This is the url to the website my senior project partner and I created to display our product.
All across the country, in classrooms everywhere, students are enjoying amazing pieces of literature. Reading from many different time periods, authors, and genres, students are absorbing these great works like never before. From Mark Twain to J.D. Salinger, Harper Lee to Nathaniel Hawthorne, these books are impacting lives across the nation.
This selection of books is chosen from the canon of American literature, a canon that includes many different books that have contributed in the shaping of our nation in some way or another. The canon acts as a standard, deciding which books are of a high enough sophistication to be accepted as great literary works. It has been stated by a variety of sources that the canon is a code of judgment, only accepting works written by men who are deceased.
This can hold true in some cases, however there are other ‘restrictions’ to the canon. All of the books that have already made it in seem to have been based in reality, even books classified as fiction. Taking place in an important time period such as a war, or during an economic issue such as the Great Depression; these books have all been written in sync with the real world.
Pieces of literature that seem to bend the edges of reality however, are not chosen to be a part of the canon. Great writers such as Stephen King are excluded from this group of the accepted, for his twisted fiction is a bit too fantastical for the likings of the canon.
The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon is one of King’s great known works. The tale is of a young girl who gets separated from her family during a hiking trip, and becomes lost with only a few supplies and a radio for her to get by with. Trisha, the young girl, listens to her radio to help keep her sane, however her hallucinations keep getting worse. Her visions of a great wasp faced god, her nationally famous Red Sox hero Tom Gordon, and other things are what both keep her going and what keep her occupied with fear. It could be the supernatural events which occur in his books that keep King out of the canon.
Maybe his stories are too dramatic to be real, or maybe it’s the creatures that lurk within his pages? Perhaps it’s the vulgarity that tends to pop up in his writing. If that was the case, why then is The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn accepted?
Written by the highly recognized Mark Twain, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a book of great description and truth. Taking place along the Mississippi River, Huck Finn and his runaway slave friend, Jim, are on the journey of a lifetime. Taking on racism, freedom, and the liberating feeling of escape, Huck Finn was one of the first great pieces of American literature. However, this book is one well noted for its use of vulgar language.
The language in Huck Finn is so severe, that even though it is read by thousands of students across the nation, many districts have banned the book from use in classrooms. However, the book is still in the canon, although not entirely accepted, so it must not be vulgarity that acts as a boundary. One book that is more clean the Twain and a bit more real than King is The Call of the Wild.
Written by the legendary Jack London, The Call of the Wild is another book that has been let within the walls of the canon. The tale is of a dog named Buck who is taken from his owner and sold to be a sled dog in the Yukon, for gold had just been discovered there. Buck endures many hardships as he leads his journey through the cold, such as being beaten and having to save not only his life but the lives of others.
London’s book is of course fiction, yet the fact that it is set in the dingy yet glamorous times of the beginning of the gold rush is what keeps it in the canon. Showing what is happening up in the tundra, how greed and cold alter peoples thoughts and actions, and showing how the gold rush affected the nation is what makes this book an American classic.
Thousands of pieces of literature have been written and published since our country began, all of which deserve some credit. Although some books are greater than others, and some books are ones that should just be placed back on the shelf and never read again, the canon should loosen its tight grip. A book is supposed to influence someone, move them in some sort of way. Some people like to read clean truth based books, while others need the hand of fantasy and vulgarity to pull them in. Accepting a book based on the affect it places over the nation is how books should be placed in the canon, not on how real or unreal it is.
Tegan
Contemporary Literature
3º
20 January, 2010
Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness
Throughout our entire existence love has been a huge factor within our lives, and plays a huge role in how one goes about things. Love has always been defined as a strong feeling of connection, trust, happiness, and compatibility between two people. However of late, this theory of love has been drastically altered, and has created great debate in many social, religious, and even political groups. Should love only be allowed between a man and a woman? What about don’t judge a book by its cover, love it for the pages it holds? Are we unknowingly creating a double standard for ourselves? Perhaps its the fear of the unknown that is frightening, or perhaps it’s the fear of changing the way we live from something we are so familiar with, and have been familiar with since as far back as we can recall.
Our world has been struggling with trying to find that balance between heterosexual and homosexual for many years now, however it has been made predominant of late. These days, there are more people who are comfortable with coming out and being who they want to be, however the fight against that seems to be growing by the day. Each side has their own fight, and each side can make good points in doing so. If one were to take a step back though, and view this fight from both sides as a third party, one could see that these two are so close to each other, however still baring enough distance to complain about the other side.
When it comes to what most people would classify as the traditional lifestyle of being a heterosexual, many will say that it is a way of life and something they have always seen as ‘normal’. Those who are highly religious believe that marriage and intimate love should occur between a man and a woman, such as that between Adam and Eve. The bible states in Genesis: 23-24 that ”The man said, ‘This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called “woman,” for she was taken out of man.’ For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.” They say that God created the man, then created woman as someone to compliment him. In relation to Genesis 2:18, where stated “it is not good for the man to be alone”, many see this as a key reason to believe that marriage should only be allowed to take place between a man and a woman. Religious beliefs surround the idea that marriage is something that is a sacred right of passion, and should be obeyed as such. However it’s not just religion that is involved in the opinion on heterosexuality.
Ever since this country was founded by the pilgrims we all hold so dear to our hearts, marriage has always been seen in the public eye as something beautiful, something that should be cherished. The media instills on our mind marriage as a whole, whether it be in movies, music, propaganda posted upon the walls. Media, until of late, has shown us marriage between a man and a woman, complete with the humble suburban house fit with the perfect child and the family dog. Yes, there were depictions of same sex marriage, however this was usually something that was unseen. Along with media though, is society. Society is has one of the major voices in this debate, and tends to hold the biggest and most commonly seen opinion.
Society as a whole has the greatest impact on the minds of the country, part of the reason being that politics is a sub category of society. Those who are involved in the political side of things tend to see things from the eyes of the majority. People involved in politics, such as Governors, House Representatives, members of the Senate, and even the President himself, try to represent the country as a whole. This issue of heterosexuality vs. homosexuality is something that directly relates to the argument concerning the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration states “That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,”. This translates to say that we the people are allowing the Government, within reason, to produce the laws and rules in which we as Americans live by as long as the rights of the people are preserved in doing so. The Government sees that the loudest argument in the country is very unhappy with the issue of same-sex marriage, so in attempts to ‘please the people’, the Government is allowing states as a whole to ratify the laws if they want, however they are holding back on allowing all states to legally allow it.
The United States government is doing what it feels is best to meet the standards of the people, however state governments are seeing things from what seems to be a different spectrum. Quite recently, the state legislatures have been seeing beyond the norm, and have been trying to accommodate for the entire population. States such as New Hampshire and Massachusetts have started the trend to allow those of the homosexual orientation to become legally wed, giving them the same rights as heterosexual couples. Now to look at this from a worldwide standpoint, one can see that countries such as Canada and Belgium have also made this same decision, and the trend is spreading like wildfire. This information proves that not everyone sees homosexuality as a poor choice of living, and shows that many do support the decisions of those around them. Why all the dispute though? What is so different, other than the obvious gender fact, that truly separates homosexuality from heterosexuality?
Homosexuality is the romantic or sexual attraction or behavior among members of the same sex, according to wikipedia.org. To put it simply, it is when two people of the same sex share feelings or intimacy with one another. Once again, homosexuality has been around since the day those Pilgrims came to this land on the Mayflower, and even before that. The only reason it did not seem so predominant is the fact that society was much more cookie cutter than it is nowadays. These days people are more comfortable coming out and being their true selves because believe it or not, society is much more understanding then it used to be. Society has come to learn, for the most part, that love is truly blind. Love doesn’t care about color, race, gender, and even sexually.
Those who support the fight to approve homosexuality truly see the beneath all the layers, and dig deep past all the outside barriers to get to the juicy inside. Many people who are homosexual, or support homosexuality, believe that it shouldn’t matter who a person is on the outside, it all comes down to what they have on the inside. We have all grown up with people jamming the expression ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ into our minds, however why the double standard when it comes to sexuality? Many believe that personality is the key to a true, meaningful, loving relationship, so why not experience someone for that aspect alone? What if someone were to run a study to see if people of all sexualities, races, and religions could enjoy each other’s company?
Take your classic dating game experience, back from the days when Bob Barker was just starting off on the Price Is Right. I’m sure everyone can recall the dating game, where three possible dates are asked questions by someone who will end up choosing one of the three in the end. In this case, the person who is looking for a relationship cannot see the eligible dates, for they are behind a screen. They can however hear their voice, and the tone, allowing them to better understand the person. How about we switch the rules up a bit, and prove a point? Let’s take the same concept, however disguise the voices so that they cannot be depicted as male or female. This would allow someone to pick their favorite eligible single based on the fact of their personality alone. Many may be surprised that they find themselves attracted to those who have the same interests, whether they are the same sex or not.
Along with the people of this country fighting for what it believes is right, the media is also starting to become more accepting of the fact that people are who they are and nothing will change that, so they might as well accept it now instead of continuing to push the fight on. More and more homosexuality is seen on television, in the movies, even in literature and within the music industry. All of these different areas are beginning to see that homosexuality is really nothing to start a war over, and that there are more important things in the world to worry about, such as the economy and world peace.
What many don’t understand though is why homosexuality is considered such a horrific sin by certain religions, something that only children of the devil and sex addicts are into. What about the people out there who are polygamist? Or those who are involved in incest? We allow these concepts to obtain so much more respect than homosexuality, but why? Why is it perfectly normal to just assume that those who are interested in the same sex are sexual addicts? Straight people can be sexual addicts as well, in case anyone hadn’t taken the time to notice.
Among the political, religious, and social difference between heterosexuality and homosexuality, there are also natural differences. Those who are of the heterosexual orientation are able to procreate and have kids naturally, kids they can create together and call their own. However those who are of the homosexual orientation cannot procreate, and must go about other means to have their own children. These options include artificial insemination, which can be for both lesbian couples and gay couples, and adoption. However for some reason, many view those who are homosexual as unfit parents, therefore making the process of adoption very difficult. Sometimes those who are homosexual are not allowed to adopt children at all, what’s fair about that? What makes someone unfit to be a parent?
If one were to ask someone that question, they would receive a wide variety of answers. Such as a parent who is verbally or physically abusive, a parent who is involved in drugs or alcohol, or parents who just don’t give a damn about their children. Now how does any of that pertain to just homosexuals? It doesn’t, and that’s the bottom line. Homosexuals are people just like any other, and they have the same wants and needs as a heterosexual. Just because someone chooses to love someone of the same gender, or become attracted to someone of the same gender, doesn’t make them a horrible human being. If that’s the case, why are we still so judgmental?
A really good example of the previous information can be seen in the recent event of the familiar television show American Idol. One of the final contestants, Adam Lambert, made it throughout the entire season without letting anyone know his sexual orientation. Once he received runner-up, he soon came out that he was homosexual. As soon as this news broke, everyone was accusing and changing their minds. Many believe that the reason he didn’t win American Idol was due to the fact that he was gay, and the other half wanted to change their votes because he came out as gay. What does this mean for us as Americans? We can recognize someone for their talent, but as soon as some information like this comes out, our whole take on this person changes? What kind of respect do we have for people?
It all comes down the fact that yes there are differences between homosexuality and heterosexuality, however they are both about love. When the government says that those who are of the same gender can’t get married, they are denying people the right to love. How is that giving people the rights in which they deserve, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness?
What it really is, is the fact we as a nation are afraid of change. We are afraid of breaking the mold we have lived in for so long, and we seem to be doing anything to keep that mold intact. Many wise men have said though, that change is a good thing. Just like the colonists broke away from the English, just like the victims of the Holocaust, we are fighting to make a change in which we know is right. Change however takes time, but the outcome is always something of a true greatness. Who says the fight between homosexuality and heterosexuality cannot end the same?
Charlie and I are enjoying the breeze outside, beneath the beautiful starry sky. We are sitting on a bench in a park, and we have never felt so alive. You see, Charlie and I are no longer prisoners of other peoples beliefs. Charlie and I are out being ourselves, and nobody can tell us we are crazy. Who are Nurse Ratched and the black boys to tell us we are wrong in the way we live our lives?! For all we know, they could really be the crazy ones!
Earlier tonight, Charlie and I were lying in bed, just thinking before we drifted off to sleep. However something startled both of us, and Charlie and I decided to go investigate. I peeked around the corner and into Mac’s sleeping quarters, to find the Chief smothering him. Neither Charlie or I did anything to stop him, we both just stood there, and thought a few words to ourselves. You see, they had turned Mac into a vegetable. Mac was never a vegetable, and he never wanted to be. Mac was full of life, full of energy, full of everything anyone could ever ask for. He is what changed this ward for the better, the one who showed us all that we are who we are, and to just roll with it. Mac would have never wanted to be the symbol of such a treacherous place, he would have wanted this to happen. He would have wanted us to put him out of his misery, for us to let him go so he can do some good for others.
Charlie and I look up as we finish our thoughts, and we see the most beautiful thing ever. The Chief has picked up the control panel, and thrown it through the window. Not only this, but now he is climbing out, and getting away to go live his life. Im assuming you can figure out how Charlie and I came to be at this park bench, and if you cant, well, Im sure Nurse Ratched would love to get her hands on you.
This is it, I have the information on what is going on. My friend, Charlie, you see he is new to the ward, and he has been up on disturbed spying for me. He says that its easy for him, he just sits in the corner and nobody really pays any mind. Once and a while someone will give him water, or a pat on the head, but thats pretty much it.
It turns out though, that Mac and the Chief are being zapped. Thats right, they are being turned into vegetables slowly but surely. Charlie says they rubbed some gel on their temples, held them down, and shocked them. They both struggled under the grips of those around them, and Chief even wet himself. Charlie says it didn’t look too good, but he left before he would get caught.
What happens if they do that to me? What happens if they do that to Charlie? Charlie has only just gotten here, I think they sent him so I could be less lonely. He reminds me so much of Sam, I feel comfortable once again. Charlie says that he will protect me if they ever try to come and get me, and I tell him that I trust his word, and that I would do the same. I tell him that if I ever find the chance, I will bust us both out of here.
After all the adventure at the fishing trip, it seems as though the staff are not too happy with us doing that. Things are a little tense around here, and I’m determined to stay out of it. Mac and Chief on the other hand, have other thoughts in mind.
George was having a rather awkward moment today, as the black boys attempted to apply cream to a rather personal area of his body. Mac defended George, and told the black boys to back off. I was in the room when this was all going down, but nobody seemed to be minding me. Its like they didn’t even know I was there. Which is most likely a good thing, considering what happened…
Pretty soon, there were punches being thrown, and Mac was on top of the black boy. Not too long after this, the Chief decided it was time to put his two cents in, and came and joined the commotion. After a few minutes of full out brawling, the Chief and Mac were attained, and taken up to disturbed. I have yet to see someone come back unchanged from there. I wish Sam were here, he would know how to comfort me.
Im sitting in the back of this here vehicle, and Mac is driving. Im recalling the events of today, and a huge smile comes across my face. I am recalling the events that have happened today, and I don’t think that I can possibly top today ever again. Today, in a nut shell otherwise I will write a novel, we went fishing. It was honestly the most exhilarating experience of my entire life, and I for once bonded with those around me. I had real conversations with real people, people who I can consider real friends I believe.
Today was a day to just let loose, and I did just that. While some, such as Billy, decided to take their looseness and express it in other ways, I just sat back and enjoyed the company of others for the first time in a long time. This trip has not only affected me, but everyone on the ward. Billy seems to have so much more confidence, I mean come on, who can blame him?
But I would say the most memorable part of the day is sitting here in the back, and watching Mac’s face. He seems to have that look on his face of franticness, like he feels he doesn’t have enough time to finish something he needs to get done. I wonder if anyone else is noticing this…
I decided to do a little snooping of my own when they dragged Mac and the Chief off to get a good talking to. So as I slyly hid around the corner of the bench they were sitting on, I heard Mac start talking. He was just chatting at the Chief, and offered him some gum. Next thing I knew, they were having a conversation! I knew he could talk, and now I can use it against him!
But wait. If he was scared about people knowing, wouldn’t he have not responded to Mac, and just have taken the gum? Maybe he is just trying to fool the staff, so he can keep listening to the secret meetings. Perhaps he is selling the information! Its too soon to tell right now, but I think with some more investigating, I can weasel my way into this plan Mac and the Chief seem to be hatching…
Recently we have been taking more and more visits to the library, and I am finding it more and more relaxing. Here I get to read about dogs, and Im deciding on whether or not to find a new friend once I get out of this place. I know Sam would want me to be happy, but Im just not sure Im ready yet. He also wanted me to find a friend of my own kind, and I know I’m not ready for that one yet.
After we get back from the library, we have yet another meeting. This time it gets intense, as we all confess whether we are voluntary or committed. It seems that Mac and I are committed, while most everyone else are here on a voluntary basis. This irritates me just as much as it does Mac. I am having trouble controlling myself, and I keep wishing Sam was here to calm me down. He and I would take a walk and cool off, but that just isn’t the case anymore.
I get up, but Mac seems to beat me to it. He goes over and break the Nurse station window, just as I was about to. However his seems to be for a different person, as he grabs the smokes and lights up. I even feel better from this, and I sit back down and continue to grieve.
So it turns out that Sam wasn’t getting taken care of at all, at least not in a good way. I found Sam underneath a chair today in the day room, and he wasn’t alive. I don’t think I have ever cried so hard in my entire life. There I sat, and just held him so tight I never wanted to let go. However the black boys just had to come and ruin it. They took me to the nurse’s station, gave me medications, and soon the fog had rolled in…
I woke up sad and lonely, and I was soon forced to join the group in the pool. I was determined to find the person who had taken the life of my best friend, and take their in return. However when I got there, there seemed to have already been a problem. Cheswick had drowned in the pool…. everyone is talking, asking why. Was it a mistake, or did he kill himself?
Well I will tell you! Cheswick deserved to die, and he knew it. Why else would he have killed himself? He was the one who killed Sam, and he knew what a terrible thing it was, and couldn’t bare to take it anymore. Instead of facing me and life, he took his own life before I could. Good choice my friend, good choice.
