life meant the death of a loved one, as in the case of Harvey. In both cases a villain is born of being drowned in grief, and being forced to blame the faults of other to cope psychologically.

            Symbolically the story tells a similar tale.  Batman himself becomes a wanted criminal, not because of his deeds, but because of the mystery he evokes. The people don’t understand him and so he is a threat. This may be the darkest trait of humanity, the fear of the unknown and the unwillingness to understand. This is reflected throughout society in the forms of discrimination and racism; those who are different are a threat. We can also see a deep symbolism in the way the filmmakers portrayed the villains’ former identities. Harvey has half his face and half a face of destroyed flesh, is able to identify who he once was, which allows him to minimize his chaotic effects to his original goal, unlike the Joker who wears a mask and can’t remember who he once was, allowing him to apathetically utilize chaos to vast degrees. The confusion of the character, and therefore the depth of the darkness they’ve immersed themselves in, corresponds to how much they hold of their identity.

            These themes show up in society in varying degrees. We see the disposition of power that caused Hitler to begin World War II, the tragic hero of Macbeth who was forced to question who he was by a manipulative and power hungry wife, and even within ourselves, simply when we feel jealous. The end of the film states one of the saddest truths, the world needs to believe that good can’t be tainted, the unknown and misunderstood is dark and society is unforgiving. The thing that stuck out most to me was the fact that we all need a scapegoat to blame our injustices on because we can’t cope with the idea that no one is to blame. Evil is a refutation of the reality of your faults and impossibility of justice empowered by a lack of power and grief at your standing in society.

EQ: What does power have to do with fairness and justice?

            The story really speaks of how power leads to justice and fairness. The plot states that those who obtain power are more likely to be rewarded with justice and fair treatment, even if it may not be fully deserved. This also speaks to the triggering of evil. In order to gain justice people feel they need to attain power, and when they are successful power corrupts them to the point where their greed over runs their original purposes and they begin to purposely keep justice out of the reach of the weaker. In the end fairness is decided through power. Human nature is to fend for one’s self and thus the weaker are often pushed to the side without intention to do so. The only way to attain fairness is to gain power enough to defend for your rights, even if that power comes in the form of another’s support.

            Something I learned from watching the presentations of others was how the study of fiction and nonfiction texts influences an individual’s construction of reality. Although the plots of the stories relating to darkness and evil were different among the presentations, there was an assimilate set of morals. All the stories had common elements of revenge, loss of power and loss of identity. This however is a lie. Literature downplays the fact that evil is within everyone and highlight the evil within outcasts. This creates a sense of safety within the average reader/viewer when in actuality evil can be found in everyday life and exists in different concentrations among society. Literature creates this face because it allows us to see the good in ourselves and live free from the paranoia that evil is always around the corner, but also sets us up to tolerate everyday injustices. We see immoral action but our constructed mind frame of evil exists only in the extreme gradient.  They play to our emotions and help us cope with everyday struggles by mitigating evil’s daily appearances. In short media and text allow us to believe evil is what we find different and wrong, and not something we need to worry about in our society, but the society of others.

Response

Well said. Your insight into the topic is mature and you have brought in examples to support what you are saying. It is unfortunate that we exisit in such a world, however, mankind has been this way since teh beginning of time. Will it ever change, is it possible, does one want change?
You write well and have a natural way with words.

Darkness' Immortality

Darkness is defined as absence or deficiency of light, wickedness or evil and the lack of knowledge or enlightenment, but in a literal sense it is a concept of desperation animated by confusion. It is therefore subject to perspective, giving it 6.89 billion different faces. Darkness looks different to everyone; one man's path to survival may mean the death of another. And that, at the core of it all is darkness. A perceived evil in the way a man executes his rise to power. We may blame the individual but then we'd be no better. Evil comes from darkness because it personifies confusion and desperation. The more extreme the means of an individuals attempt of equalizing ones self, or otherwise known as preformed acts of evil, the more it shows how desperate that individual has become. Edmund Burke once said, "All that is required for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing". The same is true of darkness, it can be illuminated by the simplest of enlightenments; the fact that a helping hand is available. It is when a person loses his path and then neglect and hatred are enacted that evil is spawned and darkness engulfs another innocent soul, and unfortunately those emotions are the few that our world faces no shortages of.